We made a ship's wheel for my boss's POTC theme yard from a 2X4 post with a wagon wheel from Harbor Freight mounted on it. It's all mounted to a pallet (easy to move). We burned and stained them and added some decorative "feet" from Lowe's to it for the handles. Turned out pretty well considering the money spent. You can add more decorative pieces if you like.
Here's a Pic:
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...t=IMG_0942.jpg