Wheels from the solid

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

Once my lathe was back in action, it took about two whole days to machine four wheel for my Hudswell Clarke sunter from 2 1/4″ EN1A Pb.

 

I want them to look ‘cast’ around the spokes so I’ve filed and fettled the parts which don’t get a turned finish. I used an old tiny hand-held Woolworth’s grider with a ‘carrot’ shaped diamond burr – it was absolutely brilliant for the job!

 

In the picture below you can see four stages including an almost complete wheel – I have done all four now – I will turn th treads later.

 

Neil

 

[Jim GreetheadParticipant @jimgreethead]

Good photo Neil and the wheels are coming on nicely.

 

You mention using the lathe; how did you leave the counterweights (or are you doing something sneaky).

 

Jim

 

[Jeff DaymanParticipant @jeffdayman43397]

Looks like some work with a dividing head on a mill, or a CNC mill has been done re counterweights. Looking great so far Neil!

 

JD

[Brian Dickinson 2Participant @briandickinson2]

They look great, i wish i had the patience.

 

Boiler Bri

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

Lot’s of hard work with the dividing head!

 

The counterweights were milled to a line jiggling the dividing head and the x and y handles, then used the side of the engraving tool to tidy up the profile. The lathe faceed the blanks, put in a groove around the hub and also the small set-back of the wheel to the tire (yes this odd engine has tires wider than the wheels).

 

My right thumb is so sore from two days turning handwheels I’m giving it today off!

 

I have no dimensions for axles. Does 7/16″ PGMS running in cast iron axleboxes witha 3/8″ spiogot for the wheels sound reasonable? This gives about 3/16″ of metal between the bore and the sliding surface of the axlebox, or should I go for a smaller axle?

 

Neil

[Jim GreetheadParticipant @jimgreethead]

That’s a lot of hard work Neil and it is at times like this that CNC looks attractive; it must be wonderful to do all the hard work in comfort and then watch the machine do the donkey work. Ah well, maybe next Xmas …

 

Jim

 

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

I definitely saw the advantage of CNC – imagine if they had been 4″ in diameter instead of 2 1/4″!

 

Neil

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