MadModder
The Craftmans Shop => PowerSports => Topic started by: Powder Keg on August 21, 2010, 10:46:02 AM
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Ever since I was little I wanted one of these. A few years ago I nearly started building one. But I couldn't locate anything suitable to make the tires out of. Recently I found a fellow in Ohio that sells it\o/ So work has began.
In case you don't know what a Penny Farthing Bike is here is a well made example from Finland. About half way through there are some nice stills of the pieces that he made.
I have steadily been making parts for this project. I have taken design elements from bikes that I've only seen pictures of. The rest is my own ideas of how a Hiwheel bike should be. Since they are mostly wheel I started there. How the heck am I going to make a wheel???
First I needed to make a roll. I've always wanted a roll, but, I've never had a project where I actually "needed" a roll. Now I need both\o/ I found some pictures on the net of some simple rolls and started there. I made some dies to roll 3/4" X 3/4" X 1/8" angle so the pointy part was inward. Nothing fancy. It doesn't even have any bearings. I'll have to take a few pictures of it.
Good news!! It worked :ddb: I now have a 48" and a 16" rim. They made them up to 60". But you have to have longer legs than me to operate something like that:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing001.jpg)
I made the axle next. I had some mystery stainless to play with. At first I thought it would go pretty quickly. Wrong!!! I had to take pretty light cuts, slow feed, with oil. Or my inserts would break. But I eventually got through it. I used a N-05 locknut to hold everything together. They require a washer and a key-way milled into the shaft. I'm still waiting for the washers. I'll cut all the key-ways then.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing002.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing003.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing004.jpg)
The frames on some of these bikes get narrow near where the rear forks attach. Not knowing how to taper tubing??? I made an insert. It is drilled out so it's not to heavy. The rear step will probably be welded or bolted to this. This will be welded to the frame.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing010.jpg)
On the axle, hooked to the forks is usually a bearing carrier. This will also let me remove the wheel, by removing two bolts, if needed. I made the round part on my lathe then cut it in half. One for each side. I milled out the other pieces and beveled them a little to prepare them for welding.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing005.jpg)
I bolted a spacer between the ears and clamped the pieces to my bench and tig welded them together.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing006.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing007.jpg)
A lot of filing and grinding. They are nearly done. When I get them to my liking, I'll have them bead blasted.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing008.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing009.jpg)
I have been trying to find something nice to make the forks out of. I ran across this at work.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing011-1.jpg)
That looks like bicycle forks, doesn't it??? To me it does:o) I chucked it in my lathe and cleaned it up with emery paper. Then I marked it out and cut a couple strips out of the pipe. I clamped a straight edge to the pipe that would guide my thin cut blades on my grinder.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing012.jpg)
Maybe this will look more like forks? They have a nice taper to them. I like how they turned out. I think I'm going to weld a couple of bands on them to make them look nice. They warped a little, but I can fix that.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing013.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing014.jpg)
Here is where I'm at. Today I'm going to try and get the steering pivot made and the hubs turned. The hubs will be bronze.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing015.jpg)
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This looks very interesting :mmr: I'll be following this one
Nice work :thumbup:
Stew
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This is super! I`m looking forward to further progress....keep the pictures flowing!! :ddb:
Call me Mr Thicky, I am when it comes to engineering, but I just can`t figure how "the roll" works and formed the wheels?
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Here I have the steering pin nearly done. There will be a slot cut in the rings so I can weld it flush to the neck.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing016.jpg)
Here are some pictures of the roll. It's a very simple one. There are 2 idler wheels and the top drive wheel. There is a bottle jack under the two idler wheels. I would give it a pump and roll the angle through. Another pump and another roll through. till you have a circle :ddb:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Roll/CIMG4533.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Roll/CIMG4534.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Roll/CIMG4535.jpg)
Now I'm off to the bronze hubs\o/
:ddb: :ddb: :ddb: :ddb: :ddb:
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Ahhh, those extra pics explain a lot! thanks....looking good!
Chris
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Wow Wes,
You have been busy. Love the Roll. I want to buy/build one someday (for bike frames). Love the Penny Farthing bicycles. Can't wait to see this out!
Eric
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I've been sticking with it pretty steady here lately. A buddy and I made a heavier duty roll for frame tubes. He builds frames. I made the 1.5" dies for him. We rolled the backbone for my penny last weekend on it. I guess I better post pictures of that roll to. sorry no action shots.
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Will there be any brakes, Wesley, or will you just do a swift rearward dismount if trouble looms? Even if you only make a three-quarter farthing with a 48", rather than 60", wheel, it's still a long way to the ground if you have to wait at a T junction for a gap in the traffic.
Andy
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Spoon brake like this.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Ideas/1761093_2BX0TVO3M.jpg)
I will still have to get off. my feet won't touch the ground :bugeye:
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:bugeye: Outstanding job Wes
Very interesting project ,,,you sure have a wide range of interests/projects :bow: :bow: :bow:
Regards Rob
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I'm pretty excited about this project. I found a neat seat that I'm going to make for mine.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Ideas/IMG_1847.jpg)
It'll make it look more authentic to.
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Have a care as to where you fit a brake to your Ordinary. They tend not to be fitted to the front wheel as it makes you take a nose dive if applied. :( They can, however, be fitted to the rear wheel, but may require advance notice, in triplicate, before being applied.
Ned
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I'll be taking it easy that's for sure Ned:o) I might add a brake to the rear I'll have to see how this works out. Still a lot of work yet to do before I need to worry about brakes :ddb:
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Great work so far and I'm loving that roller :thumbup:
Can't wait to see more.
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I have the hubs nearly half done. They are turning out nice. The material is 4.5" Bronze shaft. They will each be drilled and tapped 30 holes for 5-40 threads. I think. I need to get the thread nipples here.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing017.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing018.jpg)
I should have these ready to drill the spoke holes in a day or so? We'll see how things go.
Thanks for watchin :ddb: :nrocks: :ddb: :nrocks: :ddb:
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I'll be taking it easy that's for sure Ned:o) I might add a brake to the rear I'll have to see how this works out. Still a lot of work yet to do before I need to worry about brakes :ddb:
This puts me in mind of an occaision which made an impression on me when I was a teenager. A local "inventor" had produced a prototype jet-powered car, and whereas ships are launched by the VIP cracking a bottle of champagne on the bow, in this case he invited the Lieutenant Governor (a relic of our colonial past) to take it for a run up & down the runway of a recently decommissioned airbase at Jurby. What impressed me was that the first thing the Governor, an ex-RAF fast jet jockey, said out loud was "Before I start this thing, show me and let me be certain I know how to stop it ......" :thumbup:
Dave
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Wes
Dunno if you've seen the TV show "Pickers" or not. It's about 2 guys from Iowa whotravel the southern states in search of barn fresh antiques. One show had them finding a "high wheeler" bike that was the same basic design as the one you are working on but the maker had reversed the design so the small wheel was in front instead oat the rear. It was explained that the changes made the bike much easier to ride and eliminated the danger of flipping it when the brake was applied. I thought it was interesting at the time and could see the advantages right off. You might check for Youtubes or perhaps on the history channel site to see if you can find the episode.
Steve
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Thanks Steve. I saw that one:o) It makes it tough to get on. There are a few vids on You tube though. I'll post some later.
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&feature=related
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Back to brakes, I asked a friend of mine, who has an Ordinary, about brakes. His reply amounted to "fine, fit them, as long as they don't actually work".
His qualifications for advice on these cycles is that he once rode his from London to Czechoslovakia. For you over the other side of the "pond", that's quite a long way. :) about 800 miles each way. Did I mention he is another English eccentric or should that be lunatic? :lol:
Ned
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I got quite a bit done on one of the hubs last night. Was too late to post pictures though. I'll do it when I get home\o/
I like hearing these stories. I haven't seen one of these bikes around here for 20 years.
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Made progress on the second hub\o/ I have to make a jig to hold them in the mill to drill the spoke holes. I will need to broach a 1/4" key way in both of them to.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing019.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing020.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing021.jpg)
The jig will also let me file the large radius smooth and finish the outside. There will be a couple of angles turned so the spokes enter at a 90 degree to the outside of the hub.
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Did I mention he is another English eccentric or should that be lunatic? :lol:
Ned
\
Hi Ned..... is there a difference? As hes British I suspect not.... and afore ya go off at me.. we're still part of the Empire out here in Aus....
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I broached the hubs today. I'm going to change the profile a little from what I had planned. The rim will be a little thinner and the skinny area will be tapered some. Man! Its been hot the last day or two. Hard to go out to the shop....
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I know a bloke who both makes and races these beasties. In fact he has several of them for different purposes, sprints, races, touring ,etc. I know him through our mutual interest in vintage motorcycles so have only half listened to him when he chats on about sweatwheels. I do remember him remarking that the steering head angle is critical and that despite experimentation he's found that the angle used by the original makers was by far the best and that the best results were found by following the original specifications. He was very positive that the original makers were right on the ball in how they made them. I'm sure he also mentioned they used a plain bearing in the head stem not balls as used in the common bicycle of today as a certain amount of friction there was very necessary.
Sorry I can't be more helpful but I only see him every few months so won't be able to follow up for some time.
Cheers, Villiers Bob
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Doing the second side of the hubs. The chuck jaws are really close to the tool post. But they cleared\o/
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing022.jpg)
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\o/Nipples\o/
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing023.jpg)
I couldn't resist :clap: :med: :clap:
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I tapered the skinny section of the hubs a little and remover 1/16" from the inside of the flange. I also removed another 1/16" from the recessed portion of the hub. I'll profile the outside of the flange after my arbor is done.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing024.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing025.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing026.jpg)
Out to the shop\o/
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I lost my head building my arbor this morning. I threaded it for 1" - 12 TPI. But the nut I had was 1" - 14 TPI. If you thin the nut up alot it will go on :dremel: It will be fine for what it's doing.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing027.jpg)
I have the outside profile done. I can start drilling and tapping the spoke holes. As soon as I get a tap.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing028.jpg)
Stay tuned :ddb: :headbang: :ddb:
:o)
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I managed to get a lot done today. I worked on the back wheel hub. It started out as a long bar of 660 bronze.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing029.jpg)
Chuck it in the lathe, Center it up, face it off, clean up the Outside, mark a line or two, start whittling.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing030.jpg)
Mark more lines, Whittle some more.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing031.jpg)
Rough out the rings with a lathe tool.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing032.jpg)
File the radius to shape.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing033.jpg)
File some more.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing034.jpg)
Drill the hole so the axle will fit through. Then bore for bearing.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing035.jpg)
Turn part around in lathe, Indicate in, Whittle a bit on other end.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing036.jpg)
Bore other end for bearings. Almost done now\o/
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing037.jpg)
I now have to make another arbor to hold the hub while I finish the flanges on it and drill the spoke holes. I'll try for the right thread this time. LOL
I'm getting pretty excited now. I can almost feel the wind in my hair\o/
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Very nice Wes :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
Whats your plan for threading the spokes ? will you be rolling the thread
Rob
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I would like to roll the threads. But a threader is about $150. (the ones I could find) I'll have to cut these with a die. The spokes are a little bigger than standard size. So I hope I'll be OK. Standard is about .090" and mine are .125". Some were whats called "double butted" About a half inch on each end was bigger than the rest of the spoke. I have no idea how they would have done that?
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Hi Wes
The double butted is a weight saving idea ,, they draw out the centre of the spoke to to make it thinner ,,,,,,,, Yep thread rollers are not cheap ,,,, after one myself .. Using a die for the threads will be sound on a penny farthing ,, cant see you doing any bunny hops or stunts on it :lol:
Rob
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They do all kinds of stunts. Ride downhill with your feet over the bars, You can hit the brake hard that way and land on your feet. Just don't be going fast when you do that one :bugeye: They stand on the peg and petal the left side with your right foot. Many others. But your right. No bunny hop's or Wheelie's.
