I will probably build the Regan spoke press today, but looking at the plans, I don't understand the function of the 1 1/2" by 2" cutout marked "for last spoke clearance"
I thought the spokes were inserted from the top, so what clearance is needed?
Also I've looked at several videos and no one seems to use that notch.
Can someone explain how the notch is used ?
Thanks .........
When you put the spokes in place around the hub the hub points DOWN and while the spokes will be inserted from above up until the last one. The hub will be in mid air at a height that prevents the spokes from falling apart into the press. The first wheel is the one that helps you find the exact height above the base for the hub surface to hold the "spoke teepee" in place. With only one spoke missing, there won't be anough room to pass the last spoke between the other spokes so you need a doorway to pass that last spoke up from underneath. The notch makes it simple. Some people miss the point of the press entirely by allowing the hub to be loose while trying to assemble the spoke "teepee" but once you know the height where the spokes snap in then you can do a wheel pretty quick. The only optional part of the press is the hole opposite that notch which was a suggestion of Tony Cimorelli that allows you to lay the threaded rod in there when the the press is stored while not in use.
Gotcha!
Thanks John
Here is a photo of a spoke press I got from Tony Cimorelli a few years ago. If I recall correctly, Tony told me that it was very similar to John Regan's press design. I've never used it, but reading John's description I think I understand how it should be used.
Has anyone tried or used this type of press on a rear TT wheel?
I've read someplace that TT wheel spokes are installed in the felloes first without the hub. Then the hole is machined for the hub and the hub inserted.
Jim
What about that square design that was posted by some one a while back? Seems to me it'd be much easier to make than the one shown.
I laid the spokes and stuff aside for my TT wheel project as I just could not fiqure it all out.I have been waiting and checking here to see if someone else does it.'
I bought a piece of 1 inch threaded rod so it would be heavy enough.
Being a clumsy oaf, I had trouble keeping the tepee up even with the hub fixed in place. So I pressed a cardboard collar onto the hub to hold the spokes up until I could get them all in. That worked, and didn't interfere with anything.