1880s Style 1200 Gallon Water Wagon | Engels Coach Shop

21 videos condensed in to 1 concise episode on building the water wagon for the new 20 mule team Borax wagons. These wagons are period correct for the 1880s of freighting in the Mojave Desert from Death Valley to the town of Mojave, CA. The complete detailed videos can be viewed in the Borax Playlist on this channel.
Many of you are interested in the tire bolts and rivets I use in my videos. Since I use a large number of these, I do keep them in stock. An email to [e-mail] will get you a list of available sizes and pricing.
Some books on the Carriage trade you might find useful:
Carriage Terminology: An Historical
Dictionary amzn.to/2Hfoq4H
The Brewster Story - amzn.to/2wzrUNq
Practical Carriage Building amzn.to/3cJALfR
Wheel making: Wooden Wheel Design amzn.to/2TIxfK8
Carriage and Wagon Axles amzn.to/3aGDXav
An Interesting account of an early English Wheelwright Shop amzn.to/39sAICR
The Wheelwright Shop, in Kindle form amzn.to/3bxYOhd
3M spray adhesive I use amzn.to/2uLgqpp
The Rasp I like to use - 14” amzn.to/2wclyTI
The Big Hoof Rasp - 17” amzn.to/3nMh5NL
The Rebar Leatherman I use amzn.to/2vuvWpH
The silk scarf I wear amzn.to/2wGqKQf
My metal marking pencil amzn.to/2Hu75oB
Metal marking pencil refills amzn.to/3744EDP
These Amazon links also help support the channel if you choose to use them. Thanks!
Merchandise Stores!
Store Frontier for tee-shirts, sweat shirts and hoodies.
storefrontier....
Spring for mugs, tee-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies.
teespring.com/...
#BoraxWagons #20MuleTeam #LawsMuseum

[@johnpartridge7623]

The Borax & Water Wagons are beautifully made, 20mins does not do you justice. Dave, you are a true Craftsman.

[@RayBecker]

Mr. Engle: I know that retirement is coming soon. I don't believe that I have ever witnessed a man with as many skills as you possess. You have a work ethic second to nobody. There is a certain feeling that one gets when watching you re-make and repair remnants of a bygone era. You literally do it all from chassis to rag tops. Just amazing. You sir, have earned a peaceful and prosperous retirement. God Bless you and your Family.

[@blackandgus]

I followed along as the water wagon was being built, but it's kind of astonishing to see a condensed version and be reminded of the scale of the whole project. I still often wonder how the people who built the originals managed to get all that heavy lifting done, and how they could fabricate so many iron fittings without the power hammer and modern welding gear. I certainly respect modern builders and tradesmen and women, but I'm in awe of the earlier generations for their accomplishments while only having dogged enthusiasm and determination in place of late industrial age machinery. And the final wagon turned out so beautiful! That's the best part. I guess there is just no underestimating what people can do if they have the will power and the daring to try.

[@josephbok2295]

Must give you a lot of pride with such contribution to Old American History, a fine legacy, thank you

[@zsuzsu2657]

Виконання на вищому рівні. Таких майстрів можна перерахувати на пальцях. СУПЕР !!!

[@willrogers1023]

Amazing, Beautiful, Thank you for showing the world (me, your followers) this art, craftsmanship, just amazing!

[@johnking8679]

I also, was fortunate to have seen the original version of this video. It still amazes me to watch Dave build these amazing wagons. The condensed version is easier to share which I have done with a number of friends !!

[@tomtruesdale6901]

The shorter version is a great way to introduce people to your work. I found your channel when you were building the Borax wagons and have been following ever since

[@BerndGiegerich]

It's the very same for me. I joined with the Borax wagon, followed since and I'm again surprised by the quality of these condensed versions. Great job, Dave, and thanks a lot for letting us peek over your shoulder. I'll never build any kind of wagon ever, I'm even not into wood or metal works, but I'm curious and I love getting an idea how things are built and work and I love watching your videos.

[@chadsimmons6347]

He could have built the thing with lighter materials to help the poor mules...but NOPE!

