Dave, you're not only preserving these old wheels, you have preserved an example of what one man with a trade can accomplish when he has a purpose in life. Once again, thanks for sharing!
And he is also preserving the skillset in a manner that, at some time in the future, a young man/woman interested in the trade can actually begin the process of learning it from his videos. Not many people care enough about their trade to undertake something like that & you've gotta respect him even more for doing that!
My dad was born in 1911 and he told me how he watched the method of the steel tire being heated up and mounted on the wheel. Back in those days such things were still part of daily life. Thanks for sharing your craftsmanship! Nice to see how the old ways of doing things still matter today.
Glad you added more wheel videos. I know you needed the break from them. But at 68k views it don’t matter what you dish up. We all come running with our plates out. But I can say don’t recall you covering this in past episodes. Glad you are sharing either way.
Thanks Dave! You have helped me out with the wheelwright passages in my book before, and now my editor has come up with the idea that our main character is going to be fixing a wagon wheel along the trail in Wyoming. You have given us both the reason (eastern made and it has dried out) and the method (using leather from an old boot he found.) Thanks again!
Thank you for showing how much the wood shrank by showing how much metal you had to cut off the tires. I always knew wood shrank. But I didn't know it would be that much. It's made me a better woodworker because now I totally understand why it's important to the use the techniques in cross grain furniture applications. 👍. Sending lots of love 💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵.😷
I watched a more recent video of yours, and I now know , or at least think I know why your daughter became so talented as a welder. You're a great role model !
Dave, Haven't commented much lately, however it is not because you don't deserve it! What you do is pretty special to the rest of us mere mortals! Thank you! Tom in Ceres
Absolutely fascinating to not only watch a skilled Artisan at work but to also admire the tools he has developed from old bits and pieces over the years to assist him in his craft. I could watch this for hours....and I do.
We hear about the rough time pioneers had going west, food shortage, bad weather, rough terrain, sickness and death. This video brings to light one more thing they had to contend with. Love your videos.
Until watching you I never realized there was so much to being a wheel wright. I like to build a model water wheels, and that explains why I have so much trouble building the water wheel, ----- thank you
Thanks Dave for telling us the stories behind these wheels, so we can appreciate and respect the lives of those who once depended on them. I love the history in your videos.
I do believe back in the day when people are poor you do what you had to do to get by.. the video thank you for posting such a wonderful video supposed to walk in but I enjoy all the videos you put out..👍👍😁😁💓
Watching you repair these old wagon wheels, I could just imagine them, old-timers, setting around a campfire, cutting the canvas, and fixing the wheels. Everything has a story to tell if we only look for it. Thank you, Dave.
Y’all realize how strong this guy is? Wagon wheels are a lot heavier than you’d think. Too bad this guy is likely the last wheelwright. I’m glad he is documenting it.
I was thinking the same thing watching him carry those hot steel tires from room to room at arm's length without making physical contact with them. That's not easy for a man half his age. I wouldn't want to arm wrestle him for anything worth more than a dollar or two.
Another great Video Dave. Well, it only took 63 years for me to get my answer. When I was 16 yrs old I worked in a Tannery in Pittsfield ma. and I can remember some of the old timers sitting around during lunch break, talking about using chunks of leather to repair wagon wheels. but I never really got an direct answer as to how!? I just did !.thanks for solving my 63 year old conundrum. Now I can put my mind to rest on that one and go after the million other ones stuffed in there. Thanks for easing my mind Dave and a great video and for sharing. ECF.
I am a machinist/ toolmaker and I am truly amazed at the shear amount of specialty tools that you have made or acquired to do what you do. You are the definition of a true Craftsman. I don’t know why, but ever since I was very young I have always had a fascination with wagon wheels and how they were made. I appreciate your videos.
Have you thought of having an apprentice? This art/craft must never be allowed to die. Much to learn from the Japanese, who have kept their ancient arts alive to this present day.
In addition to inginuity, necessity is the mother of invention. And frugality is another trait of our forebearers. All are demonstrated in the settlers maintaining these old wheels.
