Not All Rebuilt Wagon Wheels Are Created Equal | Engels Coach Shop

[@wlmjbrown]

I thought this was one of the most interesting videos I’ve watched on this site, not from the the art and craft of the wheel wright, but from the science and business end. The evaluation process and client communication is the heart and sole of commerce and from the clients point of view, dealing with an honest tradesman must be refreshing, even if it is expensive.

[@paulsj9245]

Cheap is more expensive, as the former "whitewash" work shows.

[@Page5framing]

I agree. Sometimes the how is all we see when the WHY is really when we learn the trade.

[@ToolMachinebeast]

👍👍😍

[@michelbrodeur6055]

Another video that is educational as it is entertaining on the forensics of wheel assemblage. Thank You Dave.

[@rexmyers991]

Oh, my! As an aircraft mechanic I have been put in the exact same situation. The owner brings it to me with a “minor” problem. By the time I thoroughly examine the “problem. I find it is a GIANT can of worms. Now the owner is faced with a repair bill ten -even twenty times the anticipated cost. Documenting for the owner what you have found seems to help them accept the reality of their “minor” problem.

[@Mishn0]

A few years ago I thought it was going to be a simple new toilet. Nope. Ended up being a complete strip of the sub floor and new everything. Old houses are fun.

[@millwrightrick1]

As a millwright I have had those jobs come to me also.

[@tom7601]

Having this video record helps.

[@lwilton]

Bus Grease Monkey just showed a bus repair where an MCI coming in for a lube job went out with all new brakes, air bags, tie rods, and sway bars, and I think a few new wheel bearings. A bus a little before that came in because the owner thought the brakes didn't seem right. He'd taken it to two different shops for inspections and they certified the brakes were just fine. Turned out that only about half the brakes were even operating.

[@markbernier8434]

Boats also. "minor drip" never is.

[@MrGTOFixit]

I’ve been watching for quite some time and love the content. I’ve Finley got my 81 year old dad watching KZbin and your channel. It’s nice when we sit down with him at dinner and talk about things. The other day he was telling me when he helped his grandfather “PaPa John” fit reworked rims back on cart wheels. It was nice to see the excitement in his eyes 👀

[@johnhirtle4933]

Seeing that lovely fire blazing away in your stove, and that pile of mess that was those wheels, gives me an idea.....🔥🔥🔥

[@rayhosking3927]

Thanks for another great insight into the world of the wheelwright. I restore vintage radios and come across hack jobs and wonder why anyone would do things like that. I shall never restore a wheel or a wagon but love your videos they're so entertaining and insightful not only on the trade of the Wainwright but on life itself. Thanks Dave.

[@thequickbrownfox7289]

You mentioned you restore vintage radios! As a retired electronics tech I like to watch electronics repairs/restoration videos. About 90% of those videos are cringe worthy. What people are willing to put out as acceptable work is very sad. For me watching a true craftsman working their trade is always satisfying!

[@pauls4708]

Unfotunately many repairs are dollar driven

[@careymitchell4731]

I restore some antique furniture and feel the same way. I cringe when I see someone take a sander to a piece of valuable furniture. Ialways attempt to end up with a piece that may show some of the wear and tear but retains all the characteristics of the original. I spend a lot of time finding pieces of replacement wood or veneer (make some of my own veneers) in order to have the grain match, rather than patch with whatever is handy - and really become nauseous when I see wood filler on a 150 year old piece. And then, to find a Phillips head screw stuck in beside blacksmith-made 175 year old screws makes me want to puke. And please don't ask me to paint an old piece.

[@scotthaddad563]

Mr Engels, I watch many different KZbin channels and find that you produce the most comprehensive videos out there. You could turn this into an excellent teaching series for anyone who wishes to continue in your footsteps. Thank you for all of the unseen effort that you put into your videos.

[@tolbaszy8067]

I will most likely never repair a wagon wheel, but the work ethic and problem solving process you share is very transferable to my repair challenges. I need to work on my organizational skills first. Thanks so much for taking the time to make these videos!

[@danbreyfogle8486]

As a lifelong woodworker and carpenter I can't tell you the number of times others took short cuts on projects and then we were called in to try to fix it. It takes an understanding owner to know that they got stung on a job and now will pay for it all over again. Nice job of evaluating all the problems on these wheels.

