Editing Wheelwright (section)

== Wheelwrighting today ==
[[File:Straking Wheels.png|alt=Traditional wheelwright|upright|thumb|''Worldwide Wheelwright'' Phill Gregson fitting iron "strakes" to a traditional wooden wheel (2016)]]

A modern wooden wheel generally consists of three main parts, the ''nave'' or hub at the centre of the wheel, the spokes radiating out from the centre and the ''felloes'' or rims around the outside. Generally the wheel would be bound by a steel or iron tyre depending on its historical period and purpose.

The main timbers used in a traditional wooden wheel are elm for the nave, oak for the spokes and ash for the felloes although this can vary in some areas depending on availability of timber, climate, and style of production. Sometimes hickory is substituted for oak and ash as it is easier to bend for mass production and is quite springy for light wheels that require a bit of flexibility.

The elm is used for its interwoven grain, this prevents the nave from splitting with the force of the spokes being driven in tight.

The oak is used because it doesn't bend, compress or flex and transfers any load pressures directly from the felloes to the nave.

The ash is used for its flexibility and springy nature, this acts as a form of suspension and protects against shock damage.