[@garthbutton699]

Agreed

[@ianpickersgill3211]

What a joy to see craftsmen at work. You leave behind a thing of beauty. At a glance it is possible to see the workmanship that has gone in to the making of these carts. A lovely video that kept me glued to the screen.

[@davidreifsnider4609]

I LOVE hearing ALVIN and THEADOR in the background😅😅😅😅😅😅😍😍😍😍😋!!!!!

[@stef1lee]

This build is nothing short of spectacular. I am so amazed and am sitting here pondering how this was done in 1840s and so on before the great move west...? As if it is simple, I know what you're able to do with "modern" machinery is the, dare I say, simplified version of what a craftsman would have done without an overhead gantry system, nylon or steel chokers, hydraulic hammers and such. I know it's still hot, heavy, hard, loud and bull work...that you make look simple. It actually makes my job look like I'm playing patty cake all day. I, in no way, am cutting you down and honestly I admire your craftsmanship and see the beauty in all you create. I am just so struck by what you've done. Thank you for the videos and sharing your craft with us. You all are truly American Craftsmen.

[@paulstanding7267]

Unfortunately the vlogs that you made will be the only borax wagons I will ever see so it was a pleasure to watch them all being made and then you riding on them when you did the parade it made me feel proud seeing you all there and knowing some part of me was there with you all taking part.take care until the next vlog.😀😀👍

[@secretsquirrel6308]

I am reminded of the times I examined the carriage relics at Furnace Creek. I distinctly remember thinking it would be neat to see them restored to be functional. Thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Engels and crew, we have that now. Thanks to the museum and others who care to commission these works from our past.

[@club-up]

I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm a retired pipefitter, and enjoy your craftsmanship. Fantastic job.

[@marlamengarelli9590]

My name is Bill, I'm using my wife's phone. Loved the video. Your skill is amazing. Love your channel!

[@dirttdude]

i've watched all the wheel videos back to back a dozen times

[@whitecaps775]

What a fantastic art between wood and iron. Looking forward to the lengthy version when I can. Thank you for showing this past art.

[@ptwovneptune5048]

Thanks Dave, I’m loving the condensed version but did enjoy the whole journey. This is the highlight of my week. Thanks for posting.

[@davidwilliams2351]

I can't help wondering, how many different craftsmen working in how many different workshops it took to make the original ? Thats what makes Dave such an incredible craftsman. He can do it all on his own. Astonishing workmanship !

[@brucemeller2794]

That’s stunning, Dave. The scale of this build, just like your skill, is astonishing that brings me joy every week. Thank you.

[@ironcladranchandforge7292]

1200 gallons of water is almost 10,000 Lbs. or 5 ton !!! Makes sense for the huge size of the wheels and other components. It was a magnificent build series!! Thanks for the compilation!!

[@williamlulay7982]

My god! All the crafts you are expert in, and all the specialized equipment you have to engage in those crafts, is phenomenal! Wow! That water tanker is a wagon what am a wagon! It is huge! Thank you so much for sharing your amazing skills and experience of building this wagon, with us. I am new to this channel, so haven't found your original videos of this build, yet. I'm looking forward to all I have yet to see. You know, you're responsible for me staying up later than I should, watching these videos of you building things - I just start watching, and it's hard to tear myself away from them.

[@alasdairhamilton1574]

Dave. in all the videos, I have never seen you sign or put a maker’s motif on your work! Why not ? your a major part of the history behind these Wagons, wheels, buggies, carriages etc still being in existence. It will be of interest to someone in the future. Just think if you found a signature of the man who made the original piece of history, kinda nice 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@garthbutton699]

I don't think you understand, Dave has signed his work as most in the trade can recognise his craftsmanship, he works in a very sparsley populated trade.

[@jonwatson9765]

In a way, a good point. Many craftsmen if previous generations, whether working in wood or stone, did leave a "signature", but not an emblazoned sign, some discreet mark or symbol. Remember too that this is a replica of the original and any obvious signature would be innappropriate. In any case, the "ownership" of the craftsman in this case is in the video library and, I'm sure, in the acknowledgement the museum will make when displaying these wagons. Some sort of maker's mark on these wagons would be superfluous.