[@Reziac]

"I cut it three times, and it's _still_ too short!" :D

[@badatheist9948]

its nice to see this. My great uncle in Latvia wasa coachmaker and wheelsmith. When he emigrated to the US and since horsedrawn was not that popular he became a plumber

[@bfd1565]

I really enjoy watching how smoothly you work. Never any brute force and ignorance. Just smooth leverage maneuvers. I especially like how you watched the wheel knock over the chopsaw. Knowing it was only going to fall so far and not to put your fingers into the pinch points. Whomever messed with these wheels before you. Failed massively in craftsmanship.

[@terry6131]

Never get tired of wheel making videos. Hope the owner will take Daves advice, as the wheels will last for generations.

[@MarcvanExel]

Fascinating as usual. It is great to see you come to these conclusions and why. Thank for another great video!

[@ToolMachinebeast]

👍👍✌

[@09conrado]

Great explanation Dave. I love how you demonstrate the problems and weaknesses and explain why. I never realized that the weight from the whole carriage is transferred to the bands on the wheels through the spoke tenons. I always thought it was though the spoke shoulders. It makes a lot of sense now that this would lead to severe compression in the felloes, around the spoke shoulders. Well that's a lot of pressure on a narrow bit of ash wood! Thanks again Dave

[@bobvines00]

I learned the same thing in this video!

[@pvccannon1966]

Me to, i thought the outer ring of wood held the weight. But it makes perfect sense that spokes have to transfer the weight to the hub. And how they started to push into the outer band of wood because they were not even with the outer band of wood. Great show and tell .

[@nickhale2900]

Apologies Mr E., I obviously have not been paying attention to your wheelwright masterclass at some point over the years. The penny has just dropped watching this video as to why the tenon length is important 🙄. Anyway, those wheels are reason enough why you can not stop wheelwrighting completely, you are far too valuable as a troubleshooter for lesser mortals crap workmanship.

[@janvisser2223]

No offence Nick, but “cannon” should be “tenon”😅

[@cliffmorgan31]

Auto-correct strikes most likely….

[@nickhale2900]

@@janvisser2223 Thanks Jan

[@glenndolph]

It's just like the auto repair... somebody tried to fix it, but couldn't... Now the owner is having to pay twice and having to pay for the new builds. Makes my soul ache 😪 As always, you are amazing 👏 ❤

[@ralphmills7322]

I am of an age that can remember seeing "Our Gang/Little Rascal" shorts on TV back in the 60's. These wheels remind me of the contraptions the gang would travel in. You just knew they just slapped any old wheel off the junk pile. The different sizes on the same axle and the loose fit would cause the wheels to wobble and the cart to shake side to side as it rolled. It made an amusing sight but not very comfortable ride I'm sure.

[@vincentwesolowski459]

I’m interested to see exactly what you do in the next video. I know it will be done to perfection.

[@ralphmills7322]

I think perfection would have been matched hubs and boxes on each axle. Dave has a tougher job of taking mismatched hubs and boxes to build wheels of the right diameter to roll perfectly.

[@vincentwesolowski459]

@@ralphmills7322 Let’s wait and see what Dave is going to do.

[@roylucas4414]

It certainly is great that men like yourself are around to diagnose such problems and implement repairs.

[@HHGdrums]

I have never had an interest in horses or carriages or anything like that. But I'm endlessly fascinated by all of your videos and the level of craft and knowledge that goes into what you do. Really appreciate you taking the time to make these videos

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks for sharing with us Dave, that was definitely a can of red wrigglers you open up. It’s great that you videotaped the dismantle and having the axles on hand also. Hope you can get the job to refurbish the drive train . We will be watching. Fred. 🙏🏻🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻✋🏻✋🏻

[@waynelettau6350]

Thru the magic of You-tube your customer can see how badly these wheels were done and see how much they need to be fixed. They are never gonna work the way they are. If anyone can fix them CORRECTLY and make them work, it is you Sir. Good job and I look forward to finding out which way the customer goes.

[@Cowboy_Ash]

The quality of the work is directly proportional to the pride we take in the work.

[@HROM1908]

My great-grandfather and my great-great-grandfather were wheelwrights in Wiltshire, England in the 19th century. I have learned a great deal from your videos for which I think you so very much.

[@machinemoverman4614]

It is so refreshing to see a true craftsman. I say all the time “you can’t beat a man at his own craft.”

[@coltoncollier4169]

You sir are a real craftsman. I say a old soul in a modern era keeping the past alive.

[@elrobo3568]

In the 50's I worked in the blacksmith shop in Williamsburg VA and the Master blacksmith was also a wheelwright. I learned a lot from him and now (in my mid 70's I'm starting to get back into it. I really like your educating us as to what it takes to be a good wheelwright. Thanks!