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A fellow gave me the plans for authentic pedals off of a 1880 Penny Farthing bicycle. I started cutting out the barstock for them today. There are quite a few little pieces. But I think they will go fairly fast. They are all pretty straight forward parts.
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Today I managed to get the neck roughed out. I notched the steering pin also. I still have some grinding to do.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing038.jpg)
Wes :ddb:
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I'm trying the vinegar thing to remove the scale on the flatbar. I started soaking it this morning. Stay tuned.....
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It Works Awesome!!!!!!!\o/
Before work
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing039.jpg)
10 Hours later...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing040.jpg)
2 minute's later....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing041.jpg)
Thanks PT for your post!!!
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Got some done today. I made an arbor to hold the back hub while I drill it in my dividing head on my mill.
I also started on my Pedals. I managed to get the Axles machined. I'm pretty happy with how they turned out. They took about twice as long as I thought they would though.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing042.jpg)
Next I'll get back on the back hub and get it finished. My spoke material will be here next week\o/
Later:^)
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Very interesting thread Wesly
I hope you don't mind me posting some pics of Penny Farthings I took at the Dorset steam fair.
(http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Doset%20Steam%20fair%202010/IMG_2252.jpg)
(http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Doset%20Steam%20fair%202010/IMG_2253.jpg)
(http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Doset%20Steam%20fair%202010/IMG_2256.jpg)
Stew
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Those are great Stew!!! I always like looking at pictures:o)
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Ahh, so that's how a "spoon" brake works! Not sure I'd want to rely on it...
Wes - your machining skills are just awesome. I'm loving those axles with the feature in the middle, I would love to be able to turn something like that.
Just out of interest, how long does it take to go from the square-edged (machine-cut) "blank" to the fully filed version, and how long to go from that to the fully polished & machine-mark free version?
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Thanks AdeV :wave: Anyone can what I do. I draw up what I want to see how it will look. I can make changes there pretty easy. I dimension the steps and the diameters. When I start I'll clean up the OD of the part and use Hermaphrodite calipers to scribe lines on the part for different lengths. You can see the bluing on the pictures of the back hub. Once you have all the steps roughed out the fun Begins. I place something bright under the part. Like the paper towel you can see in the background. This lets you see the profile really good. I then rough out the edges. Mainly so I don't have to file so much. Then start smoothing things off with a file. I don't use any gauges or anything to check things. Everything is by "Eye". You can get pretty close that way. If you file one side too much just file the other to match. I think it takes longer to rough out the part than it takes to cut all the roundies on it.
Tips....
Make sure you have a good sharp file.
You don't have to use a "lathe" file. Just a sharp one.
Keep your Rpm's down. You can ruin a file by running the lathe to fast. They work great at slower RPM's!
Make sure your file is clean! If you use a file with those little bits welded to the teeth. They will gouge the part. You'll have to take off more metal then. I use a sharp pick and dig them out of the file.
File a little then look things over. Then file a little more. Take your time! It's not a race! Your doing this for fun right?
Later, Wes
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I got the knurled nuts made for my pedals. They turned out great!!! Two less parts to build Yeah!!!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing043.jpg)
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Well it was a productive day. I got the pedal spacer tubes almost done today also. 2 more less parts to build\o/ I still have to mill the flats on the small step.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing044.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing045.jpg)
I'm working on the bolts that will go through the pedal rubber now. I have one almost turned.
Later, Wes
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Wes,
I've just read this posting all through...... How did you do so much, without me seeing...... Where have I been? :scratch:
What a super project!
I love ......... Sorry! I'm out of words....... ::)
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
David D
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Thanks for the compliments!!!
I got slowed down by life this week. But today I got he bolts that hold the rubber in the pedals finished. They turned out great!!! As soon as my wife gets back with the camera I'll get some pictures up.
Tomorrow I'm going to try and get the back hub done. :ddb:
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Yeah Pictures!!! :nrocks: :nrocks: :nrocks:
These are the bolts that will hold the rubber on the pedals. They turned out Awesome!!! :clap:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing046.jpg)
Here is the sett up for cutting the screwdriver slot in my bolts.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing047.jpg)
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Stunning work Wes!
Eric
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Thanks Eric :med:
I decided to try and finish the pedals. Here is one of the endcaps. They still have a lot of metal to be removed.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing048.jpg)
More later:o)
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Wes,
I have now read this whole post, and what a fascinating thing to build. Is there nothing your talents won't try?
Fantastic work.
BTW, I noticed earlier on in the post about cutting threads for the spokes.
Actually, I have in my possession two original spoke thread rolling machines.
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa102/bogstandard_photos/Mystery.jpg)
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa102/bogstandard_photos/mystery4.jpg)
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa102/bogstandard_photos/mystery2.jpg)
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa102/bogstandard_photos/mystery3.jpg)
I purchased them for one pound each off a car boot sale. Having offered them to a museum, and had the reply that they already have enough of them, I decided to keep them, hoping I could find a use for the castings and handwheels.
It is such a shame you are on a different continent, you could have had them with my pleasure, only the cost of shipping to you would be horrendous.
Ah well!, that is life.
Keep up the great work
John
BTW, Rob, if you want these two, they are yours. Pick them up whenever you are near enough.
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Holy... :jaw: Wow!
Wes this is brilliant :clap:
Lots of awesome crafting and shape making.... Most impressed :bow:
I know, I've been AWOL for a while but I'm trying to get on more. Looking forward to seeing the rest :thumbup:
Ralph.
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Maybe we could check on shipping? I like the one that has the clamp on it. What thread pitch are the dies? Glad to see you around John :D
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Wes,
I have no idea at this time, but I will root them out from storage and do a check for you.
John
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Today I managed to get all the lathe work done on the endcaps for my pedals. I am happy with how they turned out.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing049.jpg)
I've been making parts for my new shaper. I should be able to finish the endcaps this next weekend. If I can stay with it. There is still a fair amount of metal to come of he endcaps. the centers will need to be case hardened also. I'll have an excuse to use my heat treat oven\o/
Wes :wave:
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When I was at Birks picking up My Shaper, We discussed a Shear that I had seen at his place a couple years earlier. I need to be able to cut my penny Farthings spokes to length easily. This was made by him and it works great!!! I plan on replicating it :borg:
As a note, He has some of those electrical crimpers. He has drilled extra holes in them near the shear points for the screws. This way if he needs to shear , say, 1/32" brass, It shears it off instead of pinching it like side cutters would. pretty smart!!!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/BarShear001.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/BarShear002.jpg)
Stay tuned :wave:
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Making some progress\0/ I managed to get my shaper fired up and made some chips. Even though they were small :lol: :lol: :lol: I had a little trouble with some backlash in the feed for the clapper and messed up two of my endcaps. But no worries. I'm having so much fun playing with the shaper I'll just make two more. Here is a quick video.
!
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I managed to get two more end caps turned today. I still have to mark them and shape the inner hole. I'm pretty excited about using my shaper today. I had some fun :ddb: :ddb: :ddb: I'll probably turn one of the messed up caps into a template to mark the outside shape on the rest of the end caps. I'll then need to think about that shear to cut the spokes to length. I'll try and get some good pictures of the final result soon.
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Nice little video Wes! :clap:
Never thought of using an indexing head on a shaper. Probably 'cause I've not used one since the apprentice school, 1960...... ::)
Nice to see this project moving smoothly on again. :thumbup:
David D
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More progress today\o/ I finished laying out some more lines.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing017-1.jpg)
The parts had some metal removed with the band saw.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing018-1.jpg)
I turned some jigs so I could hold the caps in my mill. Pretty simple stuff.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing019-1.jpg)
The jigs hold the part above the jaws really nicely.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing020-1.jpg)
After Milling I used my belt sander to round the ends.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing021-1.jpg)
One set of pedal end caps nearly finished. I'll finish sanding them tomorrow.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing022-1.jpg)
I still have to drill and tap the holes that hold the pedal rubber to size. I'll get this tomorrow also. Yeah, The pedals are almost done!!!
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Nice work Wes! Looking good.
Eric
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Thanks Eric! Hopefully It will all be worth it. I can't wait to ride it. It's taking longer than planed. I'll need to start making my shear for the spokes next. Lots of stuff to still figure out and build.
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Pedals are nearly done\o/ I mainly need to polish things up a bit and decide how to finish them. I would love to try and Nickle plate them. We'll have to see? Here are a couple more pictures of where all the pieces go.
This first picture is of that D shaped hole that took so long. It turned out really nice, I think(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Smilies/headgear30-Copy.gif)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing023-1.jpg)
Here is everything assembled. They look great in Black and white.(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Smilies/headgear30-Copy.gif)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing024-1.jpg)
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They look good period!
Tho I do like black and white photos a lot.
Eric
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Wes..... Yes, they DO look great! :clap: :clap: :thumbup:
David D
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:jaw: :jaw: :jaw: :jaw: cracking job Wes :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
most impressed with the shaper action :med:
Rob
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Well I was going to hit the shear hot and heavy today. I had a bit of 4340 shaft that I am going to make my parts out of. I started cutting a couple slices off the end and my bandsaw went dull. GRRR... About a half hour after the store closes for the weekend. Guess It will have to wait till Monday.
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Hi Wes,
Bloody good show :clap:
My grandfather used to make bicycles, mostly modifications to old ones, such as steering backwards (turn the bars left and the wheel goes right...never could figure out where the gearing was as it was all inside a standard headstock!), pedalling forwards and the bike went backwards, eccentric wheels etc.
They were all built for fun and used to raise money for his local community that he worked very hard for...at 8o years old he used to cut wood for the 'old people' who were in their 60's! :lol:
It is fascinating to see how your work is carried out.
Good luck with the rest.
Andy
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I wanted to get the hubs finished up. Here is the rear hub. Today I mounted it in the arbor that I had made a while back. I used it in my lathe to machine the angles on the ends of the hub.(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Smilies/animals21.gif)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing031-1.jpg)
I then transferred the lot to my mill. I chucked it up in my dividing head and began drilling 20, 5-40 holes. I managed to do that without breaking a tap. Here you can see the angle that I drilled the holes too.(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Smilies/headgear0.gif)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing032-1.jpg)
While my mill is all out of whack, I'm going to drill the front hubs. Stay tuned(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Smilies/headgear30-Copy.gif)
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Man there are a lot of holes in a hub!!! It took quite a while to drill and tap all 60 holes.
Working the dividing head... A friend snuck some pictures while I wasn't looking.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing033-1.jpg)
I center drilled all the holes so the drill bit wouldn't wander.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing034-1.jpg)
All done\o/
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing035-1.jpg)
Next will be my little shear to start cutting spokes.
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How to lay out and drill the spoke holes has been bugging me. This 49" rim is kind of awkward to lay out and drill? So I have been working over in my head how to do this. I decided that I would need a jig to hold it. I started out with a floor flange and a piece of 1/2" pipe that is about 6" long. I chucked it in my lathe and faced the bottom off flat.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing036-1.jpg)
I then screwed that to a piece of scrap plywood that I had lying around.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing037-1.jpg)
I centered the rim on my jig and screwed it down with some wood clamps that I knocked together.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing038-1.jpg)
Here is a close up of my clamps.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing039-1.jpg)
I'll lay out the holes tomorrow.
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Im actually watching this with real interest, would be a great thing to own and ride... er.... can you? Ride it that is.... I'd love something like this.... keep it going... you have an audience! :clap: :coffee:
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I have never rode one. I hope it wont be long before I change that :D I'm glad that you are enjoying it.
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Wes.
I'm loving this build. So many problems being overcome, in so many different ways. :clap:
So much thinking outside the box..... :thumbup: ..... (My type of box, anyway!). ::)
Keep on, keeping on! :D
David D
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I've bin thinking hows he going to drill the rim :scratch: Now I know, great bit of work Wesly thanks for posting.
Stew
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I've bin thinking hows he going to drill the rim :scratch: Now I know, great bit of work Wesly thanks for posting.
