Wagon wheel for Tevye’s wagon in Fiddler on the Roof

I make props each year for a High school summer musical program. This year was Fiddler on the Roof and we needed a cart for Tevye. I asked for a bit of geometry help from an architect friend (see the Furnicular project I posted earlier) for the exact measurements.

Cutting 2×4’s to 14 29/32” length with a 22.5° angle on each side provided me with eight wheel rim arcs. Diameter of finished wheel is 36”. I glued up Baltic birch plywood to make a hub an inch and a half thick to match the 2×4 dimension. I used Kreg pocket screws to strengthen the rim glue joints, and a ratchet strap around the entire rim to clamp the assembly. Notching the 1” dowels at each end made it easier to disassemble after dry fitting (and believe me, despite the hassle the dry fit was crucial!)

I made 4 more (not shown) for a hay cart on stage, and while I had all my tools set for the project I made one to hang in my workshop. As long as I can bring my workshop, I’m ready to be a Wild West homesteader!

-- Chiropractors are also good with Knots...