Wheel tolerances

D

DerbyDave

Hammering Axles
Feb 12, 2019
7
1
1
51
Ohio
Hi everyone. First post here after reading though the best of the last several years. I’m considering the purchase of a mid-range mini lathe and was wondering what tolerance people get from lathed wheels (I haven’t purchased any). I have a pretty good drill press with a cross slide vice and 123 block that I’ve used to get within .004” pretty consistently on the runout gauge. In your opinion, is there value in the additional spend to improve from there?

Thanks for your feedback; I’ve found his forum to be the best source of information.

Dave
 
Mojo Racing said:
It is a machined block that measures 1" x 2" x 3". We use them for alignment checks
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Thanks so much! Learn something new everyday. If I may ask, interesting looking...but how is it used? Im struggling to understand it. I've been reading up on it, and it's just not clicking on how it could be applied to PWD.
 
DerbyDave said:
I’ve used to get within .004” pretty consistently on the runout gauge. In your opinion, is there value in the additional spend to improve from there?

Dave
Click to expand...

Hi Dave,

0.004" is a fair amount of runout. We routinely sort through wheels straight from the box/tube and outright reject any with a runout greater than 0.003", and usually settle for wheels that are 0.002" or less for our scout races.
 
With even an inexpensive mini lathe you should be able to get tolerances in the .0001 range if your setup is right.

I use a 7 x 12 mini lathe from harbor freight with an ER 32 collet chuck. I had to make my own fixtures and tooling which took quite a bit of time. But once everything is set up turning wheels is quick and easy.
 
Darkside said:
This is how they are used to check alignment.

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WOW, that's awesome! Can't wait to get home and watch the rest of it. Were going down the rabbit hole now.

Of course I have NO need to check my alignment. I use BSA blocks for my Scout's care and there slots are perfectly straight.

I kid, I kid!
 
When I give presentations to Cub Packs, I bring a block that I have with me that has the axles cut, and the lines drawn straight across. The first time I did this, the Cubmaster said I drew the lines crooked on purpose. I just happened to have my square with me... and let him check...
 
Mojo Racing said:
When I give presentations to Cub Packs, I bring a block that I have with me that has the axles cut, and the lines drawn straight across. The first time I did this, the Cubmaster said I drew the lines crooked on purpose. I just happened to have my square with me... and let him check...
Click to expand...
I believe it! I've had the worst luck with blocks this year. I've gone through quite a few to find semi straight ones on both front and back. Thankfully I finally smartened up and bought a simple jig. Cars run much better now.
 
I hate to say there are no stupid questions but its hard to learn if you dont take your armor off and put yourself out there sometimes. People cant always give you answers for every single thing you ask sometimes. Sometimes you need to just try it n see what happens. Sometimes you get feedback or info that doesnt work for you. If your not sure send it down the hill n see what happens. Thats how people on this very forum have changed the face of this hobby.
 
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