Stew
You might know Stew....... :thumbup:
But, I've not worked that part out, yet! :scratch: ::)
David D
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Here are my pictures. I used a 6" dividing head to index a 48" rim\o/ It worked out really good.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing040-1.jpg)
Here are a couple of index marks. I used a silver sharpie to make the marks.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing041-1.jpg)
I've ran into a small problem. The thread that the Nipples are tapped to is an oddball. (I was told by the nipple man that I needed a 5-40 thread. His thread roll die head says 5-40 but the nipple is really loose on a cut thread that I made with a regular die.) So I'm going to have to send the spokes to a guy in California to roll thread the end that screws into the nipple. I'll thread the end that goes into the hub. Rolled threads are bigger than cut threads. It seams that wheel builders use their own standard. I couldn't even find a chard that explained spoke nipple thread sizes. Some times you can find a gauge reference, But never a thread per inch.
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I've bin thinking hows he going to drill the rim :scratch: Now I know, great bit of work Wesly thanks for posting.
Stew
You might know Stew....... :thumbup:
But, I've not worked that part out, yet! :scratch: ::)
David D
Yep that what I worked out :smart: :D
Nice going Wesly I'm sure you'll get the spoke thread sorted.
Stew
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Mmmmm Thinking outside of the box seems like an understatement :smart:
You really are finding some neat tricks in this thread. Nice one Wes :thumbup:
Ralph.
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:med: :med: :med: :med: :med: :med: :D
Rob
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Thanks Guys. Work was going to let a couple guys go in on Friday and Play. But something came up. I have to work on Friday now. I had planned on machining the crank arms then. It'll have to wait a couple weeks now I guess. I still have Plenty to do anyway. I'm planing on making the arms out of Aluminum so I can polish them up nice.
Wes
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Very Nice Wes!
Eric
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I decided to make my cranks a little differently. Yesterday I redrew them. When I get a chance I'll mill them out on the CNC at work. The scroll work will be engraved on the mill also. Here is a PDF showing how they will look.
Wes
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Nice looking cranks Wes.
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Today's the day\o/ I have some chunks of aluminum and some CNC time at work. Stay tuned.......
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(o: Yesterday I managed to get the major portion of my Cranks cut out. They still have some more work before they will be considered done.
I drilled and counter bored the end then machined a profile to make it look nice. I then started by drilling the pedal adjuster holes and axle hole.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing043-1.jpg)
I machined the blank to thickness and machined the scrolls on the face. I'm pretty excited how they turned out.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing044-1.jpg)
Then I had to make some plugs to center the crank on the jig that I made. Here is the lot bolted together.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing045-1.jpg)
That worked pretty good(o:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing046-1.jpg)
I still have a bit of metal to remove. The pedal end will be thinned and the body will be tapered to where the axle mounts. I'll then file a slight radius on all the corners and polish things up. The scroll will be stained black with a chemical that I have.
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That's nifty! I like. :beer:
Eric
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That is gorgeous
This build is great BTW
Gerhard
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Wes you are doing a wonderful job on this build. Thank you for sharing it with us. Is the tire round or does it have a V to fit on the rim? and how is it held on the rim? Tom
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Hi, I'm totally curious about where this project ended up!
Any chance of a quick post with some pics?
thanks,
j
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Earlier this year my wife had some more heart troubles. She is doing fine now but I've been trying to spend more time with her. That and we have been working 50+ hours a week at work and it is all I can do to keep up on the yard work and house.
I have just started to get back out to the shop in my free time. I have a tailstock turret that I'm going to set up to make nipples that I know will fit. I have to figure out a few things on it because I've never seen one run before. I still think about it a lot there just isn't enough hours in the day for me. Stay tuned though :wave:
~Wes~
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Hope your wife continues to fell better. I wondered where you disappeared to in the middle of several interesting projects. I know about heart issues myself.
Al
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Well, I have one nipple made\o/ only 79 left :ddb: I tried setting up the tailstock turret and had troubles. The tools that I have are broke up and not usable. I think it would be more work to make the stuff that I need to make the nipples than just turning them out one at a time. I'll post a few pictures later. I really want to ride this this summer.
~Wes~
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Things are working out pretty good. I am turning down the outside, beveling the shoulder, drilling the end for clearance, then drilling for a tap, and finally parting them off. I set up a carriage stop that has 6 positions. it is working out pretty good. They are taking about ten minutes per nipple to this point. I still have to profile the end and tap them.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing047-1.jpg)
I have 20 this far. 60 left\o/
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing048-1.jpg)
I'll see how far I can get tomorrow.
~Wes~
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Woot! I am so glad you are back making this Wes! This is one of the coolest things, I cannot wait for it to be finished.
Eric
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Thanks Eric. I really want to ride this this summer. I'm going to order some springs for the seat and the tires as soon as I have the cash. I really didn't want to make these nipples. I figure I'll have about 30 min. into each one. I need 80 of them. They are going pretty good. I'm going to see how many I can knock out tomorrow.
Later,
~Wes~
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Hi Wes great to se you're back on with this project and hope you're good wife is on the mend.
Look forward to the vid of you riding it :D
Stew
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Nice one Wes... Glad to see you back on this too :thumbup: Sometimes you just need to do other things. But glad you're back to it :)
80 of them little tiny doofors :jaw: I bet your head's mush!? :loco: :lol: I'd me proper nuts of I had to make so many identical parts.... I struggle with 2 identical parts!
Top job :clap:
Now, as Stew says "Look forward to the vid of you riding it :D"
That should be fun! Seen people riding these before.... you do realise you've got to get an old school suit made and wear a bowler hat, maybe even a deer stalker? Oooo.... Pedal pushers!!! :lol: :lol: They'd look great on you I bet :lol:
Ralph.
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Wes.
Very pleased to hear life is returning to normal, for You and Yours. :D
Long may it continue......... :thumbup:
David D
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I was a busy beaver today. I got 30 more turned out. I'm going to try and get the rest tomorrow.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing049-1.jpg)
Thanks for watching(o;
~Wes~
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I had to look up and see what a deerstalker hat was. They don't sell those around here. I'll also need some cycling knickers. I'll probably end up making them.
I have ten more turned\0/
~Wes~
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Wes,
Thought you might have spotted one when you were doing your research? :coffee:
Here's a guy that you're going to have to copy.... (http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/dividedhead/pennyfarthing.jpg)
:D
Deer stalker and Pedal pusher trousers.... Now how about a handlebar 'tash too? :lol:
Won't be long now and all you'll have to do is thread them all! :Doh:
Ralph.
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Still going good. I got 25 more turned out today. I only need 5 more\o/ I also started on the pattern for my seat. As soon as I get it drawn up I can cut it out. I'll post a couple more pictures later.
I thought about the handlebar "stach" Ralph. I don't think they look good with a full beard. I haven't shaved that off for 15 years or so.
~Wes~
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Well the beard will do fine Wes :thumbup: Plenty of pic's on an image search had guys with "beauties" as well :headbang:
(That's what we (being me and a few mates) call a good full cultivated beard :) )
This penny farthing is gonna be so very nice :clap:
Ralph.
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I had to take a short break from the nipples. I bent up a piece of 1/4" X 1" flat bar to make the step out of. This will allow me to climb up onto the thing. I got carried away and neglected in progress pictures. But it was pretty simple I just bent it and shaped it with a file. I'll be sure to post what I have after work tomorrow.
Maybe even a picture of my Beauty just for Ralph :Doh:
~Wes~
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Maybe even a picture of my Beauty just for Ralph :Doh:
:lol:
Build picks will be fine Wes..... Unless you want your 15 min's?
Ralph.
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I have seen a picture of Wes's beard... it is quite the sight :med:
Eric :thumbup:
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I have seen a picture of Wes's beard... it is quite the sight :med:
:lol:
Hope your not self conscious in any way Wes :thumbup:
Just ribbin ya :poke: So... When you going to shave it off next then? My goatee came off in November after 2 years... Looked funny for a few days :)
Every now and again you have to see what you look like underneath! (IMHO)
Now.... :offtopic: so....
How's the work progressing? :dremel:
Ralph.
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Works coming along nicely Ralph. Thanks for asking:o). I took a little break from the lathe and bent up a piece of 1/4" X 3/4" flat steel to make a step for my Penny. It was a little thick but it was all I had on hand. To lighten it up a little I changed the profile with a file.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing050.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing051.jpg)
I need to file some grips into the top still and come up with a plate to bolt it on but I like how it looks.
~Wes~
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That's a nice piece of bending and shaping, Wes!
But... File the grips on? Would it be easier to cut some with say .25 or .125 end mill?
Eric
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Just relax and watch.....
-
Just relax and watch.....
Yeah! :med:
:lol:
Looks good Wes. (gonna have to get me a MIG one day!) I'm now relaxing..... :coffee:
Ralph.
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Just relax and watch.....
OK Wes
I'm ready and waiting :) :) :)
:beer:
DaveH
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I managed to get most of the grips filed into the top of my step. I need to decide what to do on the end. Probably a ray filed into it? It still needs to be cleaned up some.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing052.jpg)
I have the metal for my handlebars. I was going to just make straight ones. But I never do things the easy way [:D] I'm going to use 3/4" shaft for the bars. I am building a jig that I can heat the bars and bend them into shape on. I don't know if the originals used shaft or tube?
Thanks for watching:o)
~Wes~
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I need to learn not to second guess you Wes.
Nicely done.
Eric
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Those who dance are considered insane by those who can't hear the music. -- George Carlin
Thanks Eric :beer:
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Welcome back! I see you're back on track. Good health to your lady for the New Year.
I gotta say, this thread is one of my inspirations that helped me justify getting myself a mill & lathe this fall. I've always wanted a penny farthing and metal is just so cool to work with. If you ever decide to start posting videos I'll be a loyal viewer...hint hint!
Anyhow, I'll be checking back here more than I check the news...who cares what Harper (I'm Canadian) or Obama or Santorum are up to...
Powder Keg for Prez!
ha ha.
j
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Very sweet file work Wes :bow: Looks far too good to put your foot on!
This is going to be the most bespoke (pimped up) farthing in the world! I like it! :headbang:
Maximum :proj:
You just take your time with this Wes.... As much as I can't wait to see the finished product. I like seeing the little bits being created and slowly imagining how good it's going to look :drool: :)
Looking forward to the next bit..... :nrocks:
Ralph.
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:bugeye: stunning bit of file work Wes :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
Rob
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Tonight I got the seat cut out. I had a picture that I used to make my pattern out of. It worked pretty good.
(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/pelletman/Saddle%20Patterns/ColumbiaThird-FourthKirkpatrick88-9.jpg)
I'll post pictures of my seat tomorrow.
~Wes~
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Here is a original seat. There is a "bulls-eye" stamp tooled around the edge of the leather. I'm going to make a custom stamp so my seat will look a little more authentic.
(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/pelletman/Saddles/IMG_1848.jpg)
You cant buy one like it.
~Wes~
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Here is the seat I cut out.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing053.jpg)
I didn't have a tool to cut the little line around the edge. So I went to the local saddle shop. The guy there was really nice. He cut the line for me.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing054.jpg)
I thought I might want a tan colored seat and he cut out one of those for me also. He needed a little dapping block made to help him round his rivets. I made him one of those and we traded\o/
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing055.jpg)
Now I have a choice as to what color I want:o)
Fun, fun, fun.....
~Wes~
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Nice trade, Wes.
I think the darker one would tone better with the tweed outfit and deerstalker hat, when you get them. Let's face it, you are going to arouse some curiosity as you pedal around, so you may as well go the whole hog. Then, you will only need one answer to the inevitable questions:
"I'm just here testing out my time machine"
Seriously though, it's a great project and I'm really looking forward to seeing your 1 and 1/4d finished and in action.
Andy
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The springs for my seat arrived today. I'll get a picture posted in a bit. I also have the tires ordered. I wanted them here so I could measure for the front forks. That and the ride will be smoother:o)
I need to get back on those nipples. I'm taking it easy with the wife today though.