[@pilou09100]

Indeed!

[@horatiohornblower868]

One thing for sure: very few people in the world can accomplish this. But to be able to appreciate fully Dave's work, it would be nice to see these Borax wagons hauling a load of borax from Death Valley to wherever it went. No doubt the wagons would perform brilliantly. And it would make great video.

[@MikeWilliams-yp9kl]

Is it just me, But it makes you appreciate hard work and the fulfilment of your labour , PAST AND PRESENT?

[@rocketman13f51]

I’m amazed how complex the build was for the frame and axels in just the metal parts and that was after first making the wooden frames for the water wagon. The title of a wheelwright is a misnomer. You have to be an experienced carpenter; a very experienced blacksmith and of course a wheelwright that ties it all together! One hell of a profession.

[@scotthaddad563]

I can’t help but think that the guy who’s inside the water drum must be deaf by now from having to buck those hot rivets.. you do some of the finest work. The skill you have is across the spectrum of so many trades.!

[@garthbutton699]

Gosh anyone who watches this channel would agree with me that we could all use a refresher course,thanks Dave for putting this together🤗😎🤗😎

[@micregil]

It's amazing the work you do, I don't think there's very many people on earth that knows how to do the things you do.

[@Lancelot_Jago]

Thank You Mr Engels. Watching your work (again) reminds me of another craftsman who told me often, “There is no easy way, just the right way.” That was my Dad! I thank you again for your craftsmanship and doing this all the right way.

[@scotthruska]

It is incredible how labor intensive building these wagons are. amazing craftsmanship

[@jeanhawken4482]

This build was absolutely wonderful and the condensed version is fun

[@KG-yn9qi]

Well done . Like this representation build, video. Full videos build is best! But if after watched full videos . And only have time , can rewatch this video.

[@localcrew]

Always amazed by the size and scale of these wagons. Also the skill of the builder. Keeps me coming back for more.

[@e020443]

Just got back from a short vacation to the Redwood Forest in N Cal. Stopped at the Harmony Borax Works in Death Valley on the way up to look at the originals, then to the Laws RR museum just NE of Bishop the next day to see Dave's handiwork (they're open from 10 to 4 in the winter). You can't really appreciate the size of these things until you stand next to them. The Laws Museum has an incredible collection of all sorts of stuff, so allow plenty of time to look around, especially if you're old enough to have used some of it in your youth. --Steve from Circle

[@dianeengel4155]

That's great, Steve. Nice you could do that.

[@jerryshelton1481]

That's an extraordinary undertaking for modern times so people could imagine how much of an undertaking it was at the time people nowadays don't grasp the whole concept of you order one and it takes months or years to complete

[@MarcvanExel]

Followed the whole series at the time but it is indeed great to see it again, it being in a condensed version.

[@threecrosses9988]

You are definitely a Craftsman!!!

[@gordbaker896]

Loved the Replay too.

[@hypnolobster]

It's nice to see someone put washers on in the correct orientation.

[@bobwallace5257]

Loved the original series and it was great to look back to it. The wheels still amaze me!

[@pat36a]

When you're in the middle of a build, you can't appreciate your work. Just going though the file for this video must have been very rewarding.

[@genegoodman5233]

There was a lot of things that I didn’t remember from the originals, so I guess I’m going back to the binge watching. 8 hours you say, okay 👍 I would love to see the original wagons and yours, then a stop by your place to shake the hand of the master craftsman that built them. I haven’t been 50 miles from home since 02 when I became ill and North Carolina is way over that. My IPad is the way I see things now. I’m learning a lot of stuff but will never use any of it. I get to see and listen to you each week, that’s an enjoyment and I thank you for the videos that a lot of us watch. Stay Safe my friend

[@reinertl]

Mr. Goodman, you can't appreciate how much I agree with about learning skills you'll never actually use. Learning the usual stuff: book learning, is important, of course. But so is learning about trades. I, too, watch many videos showing craftsmen and craftswomen skillfully practicing trades that are still (marginally) useful but that should remain in the knowledge set of whatever culture they may belong to. Thanks, again acknowledging the importance of appreciating and keeping these skills.

