The door is nearly done and the new window is installed. I am loving it and with a few more tweaks, it will be done. I finally put a good coat of Valspar paint on it and really like the new color.
Category: sheep wagon
Wagon Window
Finally getting back to the wagon with longer days and less going on. Over the weekend I started the new window for the wagon door. The old one was a place-holder to get it out on the road (as are the other windows). Now I want to rebuild the whole door.
The frame being built. It is clamped to the work table to keep it rigid and prevent it from racking out of square.
Detail of how the frames cross and interlock. I have never made a window like this so this is what I came up with.
Holding the frames fast while the glue dries.
Flipped over and given a final sanding.
Getting a few coats of Cabot’s Spar Varnish for good measure.
Fitted with three types of glass; wavy clear, hammered clear, and red with a lot of break-up. The widow will be fitted into a frame (pre-hung) so that it can be removed entirely for repair or replacement of the door. More to come soon.
The rest of the Vardo build can still be found here (https://paleotool.wordpress.com/plans-projects-and-patterns/the-vardo/).
Porch and Rack
A photo of the new “porch”. I didn’t really need more sticking out in the back but it will serve as a bumper and handy surface I’m sure.
And a drying rack over the stove area. The hooks will be useful for lanterns, tools, cookware, and wet socks.
With such limited space (about 50 sq. ft.) pegs, hooks, and little storage bins tucked away in all the furniture make all the difference. Click either photo to get to the rest of the vardo photos.
Odds and Ends
I finally found the shaving mirror that was perfect for the wagon. I have seen them in photos of other western wagons. Local hardware and bath stores only had very cheesy, lightweight mirrors on folding arms. After some internet searching, I found this one that had good reviews on Amazon. It is sturdy and appears to be well-built.
Below is the coffee grinder that was the fist housewarming gift for the wagon. Thanks Mick. It works well.
Finally, the step porch I have been debating over for a long time. We’ll see if it works out.
Sheep Wagon
A friend spotted this nice little sheep wagon in Payson, Arizona recently. It’s for sale for $6000 and appears to be in good shape. Canvas cover looks fairly new. It would be a decent cowboy camp if you had horses or burros.
Running gear looks decent from the photo.
Side boxes and steel wheels.
Large rear window and kitchen box under the bed.
Rustic, but with a lot of great potential.
Finished Roof (nearly)
I finally put the final layer of roof on the vardo. I suspect this will really help keep it cool in the sun.
I still have quite a ways to go with paint and other exterior trim but my next focus is to finish installing the stove. The plan is made, most of it has been “dry fitted”, now it just needs some cutting to plumb the chimney pipe.
Oak Floor again
A quick shot of the oak floor after a coat of stain. The doorway will have a threshold, also of oak. I like the stain enough that it has settled the finish in my mind. All wood will be stained “golden oak”, then varnished. The various woods will take the stain differently and provide nice variation in color (I hope).
Window
This window design is is inspired by windows I have seen on British Bowtop wagons. It provides a panoramic view, more light, and another surface to set things. The middle pane will open for ventilation. The rest of the collection is here.
… and the table
Roof attached, finally
The roof is on and covered in felt. I really wanted to get to this stage a week ago just in case the weather turned wet. I have been lucky so far but it is a milestone to have it done. The roof construction depends on two oak beams down the outside of each wall and eight poplar purlins on nine-inch centers inside. This keeps the roof structure light but relatively stiff. The bent plywood further stiffens the entire structure and makes it feel rock-solid. More photos here.
For the roof covering… I have long debated with myself over a traditional canvas roof or using metal. Both have advantages and cost is similar for each. I will decide in the next few days.
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 