Later,
~Wes~
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I need to get back on those nipples. I'm taking it easy with the wife today though.
:bugeye: :lol: :lol:
I dunno... Sometimes I think you do it on purpose?
Ralph.
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Glad to see I'm not the only one with a dirty mind.
-
Hmmmm.......... :palm:
David D
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Head Design...
I am torn a little. I can't decide now if I want an open head bike or a closed head bike. I like the mechanical look of the open head bikes. And had started in that direction. But at the same time the closed head designs are cleaner and maybe more elegant looking. That is why I have been leaning to the closed head design. There might be less maintenance with a closed head also? Right now I think ether way would be the same amount of work also. Are there any opinions on this? I'll post a couple pictures so you can see what I'm talking about.
Thanks,
~Wes~
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Here is an open head bike.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Head%20design/Niceopenhead.jpg)
And a closed head bike.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Head%20design/wheelmen075.jpg)
I think I could do a nice job on a closed head bike. Fancy lathe work and all :med:
~Wes~
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I've been a little busy today. I remembered a hoop that I didn't use on my sidecar. After a little searching I found it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing056.jpg)
I cut out a piece with a thin cut on a hand grinder.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing057.jpg)
It has some more shaping to be done. I'm going to round the end over a bit and a mount needs to be welded in the center. My seat is coming together nicely!!!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing058.jpg)
There sure a lot of parts on one of these.
Later,
~Wes~
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My opinion would be the closed head style...
Agreed about the opportunity to do a little fancy lathe work :dremel: plus I really like the brake :headbang:
Saddle looks like it's taking shape too :thumbup:
Ralph.
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I've chatted with a couple fellows in the "know" and they say that the closed head designs are stronger. So I'll be going with that style. It's getting a spoon break. I found a nice design that I like. It has a nice handle on it. It will also have nice looking pivot fittings made for the break.
A friend of mine donated a set of grips for my bike. They are a set of Reproduction grips copied off a set of original Pear grips. The black ones in this picture. I am very excited about them:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Grips00145incheslong.jpg)
Looks like I need to get my butt in gear. I still have lots so do on this.
~Wes~
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Comming along great Wesley.
I may have missed this but how/what are you going to use for tyers :scratch:
Stew
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The tires are made especially for these Penny Farthings by a place in California. The ones I'm getting are 1" OD and red:o) There is a 3/16" hole through the center that a 1/8" steel wire is passed through. I'll have to make a tire installation tool before I can mount them on the rim.
I'm going to redraw the head for my bike in the next day or so. That way I can get started on it.
~Wes~
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There's a nice video on this page http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~gsimpson/supplies.html showing how to make and fit solid tyres. It only takes the guy five minutes, though his brazing technique is a bit iffy.
Andy
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I've chatted with Graeme about his tire tool. He sent me a few pictures and dimensions. I think I can improve on the couple designs that are out there. Thanks for that link.
~Wes~
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I only have 4-5 more nipples to make and I'll be ready to start tapping them\o/ I'm making 4-5 extra just in case.
I started drawing up the fork. I think this closed head design will look/work better. Plus I can make it a little fancier :ddb: :ddb: :ddb: I need the front fork to build the front wheel. I'll be using it as a truing jig.
~Wes~
-
I have the first operation on the nipples done. All 85 of them. I'll grind a little tool to shape the head and start taping them next.
A friend sent me drawings for the seat front clip and the bolt that holds the seat to the back spring. I'll be able to start on them here pretty quick. The drawing he had for the bolt was a hand sketch. I drew it up in CAD for him. He was excited about it:o)
I've made a little more progress on my head drawings. I need to change things a little. But I think it will look pretty nice. I was able to round up a little scrap to make the head out of also. It's a challenge to make machined parts that are welded together look.... Pretty. So things are progressing.
Later,
~Wes~
-
....... It's a challenge to make machined parts that are welded together look.... Pretty. ...
However its done I'm sure it'll look great - but as for welded appearance I think Rob Wilson is a great example to us!
EDIT - what I meant was the appearance of Rob's work - not Rob's own appearance :lol:
Dave
-
I found a place kind of close that does Nickle plating :ddb: :ddb: :ddb: :ddb: :ddb:
-
Were not working tomorrow\o/
The Boss did say that it would be OK for me to come in and play on the machines though. I'll be cutting out the bracket for the back seat spring and the front seat hook on the CNC mill. Can't wait.... :drool:
~Wes~
-
Always nice to have a bit of unexpected free time :thumbup: Even better when you have something fun to fill it with :dremel:
Just a simple question Wes, What era is the bike based on? you know 1890's 1920's etc? Just wondering? Figure you're going to have to have the right dress code etc for the bike style? I'm assuming they changed a lot from conception to retirement?
You may have said this already and I missed it?
Have fun making the new bits :ddb:
Ralph.
-
They were popular from the 1870's clear through the 1990's. The earlier bicycle was ether a board with wheels or had front wheel drive. Around 1869 wheels with adjustable metal spokes were invented. Bicycles went from a wood wheel to a steel and rubber wheel. To gain speed, inverters made the wheel bigger so more distance could be traveled per peddle push. They went this way because bicycle chain hadn't been invented yet. There is a lot of history Here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penny-farthing)
There is a pretty neat story about a bike bought by Paul Niquette. It is probably the biggest High wheel made with a 64" front wheel. Here is the Story (http://niquette.com/bicycle-pavilion/big-bike.htm)
Later,
~Wes~
-
I had read some stuff on them and knew there was a wide range of dates. Just wondered if you had seen a certain version and decided "that one"?
The 1873 Coventry high wheel definitely a "Penny Farthing" (and not meant as a horrible nick name at all) to most Brits I'm sure.
That one has the handle bar ends like the ones you picture from your friend. The brake mechanism sounds cool... BTW Coventry.... My home town :ddb:
Read the story... Interesting character the farmer. I like his morals on the gazumping bidders :thumbup:
The "you tipped your cap" story was quite humorous too :)
How did your extra fab' time in work go?
Ralph.
-
I'm happy with what I machined today. I started on the hook for the front of the seat. I still have to bend it into a hook. Hopefully that wont be too much trouble.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing059.jpg)
I then drew up what I thought a seat spring mount would look like. I even managed to get it cut out. This would have been tricky on a manual mill.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing060.jpg)
Here is a close up of the mount. I'll saw it off the chunk tomorrow.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing061.jpg)
Thanks for watching,
~Wes~
-
That's a dandy hunk of brass there Wes! It is looking smooth!
Eric
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Thanks Eric:o) That chunk of Brass has been in the bottom of my scrap box for nearly ten years waiting for a special project.
~Wes~
-
I love the look of machined brass!
-
Hey Ralph, I had originally started copying an early Rudge High wheel. I liked the way the brass hubs looked with the radial spokes. I think the date on that bike was around 1875 or so. They are from Coventry also:o) After that I'm just fitting things together in a way that pleases me. The front axle is way fancier than any I have seen. The cranks will be nice to look at. I dressed up the step a tad. A friend is helping me along the way. He is the fellow that I got the seat springs from. He makes Re-pro seats for the Columbia experts. I could have bought the rest of the seat stuff but I like mine better. I need to nail down the head design I'm going to use. I'm trying to make everything "look right". And be build-able. I would like some lighter forks. But tapered oval tubing would be tough for me to make. I've found a couple forks that look like they were made out of flat bar that were lightened like I did my step. I'm tossing that idea around. I'm just trying to get it to look right in my head before I start cutting metal.
I spend a lot of time designing this in my head:o)
~Wes~
-
Here is one that I like. 1885 Rudge (http://d-rudge-1885.british-ordinary-bicycles.ordinary-bicycles.antique-bicycles.net/) It has the nice Brass hubs.
~Wes~
-
Cheers Wes. Nice to see where the inspiration came from :beer:
After that I'm just fitting things together in a way that pleases me.
Is right!
That's the point isn't it? Having all the talent and style to create and bring a new version based on the original into being :dremel:
You have in essence the same philosophy as me.... Take the important elements and craft your own ideas around them :thumbup: I've never been able to follow a plan rigidly yet!
I can see why the head design will be quite important style wise due to it's relevant height (many persons eye level). Much thought and mental machining are a very wise option IMHO.
Oddly enough I was sitting in my workshop for a good hour or so yesterday just machining in my head.... I must have made a part (top secwet at the mo') 20 or 30 times in my mind before I even went looking for the stock.
(personal preference, listening to good music to aid the brains creative flow.... All very Zen! :med:)
You're moving along at a good pace as far as I can tell..... No rush. Just get it done soon so we can see it all together :poke: :lol:
Ralph.
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To keep this project moving I'm trying to do something every day on my Penny. With work and life sometimes it isn't much. But I try to do at least one thing. That way I'm one step closer to getting it done. Today I cut the spring mount off that chunk of brass. I'm going to set up my little lathe next and start threading those nipples.
~Wes~
-
I wish I had that drive sometimes.... I usually do nothing for weeks then spend days in the workshop! :loco:
Well, it's looking great so far.... If you keep up as you are it'll be done in no time at all :thumbup:
Ralph.
-
I ran across a really neat leather under seat tool bag that should be pretty easy to make. A bike needs a tool kit right:o) I'll have to go back to the saddle shop and see If I can get another scrap of leather\o/.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Ideas/Seatbagidea.jpg)
I think one similar would look right at home on my Penny.
~Wes~
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Wes, I don't suppose bowls (not ten-pin, but on grass with bowls about 5" diameter) is a pastime in the US, but if it is you could look out for one of these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-leather-bowls-bag-teach-yourself-bowls-book-James-Taylor-/160721741153?pt=UK_SportingGoods_Bowling_ET&hash=item256bc32561
Andy
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Never heard of it. That is a nice bag though, but It is a little big I think. It will need to fit inside the spring. About 3.5 inches in diameter should be about right. But I need to have a bike to put it on first:o)
~Wes~
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I am working on the seat a little now. I notched the end of the tube. Just a couple cuts to let the metal move into place.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing062.jpg)
I then used a small Ball pien hammer and gently massaged the metal over a pin. It doesn't take much. I think a bunch of small taps are better than a few big ones.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing063.jpg)
I then welded it all up.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing064.jpg)
I'll smooth it up with a grinder and then I need to make the mount piece that will get welded into the middle. I wish my mill was working:o(
~Wes~
-
I got the brass cut off and the welds on my cantle all cleaned up. I'll try and get the center part of the cantle cut out at lunch time at work tomorrow. I can weld it on and the cantle will be about done. Then A bolt and I'll be a few steps closer\o/
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing065.jpg)
Thanks for watching,
~~Wes~~
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I'm intrigued about the fixing of this ass'y to the frame and also the saddle to the "cantle" (never heard that one before!)
This is a very informative thread :thumbup:
What's up with your mill Wes? :(
Ralph.
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Here is what the seat will look like on the bike Ralph.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Ideas/Columbia3rdPatternKirkpatrick.jpg)
On the mill. I added a 6" extension to it when I got it. Now you have to lift the table higher. Sometimes I would raise it a little too high and it would travel up off the nut. This damaged the nut a little. To fix it I'm getting a new nut and a longer threaded rod that lifts the table.
~Wes~
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Ahh, I see. On both counts :thumbup:
I'll just wait to see how it all turns out, I was wondering where the shape from the seat front came in. I'm pretty much there now :)
Horrible when your tools go wrong ain't it..... Drives you mad cause you always want to use it most at the time it fails :doh:
Suppose there's a thread (no pun intended) somewhere else that I've missed on the mill repair?
Ralph.
-
I've been messing around with the drawings for the head and forks for my Penny. I think I've come up with a plan. And it might even look good when I get done? I'll need the CNC at work to pull it off. My Boss said I might be able to go in again on Friday. We'll see...
~Wes~
-
Well, I don't have any excuses now. My tires showed up today. I think that is the last part I had to buy to finish this. Now I just need to finish crankin out parts. Headed out to the shop:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Pennyfarthing066.jpg)
~Wes~
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PINK????
