Cutting spokes out on brass wheel

[Chris TickTockParticipant @christicktock]

Hi, I have cut my first clock wheels teeth and that went fairly well, though room for improvement as always. However I ignored machining the spokes to concentrate on the teeth.

Now comes the time to attempt to cut the spokes out. I have a few questions and would be grateful for any help offered. I use a Sherline lathe and Mill.

1: What would you suggest to mark out the spokes with?

2: Would it be better to cut out the spokes after or before cutting the teeth?

3: Any hints as to milling the spokes out? Must you always clamp the work or is it possible to hold the stock as pictured say in the chuck and move this by hand to achieve the curves rather than using the hand wheels?

Chris

[Chris TickTockParticipant @christicktock]

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

In reverse order.

Don't even consider milling a handheld workpiece even in a chuck. Unless on a hand operated rotary table.

Cut spokes second, so maximum support to teeth as they are cut.

If you have an RT then use that, you shouldn't really need to mark out, just do everything with the handwheels and graduations, though marking out would help prevent mistakes. Failing an RT I would suggest using the jig described somewhere I think by John Wilding to mark out and then cut out using a piercing saw by hand before filing to the line – good for the soul. (Not that I ever have.) For marking out you couldn't do better than follow Clickspring's video:

**LINK**

Personally I'd whack it on the CNC.

[roy entwistleParticipant @royentwistle24699]

Piercing saw every time. I find it very therapeutic

[Harry WilkesParticipant @harrywilkes58467]

Chris maybe if you have not already done so check out 'clickspring's' vids on you tube

H

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