Here is my new Mahogany steering wheel in the beginning. It started as a 1 3/4" thick x 20" x 20" piece of Honduran Mahogany. Trimmed to 15 1/2" and now mounted on the lathe.
For those that are turners I am going to part off a ring 3/4" wide x 2 1/2". I will then rotate one piece 90 degrees to alter end grain to give the piece strength and epoxy it back together before final turning.
My fingers are crossed.
Sam
Lookin' Good. Why did you choose Honduran? It's a beautiful wood, but probably too good for a Model T.
We have lots of old mahogany in our house, "The Queen of Woods." I am like color blind when it comes to distinguishing woods, but I can tell mahogany from Philipine or Walnut.
I'd guess this corner cabinet is Cuban?
POPS
Looking good. Please keep us posted with pictures as you go.
Do you have enough money left to eat after buying that chunk of Mahogany? ;o)
Nothing's as pretty as wood.
schuh
It is ready for gluing the two pieces together after adding a few short dowels for more strength.
Got lucky on the Mahogany. A turning friend had it put away and never found a use for it. Price was more than right. Can eat steak instead of hamburger.
This was the only piece I could find that did not require finger jointing. Nothing is as pretty as wood finished natural.
More later as glue sets.
Sam
What kind of glue are you using?
Ricks, sorry for the delay in answering you question. I am using Titebond Ultimate glue. Was going to use epoxy but left the thought to keep the glue line less visible.
It is glued up and waiting to cure for 24+ hours. Did insert (6) 1/4" dowels for added strength. Will make profile templates today of old wheel (I am keeping it) to use when turning, especially the inside for the spider fit.
More as I progress.
Sam
Here is my new steering wheel. Just took it off the lathe and gave it 2 coats of sealer. Came out a little thicker than the old one but fits big hands.
It was fun and a challenge to turn and I really like the results.
Some more sanding and wax and it is back on the T.
Sam
Great looking Sam, Good work! KB
sweet
Great! Now it wants a brass spider...
Good work, nice result!
Boy, that is nice Sam. I turned a bowl 40 years ago in shop out of a 6x14 slab of mahogany (I think the wood cost around 20 bucks)...we still use it. I have to ask, how do you cut out the inside of the wheel on the lathe...?
Bob
Nice work Sam!
Hey, I also like the home made lathe accessory you put together by using three inline skate wheels! Those are really good ball bearings and handy for all sorts of things, with or without the wheels. I made a speed reduction for my drill press with a 4-step cone pulley and a couple of those bearings; they're great, and free if you keep an eye out for them. (Wonder if Steve Jelf ever uses 'em!)
Bob, one side was turned while attached to a 6" faceplate. I made a profile template to get the right curve for the spider. I also cut a 5" tenon on the outside then reversed the piece and used a large chuck.
After turning the other side profile I drilled a small hole just inside the wheel and using that as reference used an Easy Wood profile tool to part the wheel off at very slow speed.
The piece was sanded while on the lathe and one coat of diluted lacquer thinner (50/50) was applied and burnt in with paper towel.
The edge left after parting off was sanded at the drill press with a sanding drum and then sealed. After drying it was sanded with 320 and another coat of sealer applied.
I am looking for a brass spider to finish the wheel and as a last resort looking to have the original brass plated.
Harold, the jig was fun to make and I use it on long stem goblet turnings and such.
The piece of mahogany came from a turning/carving friend for $40.00 and I have enough left for many small projects.
Needless to say I am very satisfied with the wheel results.
Thanks for all the god comments.
Sam
Forgive the bad typist. "Thanks for all the GOOD comments. Do not want to offend the man upstairs.
Here is the center of the steering wheel after a little work on the lathe.
Do not waste any wood big or small enough for another project.
Some Christmas ornaments coming from what is left. Maybe a small bowl or three.
T