Andy
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Ha! Those are Red my friend:o) I think someone needs to adjust their monitor.
-
I have been looking at fork designs. I came across a set made by a company called Hillmen Herbert Cooper. They had a model that had double hollow forks. I kind of like them. I think they also should be easy enough to make, fancy:o) Here is a link. H.H.C. (http://hhc-dhf-a.hillman-herbert-and-cooper.british-ordinary-bicycles.ordinary-bicycles.antique-bicycles.net/) And some more Double hollow Fork (http://oldspokeshome.com/dhf-premier-hillman-herbert-cooper-1883) They should also be a little lighter, making it easier to peddle\o/
Stay tuned.....
~Wes~
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Those forks look good, Wes. Earlier on, I wondered how you would go about making forks which looked elegant when you said:
I need to nail down the head design I'm going to use. I'm trying to make everything "look right". And be build-able. I would like some lighter forks. But tapered oval tubing would be tough for me to make.
Even if made with straight rather than tapered tube, double forks would give the impression of a taper, and the smaller diameter tube would fit well with the slender outline of a penny farthing.
Andy
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I stayed up late last night and drew up my new forks. After work today I machined these pieces out. They are the top and bottom bracket for my forks. Hopefully I got everything right:o) I'll know more when my tubing shows up. The holes for the tubing are not round. This will let the tube rest in each hole at an angle. This way I didn't have to drill angled holes. The little gap left will be filled in when I braze the parts together.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing067.jpg)
I used a feature in Mastercam called Tabs. They hold the part as it's being cut out. Now I can just nick them with a grinder and file the tabs off.
~Wes~
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A good friend of mine used to say "There is more than one way to skin a cat. But sometimes it's nice to save the skin" :o)
I've been silently looking around on the internet for tire tools to mount my new tires when the time comes. There several ways they are mounted. The fellow I bought the tires from stretches the wire, with a come-along, then gives the wheel a twist. This locks the stretched wire/tire onto the rim. The twisted wire joint is clipped and pinched together then the tire is bumped together. You can see it here. http://http://www.hiwheel.com/tire_install.htm
Another way is to stretch the wire/tire onto the rim. There are several style stretchers out there.
Some use a threaded rod.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Tire%20tools/Biketiretool.jpg)
Some use a gearbox that twist some pins. The wire is wrapped around the pins stretching the wire.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Tire%20tools/MVC-009S.jpg)
There is the one where the tire wire is wound around a bolt to be stretched.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Tire%20tools/horlicktiretooluse4.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Tire%20tools/1horlicktiretoolfirstversion.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Tire%20tools/0horlicktool2.jpg)
These use some type of clamp to hold the tire apart and clamp the wire tight at the same time. That way the wire can be Silver soldered/brazed together and not melt the rubber.
Like this.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Tire%20tools/MVC-006S.jpg)
There are Even a couple Videos on the subject.
Thanks Dave!!!
Thanks Graeme!!!
&feature=related
Recently a fellow (Walter:o) told me about a third tool. This is a homemade affair. It is nice and simple. Just a piece of all thread, some nuts welded together, and a couple Sockets. With his tool to stretch the tire/wire around the rim. Then you back the stretcher off counting the number of turns. Then pull the wire/tire off the rim and wind up the tool again plus 2 turns. Clip the wire, Silver solder it together, let everything cool and then pull the clamp off the wire. Then just roll the tire onto the rim. Here is his description of the use of his tool.
This is the end that spins on the all thread ,. any variation of this idea will work ,, usually i would have a pair of vice grips on this end , and they will keep it from spinning while the all thread is moving,
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Tire%20tools/MVC-003S.jpg)
This is the smart end ,i would mount the nut into a vice -that keeps the end secure and makes the work easier
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Tire%20tools/MVC-001S.jpg)
This tool i use to roll the tire and to adjust the grain of the rubber , sometimes when you roll it on you can see the rubber grain is wavy , this helps correct that situation ,also one of the tricks to rolling on the tire is before you are rolling the final section, if you twist the rubber in the opposite direction ,and then roll it over the rim ,it should line up nice ,,
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/Tire%20tools/MVC-008S.jpg)
This method the wire has less tension while it is being soldered. I kind of like that idea.
Every one I've read about is "The Best way" But they all seem to work fine. I'll have to decide for myself.
Thanks,
~Wes~
-
I started on part of the steering head. This threaded lug will get welded into the top bracket. It sticks out the top so I wanted it to look nice. I drilled and taped my scrap/material.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing068.jpg)
I then roughed out the profiles. This gives me a basic idea where the features will rest.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing069.jpg)
Then a little filing and sanding. I file until the lines flow nice then sand things smooth.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing070.jpg)
I probably have 40 min. into this part so far.
more soon:o)
~Wes~
-
.... and I thought changing a bike tire with two screwdrivers was a pain ....
It's been an interesting history lesson, for sure...
-
I am constantly amazed at what I learn as I read this thread. Those tires are interesting!
Your eye for the flair is outstanding Wes. I like the start of the steering head.
Eric
-
I was puzzled about that wire now I know
Thanks for explaining Wes
Stew
-
My plan is starting to come together and become clearer to me :med: Sometimes when I start a project It starts as an idea and a lot of the details are a little fuzzy :smart: I'll start to gather stuff up that I think might work, but wont necessarily be used in the final product. Like my forks. I spent an afternoon cleaning and cutting out the ones I had planned. They looked good in my head, but in real life I wasn't happy with them :Doh: It was going to take a ton more work to clean them up and have them look nice. My tubing showed up today\o/ This stuff will make a light weight fork. It will look nice and should be pretty strong.
-
I got my mill back together today. While the locktite was drying I started monkeying around with the jamb nut and acorn nut that lock the steering head in place. I'll post pictures of my progress in the morning. I was bad about not taking any pictures today.
~Wes~
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...They looked good in my head, but in real life I wasn't happy with them ...
Yup. I know that feeling all too well. :beer: Happens to me more often than not. But you bike is turning out pretty nice. Much nicer than I could produce. :thumbup:
Eric
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I made a arbor to thread the nut onto while I turn the top of the nut. The nut was shaped mainly with files like the top of the steering head.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing071.jpg)
Then I milled flats in it. I did 8 to make it look different.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing072.jpg)
I'll be making the tension bolt next. and maybe some really fancy stuff for the lug that the handlebars thread into. We'll have to see how I feel. And if I can work it out in my head.
~Wes~
-
Wes,
Beautiful work Wes. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :clap: :clap: :clap:
:beer:
DaveH
-
Wes;
It has taken me some time to catch up with all that is being bone on this Forum. I wish I had started here with this thread. This absolutely awesome.
"Billy G"
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Thanks for the compliments!
Still coming up with Ideas. Which in this case is a good thing:o) I didn't really like my design for the rear forks. I think I can make most of the parts on my whirl-er. I think I have a neat idea for the rear forks. I have a couple sketches. I'll draw it up and get some dimensions and start making chips:o)
Stay tuned......
-
I'm making chips. Not much to take pictures of. Just turning, drilling, and tapping:o)
~Wes~
-
I got a great start on the lug that the handlebars will thread into. This is an important piece its out in the open and a focal point I think. Here are a couple pictures of the start.
I drilled and taped the part then rough turned the profile.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing073.jpg)
The outside is mostly shaped with a file. It takes a little while to do this, But it's not bad. I kind of like doing it. You can see all the filings on the paper in the background.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing074.jpg)
Stay tuned for the finished piece:o)
~Wes~
-
Nice shape....
Stay tuned for the finished piece:o)
OK :coffee:
Ralph.
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Sorry for the delay. I got a little lazy and didn't get everything I had planed done. But I'm getting there. I want to take a nice picture of what I have out in the sun and it's snowing:o( And dark now:o( Soon though Ralph:o)
~Wes~
-
:poke:
:thumbup:
-
I've been pecking away at this. I made a thread gauge tonight so I can thread the outboard end of my handlebars. Little by little:o)
~Wes~
-
Well I finally had some quality shop time. I drilled and tapped a piece of shaft to use as a gauge to check the threads that my grips will thread onto.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing075.jpg)
After that I could assemble the handlebars\o/ Here is the center lug that I made along with the bronze jamb nuts.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing076.jpg)
A friend gave me a set of reproduction grips. (Thanks so much Walter!!!) Here they are threaded onto the handlebar.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing077.jpg)
Here is the whole lot all together.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing078.jpg)
I made 2 sets of handlebars. I'm going to try and bend up a set of mustache bars but I'll be using these straight ones also.
I'm going to try and get some more work done today\o/
~Wes~
-
Great work as always Wes :thumbup:
I'm trying to figure out how these mount to the (not sure of the official word?) head/turret... I'm sure I'll see soon enough but ad always I want to see it all now! :poke: :D
Got my first evening in my workshop for a month last night. Didn't really get much done for 4 hours.... But it's fun to have the time in there, where do you find this elusive "quality time"? Need to get me some of that! :dremel:
looking forward to the next instalment :ddb:
Ralph.
-
The center lug will get a flat milled into it and it will be welded to the top bracket for the front forks. Let me mock up a picture:o)
-
This will be about what things look like. I need to weld the pieces together now.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing079.jpg)
Here is a front view.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing080.jpg)
I'm turning the piece that will become the crown for the back forks now.
~Wes~
-
I got a good start on the piece that will be the crown of the back forks. This piece will be cut in half and be cleaned up on the mill. There will be pockets that the tubes will fit into to help locate and stabilize them. I'll first finish cleaning the piece up with files and emery paper.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing081.jpg)
Later,
~Wes~
-
Cheers for the pic's Wes :thumbup:
:worthless: Well.... it would be!
I get it now. Usually takes a while :)
Ralph.
-
I got the crown piece turned.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing083.jpg)
I roughed the ends with a radius tool then filed and scraped it to shape. Checking it with a radius gauge along the way.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing082.jpg)
After it was too my liking I cut it in half :Doh:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing084.jpg)
This is what I was after. I'll set it up in the mill and touch up my angles then mill a couple pockets to hold the fork tubes.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing085.jpg)
Getting closer\o/
~Wes~
-
That is gonna look nice...
-
That is gonna look nice...
I love how all the component shapes and curves seem so natural, correct. (http://freesmileyface.net/smiley/respect/respect-061.gif) (http://freesmileyface.net/free-respect-smileys.html)
You've got a really good eye, Wes! :thumbup:
David D
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Nice work Wes :thumbup: :clap:
:beer:
DaveH
-
You've got a really good eye, Wes! :thumbup:
or hopefully two! :)
True though :thumbup:
Looking very sweet.... This is really going to be something special :borg: :clap:
:nrocks:
Ralph.
-
Looking great. Some awesome workmanship and I am learning a few things. Keep it up. Soon you will be as happy as this fellow and his penny farthing.
Yours should be a bit easier to operate though.
-
I've been monkeying around with a jig to bend a set of mustache bars for my bike. I'm going to try and bend them tomorrow morning. I'll take a couple pictures.
~Wes~
-
Well, My jig worked better that I thought it would\o/ I'm pretty excited that they turned out great!!!
Here is the jig that I made. I bent the first part of the bars at about 45 degrees. Then clamped it in the jig.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing086.jpg)
It's pretty hard to take pictures of hot stuff when you are by yourself.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing087.jpg)
I made a cheater bar that worked perfect! You can just see it here. It slid over the threaded handlebar and protected the threads.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing088.jpg)
I drew some lines on the jig to bend everything to. I even got pretty close to it\o/ This was a tough bend. I missed my measurements just a tad on the first bend and this one ended up short. I had to kind of stretch the metal a little behind the pin I was bending around. I did this by focusing the heat behind the pin.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing089.jpg)
Here is one half cooling off.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing090.jpg)
A set of mustache bars. Oh Yeah!!! Now were cooking:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing091.jpg)
I hope you enjoyed the show today:o)
~Wes~
-
I have had a little experience with that type of thing at work. All I can say is that you did an outstanding job with the bends. The things I have worked with have not been for show so I did not have to take such care but I know enough to realize how good of job you have done. Definitely quality work there. Waiting for the video of you riding that thing.