[@jakobrebeki]

thanks for posting, love this channel....

[@lancesurgeon7614]

I think Dave needs to switch to decaf-coffee! LOL!!! I'll go back to my corner now.

[@thecanadiantradesman7916]

I could never get bored of watching you make wagon wheels. What a lost craft, so simple yet complex at the same time. Like most trades there is so many small tricks and nuances that will never be passed on due to the changing times and passing of the craftsmen such as yourself. Thank you so much for trying to capture as much as you can on video and sharing it with us.

[@timhockersmith3934]

Thanks for putting this condensed version together. It reminds me of how much I enjoyed the originals. Had to go back and watch the entire build.

[@colingraham1065]

This is the double espresso version but just as awesome! I salute you.

[@محمودالنادي-ه8خ]

شكرا دييغو انت صانع ماهر ليتك تعلم غيرك هذه الحرفة الرائعه خصوصا انت تحترفها بعلم وإتقان نحبكم من مصر 🇪🇬 سلامنا👍💐

[@knollibe]

Thank you! This video I even got my wife to watch!

[@cageordie]

You are a national treasure. This is wonderful scratch building, nothing bought in except the bar steel stock.

[@trentbresler3179]

Man its a pleasure just watching a master at his work.

[@dennisdarkin2225]

Those wheels are a thing of beauty Dave. Watched the original but this was just as good, Den

[@milantrcka121]

Having watched the entire series build, the borax wagon and the water wagon and again the condensed water wagon version, I cannot but wonder how the wagons were designed in the first place. How big the wheel, tire width, structural timber sizes, irons, the whole system. Why 20 mules, why not 22 or 18? Decision on maximum practical load, The "road" loading leading to tire width selection and many more design decisions. The build is astonishing by itself, engineering from remnants, knowledge, craftsmanship, and essentially all done by one man! Mr. Engels, thank you again for the glorious trip! Some 45 years or so I visited Furnace Creek and saw the wagon remnants. In June...

[@dwightl5863]

Guessing it was trial and error. "Opps, that didn't work, better try something else."

[@maxnex7676]

Great video editing, it can not be easy condensing something so complex. Thank you.

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

Brilliant skills and craftsmanship 👍👍👍👍. Similar skills to the days of wooden ships and iron men!

[@jefftrag1956]

You know what might be interesting is a video about all the jigs you used and I assumed you had to fabricate many just for this job and the borax wagons.. I keep saying to myself how amazing it was you had all these jigs lying about then it hit me you also probably had to make many of them just to do this job. They looked almost all homemade.. The ingenuity of people back in the day to get all this done with primitive means blows my mind. I think it would be cool to see more on jig design and fabrication in metal and wood work.

[@arnhemseptember2009]

I never get bored by Borax Wagons!

[@geoffcrumblin9850]

A master of his craft. Strong reliance upon first principles.

[@MikeJohnson-bu4gl]

Thanks for the synoptic journey of the whole Borax wagon series. The highlight for me was when you were in Death Valley and getting to see the whole thing together with the 20 mule team...that really made my day!!

[@RobertFay]

*- Wonderful overview and synopsis recap of all the long and very hard work, Dave. Bravo and Brilliant.*

[@deathbyproxy2]

Astounding!! I have about 5% of your skill, but not in this field.. I sincerely love watching your ability and hope that it is passed on, you bring light in this dark world we live in...

[@kingearl2596]

Wow! Sooo much work - but this Wagon will last 100 years. Great!

[@scotth4760]

Highlight of my week to get to peak over the the shoulder of an amazing craftsman. I feel privileged to be able to watch him work

[@redrockplumber5124]

I think your skills as an editor are on par with the rest of your talents. Nice job!

[@guylarawayjr571]

Spellbinding. You are an outstanding craftsman. Thank You for showing the world how things used to be.

[@P61guy61]

Wowwwww. Thank you for posting this! Kids loved it!!!

