Grooving the non-grooved dynasty axles?

[LightninBoy]

So I just found out that our cub scout rules allow for any nail type axles - not just the BSA axles. And here I've been using the BSA axles all these years ...

Anyways, one thing I enjoyed doing with my boys is putting the grooves in the BSA axles. I've got the tools and the experience to do it - so I like to impart that to the boys. On the other hand - I want to take advantage of the larger diameter sizes provided by DD4H axles. So what I'm thinking about doing is buying some of the non-grooved Dynasty 92s and putting the grooves in ourselves. Questions:

1. Will it be a lot harder to groove these stainless steel axles compared to the BSA axles? Is it possible with a dremel and set of files?

2. Even if it can be done - are we more likely to make the axle slower because of imprecise grooves?

Thanks!

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

They are very hard axles but you can groove them. You probably will make them slower but...

have fun with it.

 

[5KidsRacing]

I cut one last night on my lathe and I think cutting a groove with a dremel and file would be painful. My guess is that if you don't have a way to hold the whole set-up in one position (like a lathe would do) you have a great risk of marking up the shaft. The stainless is so hard that getting a bite in one location would be difficult.... especially for a scout... I wouldn't recommend doing it free hand like you would a BSA axle.

 

[GravityX]

This could be done, but the hand must be steady or chance the marking or destroying an axle could result, is to use two Dremels at once. I use this method to groove the axle just prior to bending it, it's tricky but can be done. If you choose this method be very careful it is real easy to remove too much material in an instant. Consider yourself forewarned if you decide to use this method.

 

[LightninBoy]

This could be done, but the hand must be steady or chance the marking or destroying an axle could result, is to use two Dremels at once.

I cut one last night on my lathe and I think cutting a groove with a dremel and file would be painful. My guess is that if you don't have a way to hold the whole set-up in one position (like a lathe would do) you have a great risk of marking up the shaft.

Challenge ... ACCEPTED!

Results:

How I did it (this is basically how we groove the BSA axles too ...)

 

[GravityX]

 

[IAE Racing]

Looks like you have the right equipment for the job! Good job

 

[92hatchattack]

Thats great, thanks for sharing! Is that the dremel brand workstation? I'm going to have to pick that up.

 

[LightninBoy]

Thats great, thanks for sharing! Is that the dremel brand workstation? I'm going to have to pick that up.

I'm glad it helped.

Yes - that is the dremel workstation. Its a very handy thing to have around.

DD4H wasn't kidding when he said the axles were hard. I grinded away for over a minute to create that fairly shallow groove. BSA axles are done in like 30 seconds.