-
Awesome!!!!
Eric
-
Fabulous stuff Wes :thumbup: :clap: :bow:
:beer:
DaveH
-
How cool are they!? :clap:
Definitely getting through the jobs :dremel:
Very nice work Wes :headbang:
Ralph.
-
I'm really wanting to get this done so I've been plugging away at it. I've been trying to do something on it every day. I still have a lot to get done.
Here is a video to keep me motivated.
~Wes~
-
Cracking job with the bars Wesley :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
Stew
-
I love this thread :)
Nick
-
Legs over the handle bars.... REALLY!!!!! :jaw: That bloke's a nutta!! :loco:
Seriously, how fast was that moving?!
Wes,
on inspection of that film I'm thinking it's a good job you can make spares! That all looks a little tricky!
Possibly a good idea to wear a full American football (or just football to you guys) outfit for the training too? Long way down! :bugeye:
So very looking forward to the training vid's you're going to have to make :poke: :)
Ralph.
-
You put your legs over the bars so your legs don't get caught/tangled up in the spokes/pedals. Its safer that way than trying to use the brakes and doing a header. Don't worry though. No hills around here that I'll be going down.
You can read the description at the bottom of this video. This is Joff Summerfield. He rode this bike around the world :headbang: There are a few more videos of him if you look around. He lives in London.
Later,
~Wes~
-
Wes,
Enjoy all of your shows. :thumbup:
Bernd
-
:bang: Does seem a long way to fall :bang: So I can't see me riding one :lol:
:beer:
DaveH
-
I'm headed out to the shop. I think I'm going to monkey around with the flat steering head pieces. I think they need a little lathe work. I never finished that part of the drawing but I think I can wing it.
~Wes~
-
HI and wot a good job you are dowing the only thing is i wont a go on it :) :)
-
Does seem a long way to fall So I can't see me riding one
I thought the same thing.
-
Well I went out to my shop today and started. But the weather was sooooo nice I couldn't stand to be in the shop. I've been riding my mt.bike to work and back every day. Trying to get in shape to ride the Penny\o/ I have an old cruiser bike that I've been wanting to make into a weird street cruiser muscle bike thing like they had in the 70's. It mainly needed cleaned up and painted and serviced. A friend is building the wheels for it for me. It will have a Sturmy Archer 2 speed kickback rear hub. Today I stripped the paint off it. I'll order crank bearings and a new chain this week and it should be back on the road as soon as my wheels are done. I'll maybe post a quick picture then?
~Wes~
-
Well I went out to my shop today and started. But the weather was sooooo nice I couldn't stand to be in the shop. I've been riding my mt.bike to work and back every day. Trying to get in shape to ride the Penny\o/ I have an old cruiser bike that I've been wanting to make into a weird street cruiser muscle bike thing like they had in the 70's. It mainly needed cleaned up and painted and serviced. A friend is building the wheels for it for me. It will have a Sturmy Archer 2 speed kickback rear hub. Today I stripped the paint off it. I'll order crank bearings and a new chain this week and it should be back on the road as soon as my wheels are done. I'll maybe post a quick picture then?
~Wes~
I like cruisers and am looking forward to seeing a photo of yours.
Ive got a Dyno Glide with 17" apehanger handlebars - I milled out an old BMX stem to take the larger 1" bar. Wherever I go it always gets looks. Hot off the press -
(http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s95/freewheeler1968/Dyno%20Glide/apes003.jpg)
Also have another frame and front wheel, in the same style, havent decided what to do with it yet though.
Nick
-
...
Also have another frame and front wheel, in the same style, havent decided what to do with it yet though.
Nick
Start a build thread and throw a small engine (or electric if that does it for you) in it. :ddb: :ddb:
That would be very cool...
-
More progress :headbang:
Trying to make the steering head more interesting too look at. I made a mandrel and thinned the plates I'm using for the steering head. I just thinned the sides though. The middle is still the original thickness.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing092.jpg)
Here are the final results.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing093.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing094.jpg)
Getting closer\o/ I'm running out of parts to work on:o)
Later,
~Wes~
-
I'm still poking away at this :poke:
Today I milled some locators on the steering head pieces that will later be welded together.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing095.jpg)
The handlebar lug got a flat also.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing096.jpg)
The pieces go together like a puzzle:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing097.jpg)
I'll be able to weld the pieces together now and keep them straight\o/
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing098.jpg)
I'll try and get that done in the next couple days:o)
~Wes~
-
I spent some of today finalizing the drawings for the forks. Both front and rear. I'll try and machine the fork ends tomorrow. I'm slowly running out of parts to make for this:o)
~Wes~
-
Yesterday I worked on my drawings a little. Some of the pieces started in my head and I drew them up a little later on the computer, to figure out angles and hole locations. It's an odd way to go about it but its the way my brain works:o)
Earlier I had started on the rear fork crown. It needed the fork angles milled into it and some short pilots to locate the fork tubes while it's being brazed together. The angle ended up being 8% so I set my angle head with a level in it at 8% and clamped it in my milling machines vise.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing099.jpg)
I like pictures with chips in them:o) It seems like a lot of guys go to a lot of trouble to clean up everything before the picture is taken? This is machining and it is messy sometimes. At work running the bigger stuff chips go everywhere. Here are the holes to locate the fork tubes.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing100.jpg)
I then set the angle finder to 16% and leveled up the side I just milled. Flattened everything and poked a couple more holes in the end and this piece is done.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing101.jpg)
It might need a locator milled into the top so I can weld the frame stem in straight and centered?
Next, Fork ends\o/
~Wes~
-
Chips in the pictures are a good thing...
:nrocks:
-
Swarf is good....... :thumbup:
This whole project is awesome! :bugeye:
David D
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I found a piece of metal to make the fork ends out of. It was a scrap left over from the head pieces. I sawed out what I needed.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing102.jpg)
I then started squaring up my block.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing103.jpg)
Once the rough side was cleaned up I flipped it and milled it to length. This piece had a factory edge and it had too big of a radius for what I needed.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing104.jpg)
I then milled the ends square and cut it in half.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing105.jpg)
While the piece's were still big I decided to drill the holes I needed. This is the axle hole.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing106.jpg)
I then had to set the part up in an angle vise to mill the holes that the fork tubes fit into.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing107.jpg)
Here is where I'm at. I still need to whittle a bit more metal off the fork ends.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing108.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing109.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing110.jpg)
I'm pretty excited how these forks are looking. This whole project is a lot of fun for me to work on and think about. I've posted over a hundred pictures now and probably taken 400. Maybe I'll finish this thing after all:o)
~Wes~
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It looks very cool.
You better finish!
Eric
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Wes:
Fabulous craftsmanship, stunningly machined, and beautiful art - and swarf! - all in one post!
:bow: :bow: :bow:
The word "awesome" is over-used, especially in America, but it is definitely the only word that fits the bill right now.
Can't wait to see the finished bike!
-
Hi Wes,
nice work.
what are the specs on that tubing for the rear fork?
-
looking very good Wes :thumbup:
As many have pretty much said, this is a hell of a project and is very enthralling :proj: :coffee:
Don't know about the rest of you? But I'm putting all these pieces together in my head and trying to envision the final picture (can't help it) :med:
Looking forward to the next part.
Ralph.
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Pepe, The tube is 4340 chrome molly. It has about a .04" wall thickness. I think it's a little thin but a bike builder friend says that it's plenty:o)
Tonight I started shaping the rear fork ends. I still need to go at them with a ball endmill but they are looking pretty good.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing011-2.jpg)
More tomorrow:o)
~Wes~
-
The rear fork ends are nearly done. I just need to shape them a little more. I made a couple buttons that I'll use as a guide to file them down to. They are the fat washers bolted to the ends.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing112.jpg)
~Wes~
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Love those chips...although they don't look like chips I make. Possibly a function of knowing what you're doing and a bigger mill. What alloy/steel are you using for most of your bits that you're making? I'm just getting going, myself, so I'm looking to learn a bit from this thread. I will be making my own penny sometime soon...but for the time being I'm on the basics.
What thread did you settle on for the front spokes?
feedback on your photos...very nice...and most have either a ruler or some other object of known size which allows us to get an idea of dimensions...which will be handy in the future.
thanks, and carry on!
-
I'm working on my Penny still:o) These are the rear fork ends. I made some filing buttons and bolted them to the end. I then used my bench grinder and ground the corners off leaving them a little proud. Then using a couple files I removed metal flush to the buttons. I think they turned out pretty good:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing113.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing114.jpg)
I hit them with a wire wheel on my bench grinder to even o8ut the surface finish a bit.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing115.jpg)
~Wes~
-
Turned out nice Wes :thumbup: :clap:
:beer:
DaveH
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I got home from work today and there was a envelope from "Jolly old England" waiting for me. It came by Royal air mail. "Must be important" I says to myself:o) It was a little heavy, so I was thinking, it must be expensive also? There was a great picture waiting inside :clap:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyRiderA.jpg)
And a note from Ralph\o/
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyRiderB.jpg)
This picture has me thinking that I made something wrong? The seat is mounted different on this fine example.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyRiderSeat.jpg)
No worries though. It's probably a different brand of seat. My spring isn't nearly that wide as the one in the picture. I'll check into it though. Maybe they stripped the bike down for a race? The brakes are gone also :med:
Thank you very much Ralph! This means a lot to me:o)
~Wes~
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Very cool Ralph, very cool!
Eric
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Glad it got there Wes :beer:
Hope it confused you for a few moments? Happy you like them.... Saw the card, the mind stirred and the ball started rolling, remember when I asked about approx dates? I wanted them to be about right :)
Wasn't expecting you to post it though... My Mother is still appauled at my handwriting :bugeye: Oh the shame of it.... Where's the red faced smiley?! :lol:
Ralph.
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What a wonderful, thoughtful gesture, Ralph! :bugeye:
Well done! :clap: :clap: :thumbup:
David D
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I got home from work today and there was a envelope from "Jolly old England" waiting for me. It came by Royal air mail. "Must be important" I says to myself:o) It was a little heavy, so I was thinking, it must be expensive also? There was a great picture waiting inside :clap:
And a note from Ralph\o/
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyRiderB.jpg)
This picture has me thinking that I made something wrong? The seat is mounted different on this fine example.
No worries though. It's probably a different brand of seat. My spring isn't nearly that wide as the one in the picture. I'll check into it though. Maybe they stripped the bike down for a race? The brakes are gone also :med:
Thank you very much Ralph! This means a lot to me:o)
~Wes~
Wow! that takes me back, I remember going decimal in '71, nineteen at the time, farthings were already already out of use when I was a kid, but I can remember having a couple at home. They seemed smaller than that! Those pennies were huge, made great holes in your pockets!
Regards, Matthew
-
I worked on my Penny some today. I'm building a jig to hold the forks in place while I braze things together. I should have enough to show tomorrow. I have most of the pieces ready to weld together. But I still have to figure out a few things:o)
~Wes~
-
I spent the day monkeying around with my Penny Farthing parts. I've been working on a jig that will hold the front and rear forks while I'm brazing them together. I decided that I needed to finish a couple more bike parts before I could come up with a good jig. The bearing housing for the front wheel needed touched up a little. When I welded them I got them slightly crooked.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing116.jpg)
I then squared up a couple of blocks to make the front fork ends out of. Here is a rough cut out of the center.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing117.jpg)
Fine tuning the fit. The fork ends are a gentle tap onto the bearing housings.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing118.jpg)
I now need to drill them for a bolt and mill the angled pilot holes like I did on the rear fork ends.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing119.jpg)
More soon:o)
~Wes~
-
I just finished the front fork ends for my Penny Farthing. I think I'll start finishing up the parts for the front wheel. I need to cut a few keyways and do some final fitting. I want to make sure everything is done before I start lacing the wheel. It would suck to have to take it apart to finish something I missed. No pictures. They are nearly the same as the back fork ends.
