Thread: Wheels and Axles

Originally Posted by Stuart

You can still do some pretty acceptable work on a $99 GMC lathe. May not be the highest quality lathe, but for the occasional turning job for toymaking, it may be all that you need, and isn't a large outlay.

If you find that the bug then really grabs, no real loss if you upgrade.

Good point.. I don't know much about lathes but for the type of work required for average toy wheels etc. I would go to the expense of one of those where I couldn't/wouldn't pay out a large sum for something I may only use occasionally. I think for around the $100 mark it would be an asset in the workshop anyway. Might have to put one on my "things to get" list.

Originally Posted by Stuart

You can still do some pretty acceptable work on a $99 GMC lathe. May not be the highest quality lathe, but for the occasional turning job for toymaking, it may be all that you need, and isn't a large outlay.

If you find that the bug then really grabs, no real loss if you upgrade.

Yeah, well I have a bit of a confession there... I do have a lathe that was given to me by my parents for my 21st along with a set of chisels as a belated 20th. I have never set it up as I had nowhere to put it. Now I have the room in my current shed, I no longer have any more excuses.

I just have to learn how to use it. (When the rest of the class was waiting in line to have a turn of the lathe at school, I had the teacher show me how to Arc weld.)

Y.

Yep Yonne
Learning how to use the lathe could open another can of worms isn't it great fun and down the road we go

Regards colbra

Originally Posted by colbra

Yep Yonne
Learning how to use the lathe could open another can of worms isn't it great fun and down the road we go

Regards colbra

Yeah, I'm torn between setting it up and starting something new, or finishing off about 10 other things I'm in the middle of or am commited to start.

Yonnee. With 2 E's!

Grab a (small) lump of wood, jamb it on the lathe, grab a chisel and give it a try. (The U shaped one ) 5 minutes (literally), and you'll start to see how it can aid your toy making ventures. Do a little more practice each time - even if it is just turning a block to round.

You will discover what not to do very quickly, but also find that there is success pretty quickly as well. (Then years to master it, but the rest of us can still get something useful out of it, even without really knowing what we are doing).

Borrow some books from the library, perhaps a DVD or two.

And watch out for any days offers to open his shed as he'll pass on a massive amount of info very quickly!

But in the end, like all our tools - you don't learn by having it sit in the corner gathering dust.

Originally Posted by Stuart

Grab a (small) lump of wood, jamb it on the lathe, grab a chisel and give it a try. (The U shaped one ) 5 minutes (literally), and you'll start to see how it can aid your toy making ventures. Do a little more practice each time - even if it is just turning a block to round.

You will discover what not to do very quickly, but also find that there is success pretty quickly as well. (Then years to master it, but the rest of us can still get something useful out of it, even without really knowing what we are doing).

Borrow some books from the library, perhaps a DVD or two.

All sounds too easy...

And watch out for any days offers to open his shed as he'll pass on a massive amount of info very quickly!

I'd like too, especially as I live 5 minutes walk from him, but he doesn't know me from a bar of soap.

But in the end, like all our tools - you don't learn by having it sit in the corner gathering dust.

I know, I know...
I've just had other priorities.

Geez, start a thread and turn me back for 5 minutes and there are 22 posts.

I'll have to try sanding them on the drill.
Will also try starting the centre with a forstner too.
good ideas.
thanks.

Supa Cheap also have a small lathe for $99.00. I can not give any recommendations because I know nought about lathes.

Originally Posted by Yonnee

All sounds too easy...


I'd like too, especially as I live 5 minutes walk from him, but he doesn't know me from a bar of soap.

Send a PM, he won't bite (at least not at the first meeting!)
And if you wear a forum shirt and/or hat, everyone's your friend

I'm not dobbing into anything, but if you don't ask, you can't get, and even a chance of learning from a master turner is crazy to pass up, especially one who's workshop is so close!


This was me a year ago or so at one of 's sessions. (I've lost a bit of bulk since then!) is just out-of-shot. That's his monster lathe btw. If it doesn't look big, realise that it keeps going to the back wall that you see in the photo.

I use this circle jig on a router can cut wheels from 25 mm up to 190 mm. By using different router bits you can cut the different profiles before you cut the wheel from the blank.

pal

Originally Posted by pal

I use this circle jig on a router can cut wheels from 25 mm up to 190 mm. By using different router bits you can cut the different profiles before you cut the wheel from the blank.

pal

Sounds really interesting Pal,

Can you provide any more information on how you do it or a link to where we can get more info on the web?

Regards,

Chipman

Hi chipman,It's a bit fiddly with a normal plunge router but if you have a trimming router, which i haven't, it is a heck of a lot easier anyhow bring the blank down to the thickness of the finished wheel and using a plunge rounover bit or straight bit cut the size of the wheel, go half way through.Use core box or similar bit to run a trench between the rim and axle. If you want to you can then use a v groove bit to do a small groove between tire and rim. then when you turn the blank over do the inside profiles first and cut the wheel out with the same type of bit you used for the first side. Use carpet tape to stop the wheel moving when you make your final cut
The attachments have been copied from Patrick Spielman's book Router Jigs and Techniques.

My apologies chipman was calling you soundman,I should remember don't hear much sound any more but I certinaly make plenty of chips.

Regards

Pal

The pdf for making wheels cobra posted originates from Aschis Workshop .
Peter also offers a free plan for one of his scale model vehicles..... kid friendly....
have a look.... I think he has very reasonable prices!

So far I've just made other kind of toys, but Ken's made a ride on triple decker plane and is ready to try one of Peter's plans, will post when/if he gets one done

Juvy