wooden wagon
wheel. I bought six 3 3/4 inch "Early American Table Legs" ($2.40 each) and six 5/16-18 x 3/8" T-nuts ($1 each) from
Lowe's, the legs screw into the T-nuts. First, I removed the steel band that circles the outside of the wheel,
then I drilled 6 evenly spaced holes around the outside of the wheel (lined up with every other spoke). The
holes are just big enough for the T-nuts to slip into. I originally used wood glue to help hold the T-nuts in place but that was pretty much worthless. Mix up some two-part epoxy and put it in the drilled hole then carefully hammer the T-nuts into the wooden wheel. Epoxy hardens fast, you will have to mix just enough for one hole at a time
The wheel was not especially sturdy to start with and hammering on it didn't make it any better, so now is the time
to reinforce it. Working on a protected surface, squirt white glue into any cracks you can find - especially the
center spokes. Now take about 25 one inch woodscrews and put then into the inner and outer rim from both sides.
Use a damp cloth to wipe up any excess glue before it dries, or the wood stain won't soak in evenly when you go
to apply a finish. Allow the glue to dry and the wheel should be much stronger now.
Screw the legs into the T-nuts, it should look like a ship's wheel.
The wheel will need to be finished with stain, varnish, etc. My plan is to attach the wheel to an existing small
lectern. Saves me from building a stand and can still be used as a podium on stage. So far, it's cost about
$50 with the wheel and hardware but I wanted a real wood wheel instead of foam or cardboard because it will be front
and center.
Posted 2/1/10
Updated 6/17/10
