Several of us got to visit Stutzman's wheel shop last week while driving around in Ohio. Others had been before but not me. What a swell place to see! Noah was very accommodating and took my order for a steam bend, one piece steering wheel ring, made of oak.
What they do here to me is amazing. If you ever get the chance to go, I highly recommend the time to do so.
I went to Stutzmanns a few times to drop off and pick up wheels. I agree with Tom, it is simply an amazing operation. They have a forest with old growth Hickory and Ash and poplar trees, among others. They cut the trees with a big long two man hand saw, trim them by hand, then use enormous draft horses to pull the logs to their sawmill, also on the property.
The logs are sawn and then the lumber is laid in their drying barns until properly cured.
Then they have the most marvelous selection of wheelwright equipment, some of it must be 100 years old or more. Spindle duplicating lathes, fellow clamping equipment, spoke presses, special furnaces to heat metal tires and wheel rims.
I did not take any pictures due to their dislike of modern things. It is a destination well worth a day's drive.
And while you're there, just up the road that crosses Noahs road to the east, is Guggisberg cheese. Best baby swiss on earth!
Noah is a great guy, excellent workmanship. Cost is tolerable.
We went to the Guggisberg cheese shop during a visit to Stutzman's this August. Your right, it's not to be missed !!
We found the prices to be very reasonable.