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 ***embly. 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.
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