[@johnberryhill8106]

I have watched your channel for a couple of years now. I never get tired of how incredible a wheelwright is and would have been in "the day". In our time we take for granted the complexity of crafting a wagon wheel, we forget that these items were state of the art for what they were used. You deserve every penny !......thank you for your show! Howdy from Branson Missouri!.....

[@fasx56]

One can conclude from this video that being able to evaluate and look at each step it would take to rebuild these Wagon Wheels and to cost out the labor and materials is as important as being able to turn out a New Hub and retiring a wheel .. Before more modern electric tools were available, the 1800s, it would have taken years as an Apprentice to learn some of the skills it would take to produce a finished wheel. Dave has mastered all the different skills needed to rebuild a Wagon, what a Guy.

[@jockcherokee5180]

That’s the reason I watch you Dave. A craftsman who identifies issues, why they are there and the possible solutions that are available. Stay safe & well.

[@davidadaur5163]

Dave: To your many talents you should add "detective". At ;east you have a little more fire wood. Thanks for the video. David Adair

[@davidduma7615]

CSI Joliet. duhn duhn

[@bobuncle6962]

I don't know what it is about wheels but I seem to be able to watch them again and again. Fascinating and informative as always. Thank you Dave

[@suzisaintjames]

I'm thrilled that you can use our KZbin videos to help you work with the customers to get a positive job outcome! Who ever thought that wheelwrighting would go virtual! 👍. Sending lots of love 💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵😷

[@howardnielsen6220]

Thank You. From La Pine Oregon

[@easternwoods4378]

The old 80 - 20 rule. You can save a bit of money on a repair. Spend 80% of a good job and get 20% of the result. I've never regretted paying for quality and I never haggle with the guy doing the work.

[@sheikantoniovonpeanutbutte9667]

These skills should never die

[@umpbumpfiz]

I love the explanations and demonstrations. Even as a complete outsider, not knowing a lot of the vocabulary, I can follow along and see "oh yea, that ain't right."

[@thequickbrownfox7289]

Dave I learned so much from watching your videos I think I could restore wheels myself. Looks like what you have on your hands there are wheels that someone like myself actually tried to do.

[@glenna3434]

Glad to see you again Dave

[@brucemeller2794]

Another wonder-filled and wonderful video, Dave. Your videos are my weekend treat. So grateful to you. 👍👏🙏

[@itsjustmetomc4848]

I'm looking forward to seeing how you proceed! I can't believe how involved wagon wheels can be. Thanks for sharing. Shalom

[@SiamWoodShop]

Great video, it reminded me of my time in the trade when I would hate having to correct someone elses bogie repair and felt for the customer when he had to pay for both "repairs". Although I would set my price in favour of the customer to lessen his pain. The deeper you dig the more issues you find, who would know what has transpired over the life of this wagon and it's components. Looking forward to the rebuild.

[@jamescooper3379]

Looks like the previous wheel repair was soak the wheels in water to tighten them up and then white wash them. Thank you for the informative video.

[@Lancelot_Jago]

So glad you got this set of wheels to fix. Can’t imagine the tragedy that may have happened somewhere down the road.

[@rtkville]

Good show! You are the man because you are very accomplished and knowledge at what you do. Not to mention a great video producer mention. Thanks for sharing.

[@williamsnelling3544]

One thing is for sure, Mr Engels will work it out.

[@MikeWilliams-yp9kl]

Great to see you Dave the wheel expert , looking like a wheely good job lot of video's coming out soon

[@JAdams-jx5ek]

It's good to hear your evaluation criteria and thought process. I enjoy the work videos, but hearing the reason why the work needs doing is important too.

[@paulrward]

I am reminded of a cartoon I once saw, which depicted two Renaissance Italian Architects looking proudly at the newly completed Tower of Pisa - One of the Architects is saying, " Well, Luigi, we cheated a little on the Foundation, but in 500 years, who is going to know the difference ? "

[@fiorevitola880]

I have learned in my business of repair that there is a limit to my taking on a job anymore and if it's someone elses mess that they have charged a customer for, well I refer them to go back and get the money that I'm going to have to charge to fix it.

[@gramursowanfaborden5820]

great that you're so open about what you're doing and why, it must instill a lot of trust in the customers that they are getting what they pay for, and not artificially inflating the cost of a job so you make more money.