I occasionally have the same issue as those pioneers, no blacksmith in town when I need an 90 year old tractor or implement part repaired. At least through the 30s, a lot of farm stuff was still designed around the assumption of having a local blacksmith rather than swapping out parts. Some modern tools can substitute of course but a few things just need to be worked by someone skilled with a forge and anvil.
There are still a few of us who are either too stingy or too stubborn to buy nails when we have a whole pail of perfectly good (?) used nails in the shed.😆
This video was very interesting. It’s amazing how our pioneers used their ingenuity to solve the wheel problems they had when venturing into dryer climates.
What a pleasure to watch! Although I am not a Stellmacher as they are being called here in Germany nor do I know one personally but I do own some pretty old wheels from my ancestors. Nowadays they are being used as some kind of beautification to the farm only. But as long as I have been following your great craftmanship I’ve developed a certain kind of adoration for your and their skills that goes far beyond simple nostalgia. Thanks so much for sharing. In this episode I must confess I loved your hoolahop turning the wheel move at 21:24 the most! Waggon building is a Fountain of youth.
At the end of a hard week, there is something about watching you work on wheels that is mesmerizing and relaxing. They are simple and complex and require to the details. Thankyou for another great video.
That's awesome, reminds me of my Mom. She makes authentic canvas floor rugs. Back before linoleum was invented, the pioneers would use canvas from sailboats or their wagons by stretching and sealing them on the floors. My Mom had brought that back, she stretches, cures, decorates, and seals them as rugs. This is just awesome because you can see another use for canvas, the original pioneer handyman's secret weapon :)
In the theater, most notably opera, we use full stage ground coverings that are exactly that, full stage 'rugs' painted to look like tile, marble, or whatever floor covering is required. Sometimes in several layers which are peeled off one by one during scene changes
I love every bit of content you produce on any topic... and I know you feel these are done to death but I have to admit I said: "Yay! A wheel video!!!" I am still amazed watching you assemble wheels after all these years. Seems like magic to me they end up as strong as they do. Thanks!
This is a dream job for me. I hope someone who is much younger and smarter then me will pick these skills up. I wanted to 20 years ago, but chose a different profession that was just as satisfying. At that time I didn't have the Internet to see there were choices.
Thanks for some good history on how a loose wheel can be fixed in the field in a manner that will last for years. And if the leather wedge gets noticed, I doubt it will, it is a good period field expedient repair.
Thanks for the great lesson today. Still have the humidity problems with the wooden things being buit in the East and going to the dry land in Colorado too. You did an awesome job with the preservation of the wheels . Appreciate your skills Dave.
Your wheel work never get old. There always seems to be a new story to be told which underlies the reasons behind your method and the application of those skills required to accomplish the desired results. As always another excellent video!
Funny, I was wondering if you were going to sand the loose wood off and put some oil on them, 60 seconds latter you were sanding and oiling. Fascinating stuff, working mans craftsmanship. Keep er up. My grandparents homesteaded near Valier. Most off the family near Conrad. Cheers
![Antique Forge & Anvil [Rescue]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/r4JYRbhJUP8/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for the corrections pronouncing Stoughton with a "oh" sound and not an "ah" sound. Locals are the best.
From one young man to another⁉😋👀....Thanks very much...👍
where do you get that thick leather from? can it be ordered online?
@@johndowe7003 There's a leather outlet in .Billings where I found it.
@@johndowe7003 montanaleather.com
Thank you for preserving the past. I am redoing a freight wagon, the rivets you are using for the box where would a guy get those.
That was super awesome!!! 👍👍😊
Unsure how this channel showed up on my recommended, but what an informative video. A true showing of craftsmanship and art. Outstanding
Bravo, sei un maestro! Lavorerei con te anche gratis.
That is one sharp knife
I was thinking that exact same thing. May e Dave can show us some of his tools and how he maintains them.
Indeed! I had a need to cut some leather way back when. Did not go nearly as well. The knife shape reminds me of a Japanese pull saw...
Dave, you're not only preserving these old wheels, you have preserved an example of what one man with a trade can accomplish when he has a purpose in life. Once again, thanks for sharing!
