A bunch of Train Wheels

[Robert Parrish]

I spent most of the day today installing spokes into 16 train wheels for an 1835 train that I'm building. What a job? I turned 16 1 3/4" and 2-2" wheels from Paduak, Maple and walnut.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Now that is Cool!! Awful lot of small detail work there! Looking forward to seeing this project some to life!

[Jim Underwood]

Can you explain the process here?

It looks like you turn the wheel from one piece leaving it on the waste block, then index drill for the spokes, insert spokes, then return the wheel to remove the spoke excess, then part off?


Thanks for posting this. Lots of things to think about here...

[Robert Parrish]

Jim, that is the process. I clip off the spokes at the rim with wire cutters than sand and part off.

[Jim Underwood]

Thanks! I've been wondering how to accomplish this for a couple years. The book I picked up on making old car models scrollsawed his tires out, and I didn't like the results at all. This method obviously makes a much better wheel.

[Robert Parrish]

Jim, I may have misled you. I didn't index and drill the holes on the lathe, I drilled them on my drill press with an x/y vise.

[charlie knighton]

very nice, i would like to see the train sometime

[John Keeton]

That is an interesting process - and, very precision. I could see a lot of ways for me to screw up on something like this!:o Nice work!!

[Bernie Weishapl]

Robert that is cool. Really a interesting project. I really look forward as this project continues.

[Jim Underwood]

Just an X/Y vise? Then how did you index the wheels? Did you have some kind of jig? Inquiring minds want to know.

I'd also love to see the train... Keep us posted on the progress.

[Robert Parrish]

Jim, I made starter holes with an awl using a template then eyeballed the drilling through the the cutout between the hub and the rim. They are not all perfectly spaced but close enough.