[@markgriffin4888]

Thank you, I never realized that the spoke took the weight of the wagon. I know it's probably obvious, but hey,school is in👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@mechanics4all405]

your knowledge and work ethic are an inspiration,love youre content Nick Lomas London England

[@johnjamieson6368]

After a long day at work, (I'm a contractor), I find something very interesting and relaxing when you work on wheels. Thanks for another great video.

[@oc2phish07]

I hope we an all follow you along this new journey of building. Nice video as usual, Dave.

[@AdelinoGambiarras]

Wow 😔 I have no experience what so ever but I can see that the previous job on those wheels was dune extremely poor. I am shore you do a fabulous on it, is a pleasure to watch you work, I am having a good time watching you videos. 👏👏👏👏👏👏. Kind regards from London UK

[@pat36a]

Always learn something that never occurred to me. Haveing the tenens go through the fellows so the whole spoke carries ths weight, not just the shoulder of the spoke.

[@supergarbonzo4843]

I get so caught up in this I could watch you for hours I was surprised the video ended so fast only because I was so into it as always my best to you and yours God bless

[@1mmickk]

I have never seen this done before, very interesting to watch. Always a joy to see excellent work.

[@TWLML420]

Amazing craftsmanship, It is a joy watching you work.

[@garthbutton699]

Boy somebody's in the hot seat,thanks for the video.

[@jeffclark2725]

Its a real art being a WheelWright,Amazing they made those over a century ago,and crossed the country on them

[@johnlewis1443]

Shows that you are a true professional. Enjoyed the video.

[@christophermaurer1271]

If they were my wheels and knowing the quality of your work , I'd definitely be saying " new wheels please". However, I am extremely impressed with your ability to preserve and repair the original wheels.

[@leeklemetti1887]

I am sure the inspection only took all day, so he still has a nice bill there. Great video Dave.

[@davidsellars646]

It's amazing what you can learn from mistakes. Will be watching the subsequent videos VERY carefully.

[@frankapplegate4852]

I’ve always been curious about this craft. I really appreciate what you do. I have no background related to this type of work but I found a tire and two hubs and some iron work in the woods on my property in Ohio. I save them. Couldn’t just throw them away. Thank you for the video.

[@ariedekker7350]

Thank you for sharing this video rapport. Please stay safe and let God protect you.

[@howardschaefer1445]

Always happy to see wheel work Dave. This was especially interesting.

[@PRRGG1]

Wow! That is a serious amount if play that will eventually lead to a failure. Great catch Dave.

[@RH-xr8ms]

Mr Engels,,,,,I know you're a hoss, but ya aint the hoss you were 15 years ago. It just makes my teeth hurt to see you manhandle those heavy wheels around. I wish you could get some assistance around there sometimes. We all would like you to stay healthy so you can keep educating us with your great videos. I'm not trying to preach or interfere in any way, I just would rather you think of me and others like me who are so awed and envious of your talent and craftsmanship. Rod in Texas.

[@tomskaggs7918]

Extremely interesting. We can see back in the old days people had to use what they had (meaning the hub). Thank you for such an informative video.

[@ablelock]

Look forward to seeing you rebuild these wheels in satisfy the customer and get good wheels back on his wagon.

[@sprint48219]

I love watching the craftsmanship and the explanations of how things actually are put together versus how they should be put together Stay healthy and keep up the good work because I’m afraid when you’re no longer able to do it there will be very few left who can

[@sheph7]

Kripes, fascinating analysis procedure. It surprises (and pleases) me that there are folks out there willing to keep these old horse drawn vehicles on the road. I guess kind of like antique car collectors. When I watch period costume drama shows on TV that invariably have lots of horse drawn vehicles of all sorts I can't help but imagine there are collectors somewhere with garages filled with collections used in the shows. I'd love to see someone's Jay Leno like collections featured on TV.

[@465maltbie]

A good set to use as an example, just about every wrong technique you can think of all in one set. Thanks for sharing. Charles

[@bobw222]

Curious if the last "repair" was done with green wood in addition to all the other mistakes made.

[@Reziac]

I had the exact same thought. Will sure be interesting to see how this project goes!

[@captainfancypants4933]

Absolutely not a chance that is green wood. That is a con job right there.

[@misterhat5823]

@@captainfancypants4933 We don't know that for sure. Could also have some clueless fellow that bit off more than he could chew.

[@clayz1]

@@misterhat5823 Thats what I thought too. A budding self taught wheelwright who could use a few lessons.

[@thirzapeevey2395]

Those wheels look very like the wheels to a wagon I used to drive, which was a half size hitch wagon for ponies. White wheels, red body and we pulled it with a pair of Halflinger/Welsh cross ponies.

