A wheelwright is a craftsman who builds or repairs wooden wheels. The term "wright" comes from the Old English word "wryhta," meaning a worker or shaper of wood. Wheelwrights historically made wheels for carts, wagons, traps, coaches, and spinning wheels for home use. They constructed the hub, spokes, and rim segments, assembling them into a unit from the center of the wheel outwards. Most wheels were made from wood, but other materials such as bone and horn have been used for decorative or other purposes. Additionally, wheelwrights evolved to bind wheels with iron plates to protect against wear on the ground and to help bind the wheel together.
In colonial times, wheelwrights were important tradesmen who made wheels for wagons, carriages, and riding chairs, as colonial roads were rocky and rugged.
Today, wheelwrights continue to practice their craft using 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in and eventually master the trade. They combine different types of wood, iron tires and bands, and sophisticated construction to create functional and elegant wheels and vehicles.
In summary, a wheelwright is a skilled craftsman with a historical and contemporary role in building and repairing wooden wheels for various purposes.
