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This article will explain how to make a replica wagon wheel using scrap lumber and fairly simple construction techniques. Just be aware that this wheel is useful for display purposes only, and is not designed for using on an actual wagon.
Steps
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1Prepare a work table or other flat surface large enough to lay out a full sized wagon wheel on. For a 36 inch (91cm) diameter wheel, you will need about 40 inches (101cm) of width and length.
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2Mark the center point of your work surface, then use this as an anchor point to scribe a line giving you the circumference of your wheel.Advertisement
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3
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4Split each of these arcs once more, so you now have the circle divided into eight equal sections, being careful to be as precise as you can be...
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5Measure in from the circle toward the center the distance equal to the width you want your rim to be. If you are using 2X4 nominal width lumber, you can figure the maximum width your rim can be at about 2 3/4 inches (7cm) for reasons you will see as you proceed.
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6Measure the length of each segment on a straight line from one side of one arc to the other. For a 36 inch (91cm) diameter wheel, you will find this length to be about 13 inches (33cm).
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7Set a miter saw to cut each end of 8 boards of the length you determined in the previous step with an angle of 22.5 degrees on each end, with the long points on the same edge of the board, and measuring from the long point of one angle to the long point of the other.
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8Lay these pieces of lumber around the circle you have scribed, making sure each end fits tightly, and the joints between the boards are aligned with the angles you scribed in the earlier step. When you are satisfied the cuts fit, and the overall shape is as desired, fasten each board together either with biscuits, or with wood glue and countersunk wood screws.
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10Center the eight sided (octagonal) shape you created earlier on the outer circle you scribe, and fasten it down temporarily, as well.
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11Set a point on the center mark to scribe the outside and inside circles that form the rim, and to scribe the hub circle as well.
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12Use a jigsaw or bandsaw to cut these circles, giving the hub and wheel rim their final round shape.
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13Place the rim and hub back in their centered positions and rotate them one half the length of one segment. This will be the position you will mark the spokes at, and they should be centered between the joints in the rim of your wheel.
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14Mark each end of the spoke location, on the wheel and on the hub. Making sure these are in line will help keep the spokes straight when the wheel is assembled.
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15Drill holes through the rim of the wheel large enough for the spokes to fit through. Drill holes in the hub about 1 to 1/2 inches (2.5-3.5cm) deep.
- First, use a smaller bit to act as a guide.[1]
- Then use a larger bit to make the bigger part of the hole.
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16Cut dowels long enough to go through the rim and into the hub. You can cut them a little longer than necessary and trim them after the wheel is assembled.
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17Insert the dowels through the rim into the hub, gluing them in place. Make sure each fits correctly so that the hub stays centered in the rim.
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18Sand down any rough edges, trim spokes (dowels) flush with the outside diameter of the rim, and finish the wheel as you desire.
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I print the pictures of this construction?Community AnswerMake sure your printer is turned on. Click on the first picture. When it is enlarged, simultaneously press CTRL and P. Select "Page 1 of 1." Repeat for each picture.
Warnings
- Use normal safety precautions with power tools.⧼thumbs_response⧽
Things You'll Need
- Materials include lumber for the rim and hub, and wood dowels, between 1/2 inch and 1 inch (1.27cm-2.5cm) diameter.
- Miter saw, or angle square or miter box
- Drill and bit
- Wood glue
- Wood screws, biscuits, plate jointer, or other fastening devices.
- Tape measure, pencil
- Work surface materials