[@roderickhenman807]

Thank Heaven you're a finnicky man and prepared not to let this sort of fitting slip by. And as usual I'm chaffing at the bit to see how it all will turn out.

[@micregil]

Very interesting video, I was thinking those wheels must have been changed out many years ago, but the video was too short, I could have watched you rebuild them completely.

[@imanutnur7]

You never disappoint me as each video shows the skills of your occupation.

[@edhansen8531]

Fascinating too. Without the actual axles there to compare the rebuilt wheels would have been a waste and come back to haunt you. Your good.

[@jeffclark2725]

Been watchingseveral videos,I know you have heard it several times,Great Videos,really liked the Borax series start to finish

[@inspector1794]

Very informative. This is a great way to explain to your customers what is needed and what is involved in the repair process and you let us watch and learn too. Thanks for letting us watch.

[@dcandjames]

Thank you. Very informative as I start working on our new wagon.

[@RAV21-32]

Great informative video for anyone looking to rebuild a wagon.

[@MrBrucester]

I really enjoy watching your videos and am getting an education. But what I like the best is your precision and accuracy! Looking forward to this new wheel rebuild, thank you for posting

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Always interesting to see how you are going to solve the problems you run into Dave, one thought that ran through my mind, when you were inspecting the spokes and fellows., was to cut off the ends, drill out the spokes and put proper length dowels in to make up for the length. then my second thought was that was as labor intensive as making new spokes. ? hmm lets wait and see what Dave does!. Love watching you solve these problems. Thanks for so much and taking us along Dave. and for sharing. ECF

[@leeklemetti1887]

There would not be any strength added to the spoke. It would still wobble. Only whole-length spokes will work. The wood fibers have to be intact.

[@elrond12eleven]

after such a 'repair' this will be useful only as a chandellier.

[@davidconaway2830]

The proverbial "can of worms" with those wheels. I have no doubt that you and the owner will decide on a good path forward......and we will get to enjoy the process via another set of outstanding videos;-)

[@tomoakhill8825]

Wow. I am totally ignorant about wooden wheels and iron tires. EXCEPT I started watching Apr 8, 2016 with the hubs of the Borax wagon. I quickly was taught, or realized, that the spokes go through the fellows to carry the load directly from the hub to the iron-tire. I have done woodworking for decades and *know* that the weight would crush the cross-grain at the shoulder of the spokes where they pierce the fellow. Now here Dave showing just how critical this is.

[@dougs6460]

Looks to me like 4 new wheels including hubs is the project. Hopefully the tyres are reusable, or are they different diameters as well? Thank you for the video, Dave

[@d00dEEE]

The tires are easy, as they are almost always resized for each new wheel anyhow. Dave just welds in a new chunk or saws out excess, so as long as they're in reasonable shape, they should be usable.

[@randymenard8446]

Instead of you are in good hands with allstate. You are now in better hands with Mr Engel. This man has some much knowledge and can probably do just about anything.

[@gordbaker896]

A can of Snakes to be rectified. Great Prelude. I was expecting 4 New Hubs.

[@billmorris2613]

Good morning to all from SE Louisiana 3 Jan 22.

[@daniellarrivee6510]

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

[@victormiranda9163]

I often wondered why you made wheels the way you show. that was a great explanation.

[@dougrohbock3232]

Thanks nice to see how they should fit .had to repair some. The only reference I had was my model T wheels .

[@ghostfox3560]

Always amazed by the insight you share. thanks for another remarkable informative video.

[@davidreifsnider4609]

The Aspen is Beautiful on your intro😘😘😘

[@Jameson4327]

It looks like a new set of wheels is coming with a new video. Thanks

[@cyclingbutterbean]

My granddad would say...ain't that a pisser? My dad would say, there's 2 ways to do a job. The right way , and twice. Must be disappointing to have to fix someone else shoddy work. It certainly won't need to be done twice after Dave gets done!

[@RobbieSongwriter]

I agree it's a fascinating episode. Question: Could you drill out the spoke tenons and insert a dowel into the spoke? As many glues make stronger bonds than the wood fiber, seems like it would save a lot of work making complete spokes. Just wondering. Also shared "Just Thinkin"s green wood head scratch. It's never fun to re-repair someone elses bad work, especially if the owner chose the low bid amateur over yours, and then asks for mercy on the price to fix it. I finally overuled my natural urge to take pity, as it often takes twice the work to redo a bad job. Looking forward to this adventure.