~Wes~
-
The suspense is killing me.
I check this thread more than the news.
-
I'll try and update more\o/
The last thing before I weld up the top of the steering hed is to cut a champher so I can lay in a good weld. luckily I had a big counter sink:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing120.jpg)
The V will be filled in with weld.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing121.jpg)
I have a couple more little pieces that need made. Then I can check out a couple things that I'm not quite sure on. Then I will be able to braze the forks together.
~Wes~
-
Good progress Wes,
And fine workmanship too - when do you intend to have the bike completed for?
Nick
-
Wes, it's official. You've inspired me. Also that Finnish fellow who built one too has inspired me. I just got myself a lathe and mill a few months ago and my Penny will be my first *real* project beyond a few little practice things. Hence the questions I've had now and then while I lurk on your thread!
http://iloveoilandmetal.blogspot.ca/
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Wes, it's official. You've inspired me. Also that Finnish fellow who built one too has inspired me. I just got myself a lathe and mill a few months ago and my Penny will be my first *real* project beyond a few little practice things. Hence the questions I've had now and then while I lurk on your thread!
http://iloveoilandmetal.blogspot.ca/
Took a quick look at your blog... Nice start! Post up a build log here too :poke: copy your pages as you go along!
Eric
-
Wow! Nice work!!! I don't know what to say. I'm usually the guy looking for inspiration.
Guess I better post a picture:o) I welded up the top of my steering head this morning. I need to get better at welding. I learned a couple things doing this piece.
One: Make sure you have everything clamped good. This helps avoid buzz marks :zap:
Two: Make sure you have everything clamped good. This way then the tungsten sticks to your part and you jerk away. The part doesn't hit the floor. Grrrrrrr.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing122.jpg)
It all worked out good and I about have it cleaned up. I'll post a few more pictures later.
~Wes~
-
I had some troubles yesterday. I was cleaning up the mustache bars and was nearly done. I threaded one side into the steering head to admire how good they looked. As I was unthreading it, I made about one turn out and the bar froze up in the steering head. I drenched it in penetrating lube and started working it back and forth. I got lucky and managed to get the two pieces apart. The threads on the bar are messed up slightly, but I can fix them:o) My thread files are at work though. I ran a tap through the head piece and it is OK.
What went wrong? Make sure that you clean snug fitting parts before you try and assemble them. The handle bars had grit on them from me polishing the surface. This grit will cause trouble. I know better. I was just in a hurry. I'll get a couple pictures.
~Wes~
-
Sounds like you're having fun Wes,
That's a nice looking weld too :thumbup:
Bet it put a lump in your throat when the thread locked up!? :Doh:
At least you got it apart :headbang:
Looking forward to seeing some of these parts come together :borg:
Ralph.
-
Here is a picture of the damage. You can see where the threads are galled up a little.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing123.jpg)
I managed to save everything accept the nut. I'll be making wider ones.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing124.jpg)
I'm back on track now\o/
~Wes~
-
It's a horrible feeling, when a thread grabs. :(
Oh, b...er! If only, I'd not......... :palm: :bang: :bang:
The handlebar assembly looks fabulous Wes! :clap: :clap: :thumbup:
David D
-
Working on the pedal cranks today\o/ There is only one straight part on this whole thing. So We'll use that to indicate the crank in. Here's my trusty old indicator. I like this one, it has ruby jewels in the side:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing126.jpg)
All indicated in I move to the opposite end of the crank and using a slitting saw cut a slot so the cranks will clamp onto the crank shaft.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing125.jpg)
This is one of the things that has been taking up some of my time. I put tin on the back of my shop. It was used, but free:o) It will look fine with a fresh coat of paint.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Shop.jpg)
In front, on each side of the big door and rhubarb, there are giant sunflowers planted. I can't wait for them to start growing:o)
~Wes~
-
Crank arms are nearly done:o) Tonight I started by thinning up the end where the pedals attach.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing127.jpg)
To make it a little fancy I used a ball mill to mill a groove into the back side of the arm.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing128.jpg)
To set final depth of the groove I just used a piece of paper to set the clearance at the bottom of the cutter.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing129.jpg)
Then I set the angle that the back side of the arm would be milled to.
I then milled the excess aluminum off:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing130.jpg)
I'll post a picture of the crank arms tomorrow. They are nearly done\o/
~Wes~
-
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: cracking thread Wes :thumbup:
Allot of very fine machining and fab work :med:
Rob
-
Thanks Rob:o)
Here is a picture of the crank arms. I still need to clean them up some. I did get the key ways broached. We only had a plug set up for 3/16" keys. That will have to work:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing131.jpg)
I think all I have it to key the shaft and make a couple spacers and the front hub assembly is done\o/
~Wes~
-
Those look great, Wes. Love the curlicues!
Keyways should be OK; I suppose the position of the handlebars means you can't stand on the pedals for extra push, like you can on a modern bike.
Andy
-
Thanks Andy:o)
I know how much everyone likes pictures, so:o) They fit on the crankshaft\o/
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing132.jpg)
~Wes~
-
Nice looking arms there Wes :thumbup:
I'm wondering how you're going to hold the crankshaft and cut the keyways in at exactly 180' to each other? Think I have that process sussed :scratch:
I'm sure your mill can handle it length wise but it's the vice holding the odd shape I'm wondering about?
That said, more than one way to grip a shaft eh?! :bugeye:
Have fun erm, doing that! :lol:
Ralph.
-
That said, more than one way to grip a shaft eh?! :bugeye:
That's what she said Ralph :lol: :lol: :lol:
-
I got the spacers made and test fit everything together. I think I changed the brass hubs a little. My spacers were too short. The bearing housings hit the hub. So I made new spacers and all is good\o/
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing134.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing133.jpg)
Better go clean my mill off so I can start cutting key ways in the shaft.
~Wes~
-
Wow. That looks fantastic Wes!
-
REALLY beautiful workmanship Wes! :clap: :clap: :thumbup:
David D
-
Wes,
I've just read the entire thread again from the beginning.
I'm in awe of the work you've done :bow: and can't wait to see the finished bike.
I am a cyclist but 700c wheels are big enough for me - I'm not keen on heights and the thought of falling off from that height doesn't bear thinking about!
Just a few miles from me they hold "The Knutsford Great Race" - for Penny Farthings. The race (held every 10 years) is at Knutsford in Cheshire, UK. Riders come from all over the world. The next one is in 2020. Might we see you there?
Here's a bit of video from the 2010 race:
And a gallery of some stills:
http://howardbarlow.photoshelter.com/gallery/THE-GREAT-RACE-2010/G000090ni0t0wmHY/0/1
Have you got the spokes made yet? I have a spoke rolling machine for 14swg (2mm) spokes but have great difficulty getting a single start thread. Only about 1 in 3 come out with the correct thread. Now, if I'm shortening a spoke, I always make sure I have some thread remaining which gives the rolls a good start. I wish I could get to the bottom of this problem but haven't found any instructions anywhere.
Keep up the brilliant work. :thumbup:
:beer:
Phil.
-
Thanks for the Video Phil. I've seen about every video on the net on Penny's:o) I've met some great people on the net. A few that raced in the Knutsford\o/ It looks like a lot of fun.
I still have to finish the nipples and make my spokes. Those will be started very soon as I'm running out of other bits to distract me from them:o) I'll be cutting my threads with a die.
Mill's cleaned up. Ready to start milling keys. Stay tuned:o)
~Wes~
-
Phil,
I never knew that race took place, and I've lived most of my life in Sale, only 10 miles away! Whereabouts in Knutsford do they hold it, in case I reach the age of 73?
:offtopic: That reminds me - it's Preston Gulid this year. I went to it in 1952, 1972 and 1992, so I suppose I may as well keep my attendance up, particularly as it is very unlikely I will make the 2032 event :(
Andy
-
Phil,
I never knew that race took place, and I've lived most of my life in Sale, only 10 miles away! Whereabouts in Knutsford do they hold it, in case I reach the age of 73?
:offtopic: That reminds me - it's Preston Gulid this year. I went to it in 1952, 1972 and 1992, so I suppose I may as well keep my attendance up, particularly as it is very unlikely I will make the 2032 event :(
Andy
Hi Andy,
It's held on a triangular course around the park just below the lake: http://g.co/maps/kynqf
The 2010 race was held in brilliant weather; the 2000 race had heavy rain from beginning to end and we spent much of time in a cafe keeping warm (sat next to David Soul who had started the race). A friend of mine rode in the 2000 event on a borrowed machine.
The Courtyard Cafe in Knutsford has an excellent Penny Farthing collection :thumbup: but it's a bit pricey for us poor cyclists. :(
I may have a look at details for the Preston Guild. I was once on the phone to a supplier in the Midlands enquiring about a product. The person on the other end of the phone asked me if I used the product often. I replied "Only once every Preston Guild". There was a silence and I thought I'd better explain that it was something that happened only once in 20 years. In a broad Brummie accent she replied "Oh, you mean Once every Wolverhampton Wakes!" I don't know if other cities in the UK have similar celebrations.
:beer:
Phil.
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The first 4 key ways were cut with the axle held in the vise. I marked a center line on the end of the axle and milled the first 2 keys.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing135.jpg)
I then flipped it end for end and rotated it 180 degrees. Using some packing just as a reference I leveled the line and cut the other two keys.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing136.jpg)
Pretty low tech. Right Ralph:o)
Next I'll set up the dividing head. The last two keys need to be 6 degrees apart to separate the spokes from one side to the next.
~Wes~
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I used the same marks to align the shaft in the dividing head. This was kind of a shaky setup. The shaft was too long for my mill to hold everything. I ended up using only one bolt to hold the dividing head and the tail stock down.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing137.jpg)
Here you can see the keys don't line up. In this case it's a good thing:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing138.jpg)
Here's a bunch of pieces. I just need to get 4 keys to tie it all together.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing139.jpg)
More later\o/
~Wes~
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Wes,
You got some magictrickery going on there.... I had all sorts of ideas going through my head... None of them was your solution! :clap:
Stored for future reference :borg:
You've got to love the exploded shot.... Looks like a plan is about to come together :headbang:
Good luck with the spokes :bugeye:
As Phil said... "can't wait to see the finished bike." Getting close now Wes.... :ddb: :nrocks: :ddb:
Ralph.
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Wes,
wow, wow and wow, fabulous Wes :bow: :clap:
:beer:
DaveH
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Thanks so much for the compliments :nrocks: :nrocks: :nrocks: :nrocks: :nrocks:
Today I set up and drilled the holes that will bolt the fork ends to the bearing housing. I first squared the housing up in the mill vise.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing140.jpg)
I then used an edge finder and located the edge of the part. An edge finder is a machinist tool that locates the center of the spindle over the edge of the part. That way the machinist can move the mill table accurately to the center of a hole or other feature:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing141.jpg)
I then center drilled, relief drilled, and drilled the hole to 1/4".
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing142.jpg)
I must have done something right? A 1/4" drill slides into a 1/4" hole when the parts are placed together.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing143.jpg)
Stay tuned for more:o)
~Wes~
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While I had the mill warmed up I set up the crown piece for the rear forks. I found the center and drilled a 3/8" hole and milled a flat spot onto the top.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing144.jpg)
I then turned down the tapered piece of the backbone.This will let me clamp the two parts together when I weld them up. I'll just run a piece of 3/8 all thread threw the center to use as a clamp to hold it all in place.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing145.jpg)
I'm getting low on parts to machine now. I'm going to have to focus on nipples and spokes pretty quick:o)
~Wes~
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A quick shot of the rear forks. The parts are just stacked together like blocks now. I'll be welding and silver soldering them soon:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing146.jpg)
It feels like things are coming together pretty fast now:o) Not too many things to machine.
