Up!
All versions of Wheel 3 are designed to be hung on the wall like a painting, placed flat on a table or upright on the new aluminium base.
Wall mounting is easy. The back of Wheel 3 has a recessed slot that fits over a wall screw. No adapters needed, just a single screw in the wall.
Base
Wheel 3 and its new aluminium base are a perfect match and look gorgeous! The base is included with every Wheel 3.
It connects to Wheel 3 with a carbon steel pin that slides into a slot in the back. The base has a groove that holds Wheel 3 in a precise fit.
Magnets inside Wheel 3 keep the base attached when Wheel 3 is picked up. It can easily be removed by sliding it out. No tools needed.
The base is made of anodized aluminium and is wedge-shaped, tapering from 15 mm to 4 mm. Wheel leans slightly backward at a convenient 8° angle.
In the bottom of the base is a special viscoelastic material that dampens vibrations and absorbs shocks. It also prevents Wheel 3 from sliding.
Made in Europe
To build Wheels to the quality level we need, we're particular about the equipment in our shop.
The latest addition to our current lineup is an industrial grade CO₂ laser with very high precision.
Our current laser wasn’t up to the demands to make specific Wheel 3 parts, so we started researching a new machine. The landscape of laser machines has changed tremendously. In the past few years, diode technology has matured, open source software caused a huge shift, and Asian tech developed impressively.
Despite these changes, our research led us to Trotec Laser from Austria. They offered us a package that fits our high standards. Being ahead of the current wave, Trotec developed their hardware and software in-house, and own the company that builds their laser units. This offers an unmatched level of integration, and includes an established aftercare organization.
Today's Trotec machines are less exuberant than the earlier ones, and for the better. Last week it was installed in our shop, and we experienced its tightness, design and build quality up close.
The touch of overengineering feels very European and made us smile.
We'll use the Trotec to make parts for Wheel 3 that can’t be made otherwise. You’ll see it in action in upcoming updates.
Stay tuned for more in the next update!
Peter, Greet, Piet and the Wheel team