[Kartbuilding] Fwd: Re: wooden go-kart - wheels, bearings, and axles

[Stephen Burke]

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	Re: wooden go-kart - wheels, bearings, and axles
Date: 	Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:13:51 -0800
From: 	Mike Lanza
To: 	Stephen Burke



Thanks for writing back, Steve.  Actually, I got different wheels and
axles at Home Depot a few days ago.  The wheels have bearings and fit
fairly snugly on the threaded 1/2" metal rod.  I got nuts and big lock
washers on both sides, which should, if I tighten them well, make the
axle stay attached to the bearings.  We'll see.

I won't be putting this together for a couple of weeks because I'm wayyy
backed up with projects, but I'm looking forward to it!

On Jan 22, 2013, at 3:37 PM, Stephen Burke  wrote:

> Hi Mike,
>
> Thanks for your email. You have some interesting articles on your
> playborhood.com <http://playborhood.com> website I think getting some
> projects such as a wooden go-kart would be a really good fit for what
> you are doing.
>
> The links to the wheels and steel bars you posted look good.
> Hopefully the inside diameter of the bearing on the wheel will be a
> tight fit onto the rear axle.
> I would still put "split pins" either side of the wheel. I.e. drill a
> small hole either side of the wheel in the steel bar and place a split
> pin (or nail bent into an "S" shape).
> See:
> http://kartbuilding.net/Wooden_Go-Kart_Plans/JPG_wooden_go-kart_plans/Wooden_Kart_Plans_4.jpg
> http://kartbuilding.net/Wooden_Go-Kart_Plans/JPG_wooden_go-kart_plans/Wooden_Kart_Plans_6.jpg
>
> All you need then is a tight fit between the inner bearing race and
> the steel bar, so the bearing rotates properly (as opposed to the
> inner race rotating on the steel bar).
> What you could do is to roughen up (ideally knurl on a metal lathe)
> the steel bar on the ends so the wheel will be a tight fit to make the
> bearing rotate.
>
> The wheels I used on http://kartbuilding.net/Wooden_Go-Kart_Plans were
> very simple with no bearings. I just used to oil and grease up the
> wheel and axle very well.
> For what you picked out, you will be OK.
>
> Let us know how it goes and if you get any photos or put up a blog
> article on the go-kart build, feel free to drop us an email.
>
> Best of luck,
> -steve
>
>
> On 18/01/2013 19:15, Mike Lanza wrote:
>> Hello, Stephen!
>>
>> I blog about making stuff with my kids (see Playborhood.com
>> <http://playborhood.com/>), and I'm working on a book on the subject.
>>
>> I'm excited to build your Simple Wooden Go-Kart with my boys!  I have
>> one question:  I'm trying to figure out where to get the wheels,
>> bearings, and axle.  Here's what I'm thinking:
>>
>> 4 1/2" wheels <http://www.smalltiresandwheels.com/12q-air-tire> with
>> integrated 1/2" bearings
>> 2 1/2" steel bars
>> <http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=202183533>
>>
>> What do you think - if I just shove the steel bars into those
>> bearings, can I get the bars to stay stationary inside the bearings,
>> without slipping?
>>
>> If you're skeptical of my idea, do you have another for wheels,
>> bearings, and axle?
>>
>> Thanks in advance.
>>
>> - Mike Lanza
>>
>> ----------------------------------
>> Mike Lanza
>> http://playborhood.com <http://playborhood.com/>
>> twitter: @playborhood
>> ----------------------------------
>>
>


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