Medieval Maker

Finally finished a belt that took forever. Decoration inspired by patterns from 15th century Europe and depicted in “Covering the Blade” by Marquita Volken and Olaf Goubitz. To be honest, decorating leather is not my favorite thing.

New wheels for the cart. The prior wheels were made entirely from pine. While much lighter (and cheaper), softwoods don’t have the strength to hold the significant forces wheels are subject to. The new wheels are made from ash for the hub and felloes, and oak for the spokes. Additionally, the design incorporates a slight dish for added suspension and strength when turning. It’s clear that most 15th century wooden wheel rims were made from multiple sections, but how were those sections secured? Most depictions don’t seem to show any metal used, but I did incorporate strakes and staples into this design.

I present 2 trestles based on the 15th century surviving examples at the Onze Lieve Vrouwe ter Potterie museum in Bruges, Belgium (original in last photo). They will hold table tops, or possibly be a work surface on their own.