This summer I have decided its time to come out of my workshop and go and meet people, so I have taken a stall at a couple of country shows, starting at the suffolk show in May.

Whilst at each show I will be demonstrating how to make a wheel, I need some “product” to show which has caused me a problem. As a rule I don’t have any, everything I make is for someone, I don’t have demonstration pieces lying around, therefore I needed to make some.

In between other projects I have made several wheels, different types and sizes, which I will augment with a couple of rocking chairs, and then I decided to make a miniature wagon. Starting with a set of four traditional wheels, the smallest of which is 12″ ( 30cms). The manufacturing method is to first make the wooden wheel and then you fit a steel hoop tyre. In order to get it too fit, you first heat it up in a fire to approx. 300 degrees to expand the steel and then whilst hot, slip it over the wooden rim, shrinking it back to fit with cold water, amidst great clouds of steam. When it works great fun, when it doesn’t …….. The problem with small wheels is there isn’t sufficient length of steel in order to get significant expansion so life becomes a challenge.

However as you can see from the picture at the top I made it, a miniature wagon very loosely based on an American Conesta Wagon. I started with a plank of wood and strips of steel and I am very proud of the end result, it even comes with white pin striping. I can see it being used as a drinks trolley or even ferrying a grandchild about, and is now looking for a good loving home but not until after the Suffolk Show.