And he is also preserving the skillset in a manner that, at some time in the future, a young man/woman interested in the trade can actually begin the process of learning it from his videos. Not many people care enough about their trade to undertake something like that & you've gotta respect him even more for doing that!
Once again thanks for the video.
This guy is the only real blacksmith on u-tube. Thanks for these videos.
I just had to watch this video clip, again !! You are a true wheelwright expert, Dave !!
One of those "temporary" repairs that are only temporary until they stop working... 200 years later.
I certainly hope that someone is learning from you how to do the same things you do! Thank you for sharing!!!
My dad was born in 1911 and he told me how he watched the method of the steel tire being heated up and mounted on the wheel. Back in those days such things were still part of daily life. Thanks for sharing your craftsmanship! Nice to see how the old ways of doing things still matter today.
Peace and Joy!
Your work is appreciated as preserving our past into the future.
This channel is not only about all the craftsmanship but about the history of the wagons and all their components!!!
Glad you added more wheel videos. I know you needed the break from them. But at 68k views it don’t matter what you dish up. We all come running with our plates out. But I can say don’t recall you covering this in past episodes. Glad you are sharing either way.
Thanks Dave! You have helped me out with the wheelwright passages in my book before, and now my editor has come up with the idea that our main character is going to be fixing a wagon wheel along the trail in Wyoming. You have given us both the reason (eastern made and it has dried out) and the method (using leather from an old boot he found.)
Thanks again!
You're welcome!
a master at his trade, like poetry in motion
Thank You Dave
73 AB7RR Bob God Bless America
One of the coolest channels on TH-cam!!
Good morning to all from SE Louisiana 12 Feb 22.
Fascinating history and ingenuity. Survivors.
This is cathartic to watch. Glad we have the same name
You are the Master!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏👏👏👏👏⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks for filming. Stay safe
Very interesting video. I'm amazed how ingenious our pioneer folks were.
Learn something new every day.
Thank you for showing how much the wood shrank by showing how much metal you had to cut off the tires. I always knew wood shrank. But I didn't know it would be that much. It's made me a better woodworker because now I totally understand why it's important to the use the techniques in cross grain furniture applications. 👍. Sending lots of love 💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵.😷
I watched a more recent video of yours, and I now know , or at least think I know why your daughter became so talented as a welder. You're a great role model !
Dave, Haven't commented much lately, however it is not because you don't deserve it! What you do is pretty special to the rest of us mere mortals! Thank you! Tom in Ceres
Thanks for your nice movie and thanks for looking to the futur with your art of making/rebuilding these wooden wheels ! regards from Brussels Europe
It's late on a Friday evening. It's time for my weekly fix of Dave and his wagon-building. My week is complete. My best wishes to you all.
thank you for your videos I really appreciate see you soon.
Fascinating. A wheelwright who wheel wrought.
Absolutely fascinating to not only watch a skilled Artisan at work but to also admire the tools he has developed from old bits and pieces over the years to assist him in his craft. I could watch this for hours....and I do.
We hear about the rough time pioneers had going west, food shortage, bad weather, rough terrain, sickness and death. This video brings to light one more thing they had to contend with. Love your videos.
Until watching you I never realized there was so much to being a wheel wright. I like to build a model water wheels, and that explains why I have so much trouble building the water wheel, ----- thank you
Thanks Dave for telling us the stories behind these wheels, so we can appreciate and respect the lives of those who once depended on them. I love the history in your videos.
I do believe back in the day when people are poor you do what you had to do to get by.. the video thank you for posting such a wonderful video supposed to walk in but I enjoy all the videos you put out..👍👍😁😁💓
Very good job for Old West history - regards from Poland!
Watching you repair these old wagon wheels, I could just imagine them, old-timers, setting around a campfire, cutting the canvas, and fixing the wheels. Everything has a story to tell if we only look for it. Thank you, Dave.
I love that you can fix an old wheel and leave it looking untouched. Very impressive.
Love this mixing of history in your video's!!!
I feel like I learned more in 20 minutes watching him than I could in a lifetime on my own.
