Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop - Part 4 Artists and Craftsmen

#horse-drawnvehicles #wagonwheels #hansenwheel #chuckwagon
The fourth in our four-part series from Hanson Wheel and Wagon Shop we meet the craftspeople who do the specialized work or restoration and rebuilding in the shop.

Joe visits Hanson Wheel and Wagon shop in Lechter, South Dakota. Doug Hanson is the owner of this 40-year-old business, which is the premier builder and restorer of authentic horse-drawn vehicles. They restore and replicate wagons, coaches, carriages and more for horse-drawn vehicle enthusiast, museums, movies, Living History Farms and more.

The craftsmen that we will be hearing from include the wheelwright, wainwright, blacksmith, painter. There are also upholsterers and ornamentation artists.

First we have the pleasure of watching wheelwright Tim Hoffman in the step-by-step process of replacing felloes in a wooden wheel. He also replaces the metal tire.

Wainwright Maurice Hartmann builds a new tailgate for a custom wagon replication. He uses the same joinery techniques of 100 years ago to ensure historical authenticity.

Blacksmith and Shop Foreman Jerome Evan assists by making the tailgate hinges. We watch his expert use of all the blacksmith tools.

Painter Andy Ettswald works on painting the wheels of a Racine chuckwagon.
Next we talk to Dean Thompsen- who is in charge of Quality Assurance and Shipping. He keeps track of the vast inventory of parts, equipment, tools and vehicles as well as final inspection and shipping.

Lastly Joe talks to the office crew including Ardis Nelson - Customer Service, Holly Hansen - VP and Bookkeeper and Leah Murray - Sales and Project manager.

Watch all the shows in this series
Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop Part 1: Horse-Drawn Wagons and Running Gear .    • Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop: Horse-drawn V...  
Hanson Wheel and Wagon Shop Part 2:
Stagecoaches, Mud Wagons and Freight Wagons.
   • Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop Part 2:   Stag...  
Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop Part 3 - Horse Drawn Chuckwagons and Road Construction Equipment.
   • Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop Part 3 - Horse...  
Hanson Wheel and Wagon Shop Part 4: Artists and Craftsmen
   • Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop - Part 4 Artis...