~Wes~
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Today In-between stuff today I managed to get the tapered part of my steering stem welded to the crown for the rear forks. First I used a piece of all thread through the center and a couple of nuts to suck it all together.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing147.jpg)
Then i TIG welded it up.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing148.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing149.jpg)
I built the weld up so there would be some to file off and smooth up. It should look pretty nice when done:o)
~Wes~
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I believe the phrase is.... "I love it when a plan comes together" :headbang:
I was thinking "that's a chunky weld". Then read the words :coffee:
I do look forward to seeing the progress of this project, getting ever closer Wes. This is gonna look stunning :thumbup:
Ralph.
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I do love it when a plan comes together :med:
I started smoothing up my welds. I think I got plenty of weld on here:o) Only a little bit more left to come off\o/ I still wanted some on there after they were smoothed up.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing150.jpg)
Thanks for watching:o)
~Wes~
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I dont pay attention for a few days and you get a lot done!
Love watching this build...
-
I am a dang :med: genius!!! I've been trying to come up with a jig to hold these forks while I braze them together. It came to me like a bolt of lightening :zap: While I was on the toilet :D :D :D
Stay tuned:o)
~Wes~
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I am a dang :med: genius!!!
~Wes~
Wes, I had always thought that, you only had to ask me :lol:
:beer:
DaveH
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Ok, I've been putting off building the jigs for the forks because I had way over engineered them. I had all kinds of welding and machining involved. The other night while on the crapper It came to me:o) I couldn't believe It would be so simple.
I laid out the spacer I had made earlier for the fork ends and drilled and tapped it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing151.jpg)
Then using the all thread that I used to hold the forks while welding. I bolted the whole lot together.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing152.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing153.jpg)
I have something similar planned for the front forks. It will be a little more complex though.
~Wes~
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Wes.
You are a dang :med: genius!!!
Very well thought through......... :clap: :clap: :thumbup:
David D
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Wes
I have been following along on your build since the start. I can see that you have planned and thought out each part as you go. It all looks like it is coming together very well. As to welding those forks together, as David D says
"Very well thought through......... :clap: :clap: :thumbup:"
I'll be watching as the rest of it all comes together to be a classic ride. :D :D
Cheers :beer:
Don
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I had to file the holes just a little to get the tubes to fit into their holes. I think a little more and it'll fall together:o) The bottom plate has to come up a little so the legs will spread far enough to fit the jig.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing154.jpg)
Here is a side view.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing155.jpg)
And a couple other views. I know how everyone likes pictures:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing156.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing157.jpg)
I need to ever so slightly bend the tube. I'll probably do it in my press. I need a way to make it repeatable. Maybe a couple spacers?
Later,
~Wes~
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I can't believe I've missed this thread earlier! :doh:
Way to go, Wes! I have been reading through twice now just to take it all in. Fantastic work and very inspirational. I will be building one myself whenever i get a proper workshop.
Absolutely fantastic! Looking forward to the next installment!
-
I'm really glad everyone is having fun watching me build this. Like many I also wish it was going faster. My day job and just things in everyday life seem to get in the way of quality shop time. But i was out there today:o)
I'm building a little drill jig to guide the drill bit when I drill my spoke holes in the rim. I am using some square stock. I held it in a V-block in my angle vise to drill the guide holes. I am compromising a little on the jig. For the big wheel the angle is about 2 degrees more than needed and for the small wheel it is about 2 degrees less than needed. There should be enough play in everything to make up the difference. Here I am centering the stock below the spindle of my mill.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing158.jpg)
To drill the hole I need a flat spot so the hole will start accurately. I mill a small flat, then center drill and drill it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing159.jpg)
I then mill a little bit of relief in the middle of the guide. This way it can clamp down squarely and not rock. I do this on two sides.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing160.jpg)
Here it is clamped to the rim. I can peek down the hole and align the guide with my mark then clamp it into place. The holes should all be crooked by the same amount:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing161.jpg)
Here's a side view.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing162.jpg)
Thanks for watching:o)
~Wes~
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Wes.
As I said, earlier. I love following your train of thought........... :smart:
Now...... That set up, is blummin clever! :clap: :clap:
Well done. Hope the drilling goes ok. :thumbup:
David D
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I'm with David on this one - that's a very clever setup, very nicely thought out, made and executed.
Although I'm sure to be impressed with the final product, I have to say that the journey is fascinating and I almost don't want it to end...
-
Hi Wes, I am new to posting but have been watching projects on the forum for a while , your Penny farthing being one of the most interesting :clap: , total class I am looking forward to seeing the wheels develop and also the finished cycle............. Keep up the good work :thumbup:
Mick.
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hi its cuming a long niceley
-
I'm back at it\o/
I spent the last couple hours out in my shop building Penny parts\o/ I left off with the spoke nipples half done. I started facing them off to length and tapping them. 10 down\o/ A lot to go... I'll post some pictures soon:o)
~Wes~
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Wes,
I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the story and to finally seeing a photo of you riding it.
:beer:
Phil.
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I'm back at it\o/
It's great to hear that Wes! :thumbup: :clap:
David D
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Cool. I had lost track of this very interesting project.
-
Here is how the nipples were left. They are too long and have a burr left over from the previous operation.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing163_zps2fbef0ef.jpg)
I had a old lathe tool that had about the right shape. So I'm using it to form the head of the nipple.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing164_zps8e51e8a8.jpg)
I then tap the hole. These small taps are pretty fragile. I run a starter tap half way in, back it out, wipe off the chips, run it all the way in, Back it out, then run a bottom tap in to the bottom.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing165_zpsb39a1287.jpg)
Then I pull it out and run a tap in from the other end just to make sure the threads are good. It takes about ten minutes. Give or take:o)
I did 5 more tonight.
~Wes~
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Nice to see this project back on the go Wes, You have been missed.
John
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Hi Wes , glad to see you are back onto the project :clap: :thumbup: :thumbup:, I have been watching all along and been very impressed indeed :drool: :drool: :bow: :bow: , I bet them spokes will be tirersome but worth it once they are done , I am looking forward to seeing things progress , keep up the good work. Thanks for posting .
Cheers Mick :beer:
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Wes,
I just cought up with this log today and couldn't stop reading. The work is amazing and really fun to see you work out puzzles along the way.
Alan
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Sweet! :proj:
Good to see you back at it Wes :borg:
Looking forward to seeing the next stage :dremel:
Ralph.
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I've really missed this thread. Great to see you coming back to it.
I have learned so much from this thread - you are a true craftsman.
Look forward to seeing it finished and being ridden.
Tony
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Thanks Everyone:o)
I'm headed out to my shop now. Probably won't post any pictures. Pretty boring work now. Face, Tap, Repeat. Takes around ten minutes each.
~Wes~
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Got a few more nipples threaded today. Oh Yeah!!!
~Wes~
-
Wesley
I know it's a tedious boring job but a few every day and first thing you know it will be time to put the wheel together. :D :D
I keep watching and waiting.
Cheers :beer:
Don
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The last week or so I've been near death with a particularly nasty Man cold. Today is the first day I've felt like myself. I've spent the last couple hours out in my shop threading nipples. I'm half way there\o/ forty done forty left. Then I get to cut little wrench flats on each one.
~Wes~
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Glad your feeling better Wes, ..............you might have just screwed too many nipples , ........................it could have been a case of nipple fever not man flu ? ................ be careful lad :thumbup:
Looking forward to the next photos .
Cheers Mick.
-
hey Powder Keg Wes, just a comment on the nipples. after taking the time making flats on mine for my rear wheel I've re-evaluated the strategy. I think what I'm going to do for the front (many many nipples) is to use a slit saw and just cut a notch in the end so that a flat screwdriver can be used to tighten the spokes. I envision making a little jig that holds 10 nipples at a time.
Of course, the flats look totally awesome(mine are little hexes)...so don't let me talk you out of it!
Glad you're back on the project...I'm hoping to get back to mine too.
-
Well I stuck with it today. I now have 76 threaded nipples\o/ I thought I had made five or six extra but the shop gnomes seem to have hid them:o( That and the 4 that got cross-threaded, I'm 4 short. I'll get a short piece of bronze on the way. In the mean time I'm going to start on a jig that will hold 4-5 at a time to mill the wrench flats on them.
I want flats on them so they can be adjusted in the future. Spokes stretch with use and need to be tightened up once in a while.
~Wes~
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Wes,
I watching your progress too. Looking good
Mike in Salt Lake
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I set up the CNC mill at work to machine little hex's onto all those nipples. I'm glad these are nearly done:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing166_zpsb0022f2a.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Powderkeg3418/media/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing166_zpsb0022f2a.jpg.html)
Everything is good here. I've been working on the house and our camper quite a bit. I need to get this project done and on the road though. It's time:o)
~Wes~
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Wes,
Good to see you are back working on the Penny Farthing.
I'm looking forward to seeing a picture of you riding it before the end of the year!
:beer:
Phil.
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Glad to see you are still at Wes. I am anxious to see this one done.
Eric
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Sweet!
Back on it :dremel:
:thumbup:
Looking forward to seeing this one in action :ddb:
Ralph.
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Thanks everyone:o) I'm going to try and get the rims drilled this weekend. Then I can start on spokes. I still haven't decided how I'm going to cut them. I'm probably over thinking it like I do everything:o)
Stay tuned :wave:
~Wes~
-
You know, I actually saw a tall gent riding a penny farthing on the road yesterday, near South Kensington. It was really quite graceful to watch, in a grandfather-clock kinda way. I never thought I'd ever see one being used.
-
It's nice to see some more progress Wes! :thumbup:
David D
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I know how everyone loves pictures of machined stuff :wave: Here are the nipples that I have done so far. It feels good to be wrapping them up:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing167_zps6ae31469.jpg)
Earlier I had made a little drill guide to drill angled holes in the rims. Here it is in use:o)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing168_zps2fdc1ddc.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Penny%20Farthing/PennyFarthing169_zps26436ac1.jpg)
It is working pretty good. I have about half the spoke holes drilled now\o/ I'll keep plugging away at these till they are done:o)
Thanks so much for watching:o)
~Wes~
-
Cool! :thumbup: :clap:
Rhubarb? :borg:
-
Rhubarb and weeds :lol: The Rhubarb needs to be moved. It's under my new Awning. The back yard is a mess from installing a new sewer line a couple years ago. I've been working on that space a little lately. I built an awning out of recycled stuff. It's not done yet but here it is. The lights still need to be wired in.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Awning003_zpse72ec0c5.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Powderkeg3418/media/Awning003_zpse72ec0c5.jpg.html)
It will be my outside work area. My outside vise and Anvil will live there :D I almost have the stand done for my anvil. I'll post pictures of that soon. It was nice working out there today:o)
~Wes~
-
I almost have the stand done for my anvil.
~Wes~
I thought ALL outdoor anvils were mounted on either a tree stump, or if don't have one conveniently located, a section of tree trunk from a large tree. (That's how they are all over the American South) :D :D :D
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Hi Wes,
I have been reading this thread today, and many times I have a hard time beleaving your
enginuity in solving things ........... astonishing ........... excellent work ..........
You are a GENIUS and a Jack of all trades .......
Karl
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Glad to see your picking it up again I've always wanted one there was a bike shop in victoria bc that sold them back in the 60's.
-
Hi Wes, I'm a recent newbie here and I've spent a good while this evening reading this thread and marvelling at your problem solving skills.
Really impressed with your Penny Farthing project so far and look forward to seeing the finale when you get more done.....OZ
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I just found this post and read it from the start. Bloody amazing work, that level of craftsmanship I can only hope to achieve one day. I'll be visiting the post on a regular basis from now on. Thanks
Shawn
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Wes, you have not posted for several months. Has your Penny Farthing ground to a halt? I am sure that I am not alone in hoping to see this masterpiece completed. Please let us know what is happening with it.
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Hi Norman , You are not alone :coffee: I have been wondering too, Hope you are ok Wes and have a back log of posts to put up soon :thumbup:
Cheers Mick.