[@jimlong527]

Unbelievable work, and to be chosen to take on this task. Such Respect.

[@davidduffy9806]

Best weekend project I’ve ever seen

[@BrianEltherington]

What a wonderful revisit to this build. Thank you, Dave, for putting this together. Very enjoyable watch!

[@daniellarrivee6510]

Thanks to you Mr. Engel !!!!!!!!

[@benjohnson1082]

These are the videos by which Dave gets more people more quickly hooked on him, his shop and the wagon lore of America.

[@barrysmith9007]

Jack of all trades. Master of all. Professional work. From Australia

[@donlum9128]

Awesome saving the western lifestyle history. Thanks!!!

[@robertgsands3521]

Thank you for doing this for us!

[@petermartinez5573]

Enjoyed the rewind, thanks for sharing.

[@dannywilsher4165]

WOW!!! I read through the comments and I ditto all the incredible awesome things that every one said!!!!!!!!!!!

[@larrycaughron1321]

Watching this never gets old. 👍🇺🇸👍

[@DrewToner]

Just fantastic craftsmanship!! Just amazing what one man can accomplish!

[@jikarol3287]

Hi dave. I am a great admirer of your work. Also remarkable are the machines and devices that you obviously built yourself. Your profession is not only the woodwork on the carriages, but also, as you can see, the blacksmithing. I myself have built or restored a few carriages as a hobby and can only admire you for your workload as a one-man business. Keep it up! Greetings from Austria!

[@jonwatson9765]

As ever, a process of continuous improvement. I thought this video reflected some of the comments on the last condensed video and was all the better for it. Not to say the last condensed video wasn't great, it was. But this was even better.

[@unclebuzz6913]

I LOVED THE ORIGINAL ,LOVE THIS ONE ALSO. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES

[@jessicabuckman9675]

You sir are a great craftsman, to know all of those things to creat that masterpiece of a wagon, or should I say wagons. Great job sir.

[@wayneshirey6999]

And the borax made all that awesome forge welding possible.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

This is a very awesome build Dave....Excellent workmanship on your part young man.....l thank you for the fine video....!!

[@raystarr4388]

Wow, your eye for detail is Amazing. This is a beautiful work of Art

[@marekkaletka6746]

I'we seen, even touched, those wagons in Death Valley in 2008. I'm from Poland, Europe, and it was our only trip to the US. And now i'm watching your stunning work on them. It was meant to be.

[@dianeengel4155]

Cool!

[@Jimmy_in_Mexico]

This was awesome. It doesn't do justice to all the hours of work you put into it but this is very nice.

[@ianmaccormac]

Not yet seen the full length version of this but am most impressed by the amount of jigs and tooling you seem to create and use in your constructions. Wonderful series for future use. Keep it going as this whole website is doing just what you hoped, and inspiring others to give it a go. Your smithing skills are wonderful to watch, have you ever shown a basics course on manipulating the metal? Many thanks, Cheers, Ian in Blackpool, Lancashire, UK

[@hrenes]

Have seen the whole series and love this condensed one as a fresh-up, thanks!

[@spideybrent]

Hello from Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada. Thanks for sharing your great video’s please keep them comin

[@cassrailroad5358]

As Always another great video from Dave 👍👍👍💯💯💯 .

[@Convoycrazy]

This was a very enjoyable version. Thanks for taking the time to edit it down. I like the long versions, too don’t get me wrong but, this was nice

[@backwoodsdixiefarm1098]

I love watching your work and you would make a great teacher please keep making these awesome wagons. I like how you explain everything as well ☺️ keep up the great work 👍

[@richardsurber8226]

This is a great summary. You even got Bobby working on the running gear and frame. If that is what you call it

[@Bing1951feb]

All the memories from the previous episode come back. WONDERFUL WORK. Thanks for sharing.

[@inspector1794]

Adding my thanks to those of the others who have commented. Thanks for letting us watch.

[@mountainryder3056]

Quite the work of craftsmanship and art

[@kaywalker4433]

wow...just look at that one wheel, a work of art all on its own.

[@davidlindsey436]

Wonderful memory...incredible, beautiful work...