Jump to content

Log in or register to remove this advert

How to build a cart wheel?


Graham w
 Share

Recommended Posts

You want it as dry as you can, otherwise they can loosen & creak in hot weather when the mc% drops, do you remember the famous painting, 'the haywain' by Constable, they would stop in shallow water to expand a creaking wheel, (& water the nag).

In very sunny conditions I used to hang my bedding over the wheels facing south, to air the bedding & protect the wheels from prolonged exposure.

 

they dug out a small pond near to were i was working and that was lined with cobbles for the carts to go in to get them wet and let horses have a drink.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Log in or register to remove this advert

here you go did some of mine 5 years ago now and still very tight 339_31950127703_156_n.jpg

I used all oak as I was struggling to get ash in 6" dry boards that was not streaked with olive, if any one has any large ash butts local to Worcester I'd be interested....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have made traditional wheelbarrow wheels with shrunk-on tyres; they are easy to make. But larger wheels require a lot of careful thought and you need to allow a fractional gap between each felloe and make sure the spoke is fractionally shorter than the full radius to allow compression. All wheelwrights have a wheel collapse when tyring sometime in their career! It really is a case of practice makes perfect!

 

The tyre circumference depends on whether it is hearth-welded or arc welded as one 'absorbs' metal and the other adds metal. Practice!

 

As to the camber, it much depends on the load. Elm is usually used for hubs as it doesn't split with multiple mortices, but hornbeam is fine for small wheels/especially 2-spoke wheelbarrow wheels. Oak spokes and ash felloes are usual but much depends on the loads and road surface. There are many different county styles, which best suit local terrain, and or good reason. There is a brilliant book, 'The English Country Waggon' (I think) by Geraint Jenkins - I have a copy somewhere.....

 

You really need to talk to wheelwright - as you may as well do the job methodically and properly! You will enjoy the experience, believe me! Good luck!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

ok, so after a lazy afternoon heres half a hub! i gather these are made on a lathe but i dont have one so tried the router, takes much longer but left a good finish.

 

the wood is elm and the band is two inch by quarter inch flat bar that i welded up with the mig. it then took quite a beating with a large hammer to make a curve/band.

 

this is going to take forever but i will keep the pics coming!:001_smile:

DSC_0439.jpg.c3d8cafb54a9450ab83e3a93910e12ff.jpg

DSC_0437.jpg.3af292f102d0a95ce2d6cdacff0856ed.jpg

DSC_0436.jpg.865009d5eab7952ec6e21a5e5fc9b982.jpg

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share


  •  

  • Featured Adverts

About

Arbtalk.co.uk is a hub for the arboriculture industry in the UK.  
If you're just starting out and you need business, equipment, tech or training support you're in the right place.  If you've done it, made it, got a van load of oily t-shirts and have decided to give something back by sharing your knowledge or wisdom,  then you're welcome too.
If you would like to contribute to making this industry more effective and safe then welcome.
Just like a living tree, it'll always be a work in progress.
Please have a look around, sign up, share and contribute the best you have.

See you inside.

The Arbtalk Team

Follow us

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.