Coned axle head??

[mikej]

New guy here. Ive searched the boards here. Like many I have all the DP tools and I am finding there are new and better ways to build a car. My question is I am following the sub 3.0 tips on building a car and I am wondering, Is everyone still coning the axles heads? I have found its very hard to make a nice one with the stock axles.

 

[E.T.Racing]

Yes, as far as I know people still cone axle heads when using stock axles. The after market axles that you can get from DD4H. all come coned, if you don't have to use the kit axles I would not it will save you a lot of time and will be much better than you could do with a stock axle.

 

[Kinser Racing]

New guy here. Ive searched the boards here. Like many I have all the DP tools and I am finding there are new and better ways to build a car. My question is I am following the sub 3.0 tips on building a car and I am wondering, Is everyone still coning the axles heads? I have found its very hard to make a nice one with the stock axles.

The answer is yes. If you don't absolutely have to use them don't. Get the axles from DerbyDad4Hire. If you do have to use them it just requires the correct needle files.

 

[renegade]

[/QUOTE]The answer is yes. If you don't absolutely have to use them don't. Get the axles from DerbyDad4Hire. If you do have to use them it just requires the correct needle files.[/QUOTE]

What is a good needle file set to buy? I have been looking for a nice set. I have one I bought from John but the files are a little to thick.

Keith

 

[Kinser Racing]

A cheap set will do, if you don't have a lathe. The only ones you need is the Round (for cutting your bend groove), Half Round with Double Edge (for cutting and tapering the head), and Triangular (for cutting the groove). I need to replace mine also, I'll be going to an industrial supply store. They seem to have decent quality tools for the professional.

 

[RSR]

I use and have seen a number of competetive Dad / son teams in my pack and district with these in their tools from harbor freight. I actually prefer the cheaper, traditional files to the grainy diamond bonded style. I certainly would defer to Kinser's experience building, but I have found over the last few years as experimenting with my son that the round, half round double edged and triangular files are the only ones we have to use.

http://www.harborfreight.com/needle-file-set-10-pc-69876.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-piece-precision-needle-file-set-4614.html

 

[Kinser Racing]

Zombie thread! Lol

 

[CTDerbyDad]

How is the half round file useful for coning the axle heads? Held against the bottom of the nail head would it create a concave shape? Maybe I'm missing something.

 

[Mojo Racing]

How is the half round file useful for coning the axle heads? Held against the bottom of the nail head would it create a concave shape? Maybe I'm missing something.

Not on the head... on the nail to cut your groove for the bend in the axle

 

[Pichy]

I don't have a lathe, but I do have a drill press. I made a jig to hold the file, which keeps me from cutting too much, and generally makes for a precision bevel. The stop block makes it easy to cut only just up to the axle shaft. I start by raising the quill up until the axle head barely touches the file. Then I turn it on and begin making passes. It's not a lathe, but it's quite a bit better than freehand.

 

[jatofau1]

What is the angle of the file?

 

[BulldogRacing]

Chuck the axle as far up in the press as possible.

 

[jatofau1]

Bulldog,

What angle should the cone of the axle head be?

 

[BulldogRacing]

I would do them at 17 degrees.

 

[Rebel Racer]

I would do them at 17 degrees.

That's real good stuff! I've been doing it freehand for years. Think that's a project for tomorrow.