Just for the hell of it, I thought I would try to make a steering wheel for my RPU. The style is a takeoff of a Bell wheel. Cut the frame out of 1/4" aluminum on a bandsaw.. Final shaped by hand with files and sand paper. Cut the wood rims with a sabersaw on the inside and bandsaw on the outside. Rounded the edges of the wood rims with a router and 1/2" rounding bit. Covered each rim piece with leather glued on with contact cement. The frame was polished prior to assembly. Face rim attached with counter sunk wood screws while the back is secured with 10-32 machine screws anchored in tapped holes in the frame rim. It came out not too bad for a first attempt.
That is very nice! Wish I had the proper tools... I would definitly try that. Been jonesn' for a bell style wheel for a while now. How thick is the aluminum?
Just thought that I would add that I have a total investment in the wheel of $58.00. That includes the aluminum, wood, leather and fasteners. I have about 10 hours labor also invested. So far I am happy with the results.
Sweet! I might need to use the same technique in the future. I can't find a wheel I like, especially one that's inexpensive.
And to think you did it all yourself without the benifit of a 1/2hour TV show.great looking wheel NICE JOB
Nice job, I have been thinking of doing a banjo style wheel. You gave me the inspiration I needed to get busy on it.
Really impressive. The one in my avatar, althou not too hambfriendly, i done it myself too, but wasnt 100% satisfied w/ the center part and never tried again, oneday i'll get back to it. And might aswell try something like yours. Thanx for the inspiration man.
The Jalopy Journal