Brilliant very interesting it’s a pity we couldn’t get some youngsters interested in this tradition to may be keep it alive
Y’all realize how strong this guy is? Wagon wheels are a lot heavier than you’d think.
Too bad this guy is likely the last wheelwright. I’m glad he is documenting it.
I hope his daughter carries on with the trade
I was thinking the same thing watching him carry those hot steel tires from room to room at arm's length without making physical contact with them. That's not easy for a man half his age. I wouldn't want to arm wrestle him for anything worth more than a dollar or two.
He's not the last. There's always gonna be a need for someone to build, rebuild, fix and maintain these things for niche industries and such.
I guess there must be some wheelwrights left in the Amish community. They use horse drawn wagons daily, so I guess they're able to repair them.
@@horatiohornblower868 and luckyly their Religion does not forbid offering their service to outsiders.
Another great Video Dave. Well, it only took 63 years for me to get my answer. When I was 16 yrs old I worked in a Tannery in Pittsfield ma. and I can remember some of the old timers sitting around during lunch break, talking about using chunks of leather to repair wagon wheels. but I never really got an direct answer as to how!? I just did !.thanks for solving my 63 year old conundrum. Now I can put my mind to rest on that one and go after the million other ones stuffed in there. Thanks for easing my mind Dave and a great video and for sharing. ECF.
I am a machinist/ toolmaker and I am truly amazed at the shear amount of specialty tools that you have made or acquired to do what you do. You are the definition of a true Craftsman. I don’t know why, but ever since I was very young I have always had a fascination with wagon wheels and how they were made. I appreciate your videos.
Thanks Dave. You stay very busy.
GREAT JOB, GREAT VIDEO, SEE YOU NEXT WEEK...
Watching your excellent work. Trying to make 4 wheels for a buckboard for daughter to place in front yard. Wood is expensive. Lol.
Have you thought of having an apprentice? This art/craft must never be allowed to die. Much to learn from the Japanese, who have kept their ancient arts alive to this present day.
Yes, Dave has described how he has tried that, but unfortunately there seems to be only one Dave, so he is recording as much as he can for posterity.
In addition to inginuity, necessity is the mother of invention. And frugality is another trait of our forebearers. All are demonstrated in the settlers maintaining these old wheels.
Excellent....as usual! Thanks Dave!
Ah, got my Friday afternoon wheelwright fix!! Thanks for sharing, Dave!!
I occasionally have the same issue as those pioneers, no blacksmith in town when I need an 90 year old tractor or implement part repaired. At least through the 30s, a lot of farm stuff was still designed around the assumption of having a local blacksmith rather than swapping out parts. Some modern tools can substitute of course but a few things just need to be worked by someone skilled with a forge and anvil.
To bad we have lost the use what you have culture. Thanks for the look into the past.
There are still a few of us who are either too stingy or too stubborn to buy nails when we have a whole pail of perfectly good (?) used nails in the shed.😆
I never get tired of seeing this type of work
This video was very interesting. It’s amazing how our pioneers used their ingenuity to solve the wheel problems they had when venturing into dryer climates.
Thanks for allowing us to look over your sholder, I really enjoy all of your videos.
You sir…..are a maestro
Presente: Cordial Saludo; Desde. Zapopan, Jalisco, Mx. Siempre fiel y Pendiente.
Is there anything this guy doesn't know and can't do. Can't be too many people left with his knowledge skills and experience
I appreciate your contribution to our heritage.
What a pleasure to watch! Although I am not a Stellmacher as they are being called here in Germany nor do I know one personally but I do own some pretty old wheels from my ancestors. Nowadays they are being used as some kind of beautification to the farm only. But as long as I have been following your great craftmanship I’ve developed a certain kind of adoration for your and their skills that goes far beyond simple nostalgia. Thanks so much for sharing. In this episode I must confess I loved your hoolahop turning the wheel move at 21:24 the most! Waggon building is a Fountain of youth.
The pioneer lives in the modern man when he too uses innovative ways to preserve history while creating new history from history. Thanks. (JF)
Fascinating, you are a very clever man. Thanks for your videos, they are very enlightening.
At the end of a hard week, there is something about watching you work on wheels that is mesmerizing and relaxing. They are simple and complex and require to the details. Thankyou for another great video.
love that punch. your rivet tool ...Nice use for an old crow bar.
That's awesome, reminds me of my Mom. She makes authentic canvas floor rugs. Back before linoleum was invented, the pioneers would use canvas from sailboats or their wagons by stretching and sealing them on the floors. My Mom had brought that back, she stretches, cures, decorates, and seals them as rugs. This is just awesome because you can see another use for canvas, the original pioneer handyman's secret weapon :)
In the theater, most notably opera, we use full stage ground coverings that are exactly that, full stage 'rugs' painted to look like tile, marble, or whatever floor covering is required. Sometimes in several layers which are peeled off one by one during scene changes
I really enjoyed this, Practical History.
Preservation instead of restoration should always rule when possible. Great work!
I've worked with my hands, my feet, my back, my shoulders, and my head. But have you seen Dave work with his BELLY? Amazing! 🤗
I love every bit of content you produce on any topic... and I know you feel these are done to death but I have to admit I said: "Yay! A wheel video!!!" I am still amazed watching you assemble wheels after all these years. Seems like magic to me they end up as strong as they do. Thanks!
I like your nice honest ways. And you're good solid all American work ethic. Keep it up.
Wow 👏 it awesome watching and is good to know that rere Wells still existing today cool 😎.
Kind regards from London UK 🇬🇧
This is a dream job for me. I hope someone who is much younger and smarter then me will pick these skills up. I wanted to 20 years ago, but chose a different profession that was just as satisfying. At that time I didn't have the Internet to see there were choices.
I never get enough of watching what you do... Thanks for the video!
That belly activated wheel rotator mechanism is pretty fancy. As always , nice work. Thanks for sharing.
Dave was looking like Bad Santa giving pinball lessons. th-cam.com/video/X4ZMoylD0Kc/w-d-xo.html
It truly was the ingenuity of a pioneer who made this video possible. Dave, I think you could make sweeping the floor into an interesting video.
He already did a video on that.
Thank you Dave for another great video!
Dave is sort of the "Last of the Magicans". May God give him many more years of life!!!
Thanks for some good history on how a loose wheel can be fixed in the field in a manner that will last for years. And if the leather wedge gets noticed, I doubt it will, it is a good period field expedient repair.
I want leather that thick, holy cow!
Thanks for the great lesson today. Still have the humidity problems with the wooden things being buit in the East and going to the dry land in Colorado too. You did an awesome job with the preservation of the wheels . Appreciate your skills Dave.
A true master..kudos to you... respect
I'm grateful to you for your effort to share this trade and preserve the knowledge of it. Thank you.
It is pure pleasure to watch a craftsman practice his craft! 👏👍🏼
Watching you work on wheels never gets old for me. Thanks and best wishes.
Hey, a new vid from Dave Engals!
Always a welcome discovery.
Excellent! You are so knowledgeable it would be very fitting and proper if you spoke to us more! Best of luck!
Gratifying to see these crafts and skills lost to time still being practiced.
I’ve a degenerative neurological disorder (blind,shakes etc) I’d love to spend a week in your workshop it’d be dream come true
Wow, that was really interesting about the canvas!
Amazing work. I'm so glad you do what you do! Thanks for sharing your time and talent! KANSAS
Preserving old wheels is like preserving the Mona Lisa, you are preserving history. The old sometimes is better than new. Keep up the great work dave.
Your wheel work never get old. There always seems to be a new story to be told which underlies the reasons behind your method and the application of those skills required to accomplish the desired results. As always another excellent video!
Спасибо. Очень познавательное видео.
Funny, I was wondering if you were going to sand the loose wood off and put some oil on them, 60 seconds latter you were sanding and oiling.
Fascinating stuff, working mans craftsmanship. Keep er up. My grandparents homesteaded near Valier. Most off the family near Conrad. Cheers
*- Dave, it was nice to see the clever ingenuity you brought to the table to keep the wheels 'original'.*
I would love to spend just one day with you in your shop.