On Dec 9, 9:18 pm, Smaug Ichorfang wrote:
zap wrote in news:90394cef-c2cd-48dd-a8be-82fefbd550f0
@l16g2000hsf.googlegroups.com:

Hi All,

Over time I have picked up many of the tips that you fine people have
posted to this list. And your tips have led me to take on the
following woodwork project. A farm tractor, out of Red Oak. About 11
inches long.

That's really nice. How did you make the rear tires? Also looked at your
other woodworking projects. The clock is definitly a winner! I hope to be
able to make one of those some day (gotta get more tools first -
scrollsaw).

How did I make the tires?

Each rear tire was made in two halves. I did not have the routers that
was suggested that I use, so I turned both halves of each wheel on the
lathe. Having both half of a wheel glued together with paper between
for later separation. That kept both half at the same size. the inside
ridges simulating the rim were turned at that time but leaving the
center in place for removal at a later time. I enlarged the center
hole to 1/4 inch to fit on a jig which I made for cutting the groves
in the tires for tread. The jig was made to hold the wheel half at 45
deg to the 1/8 inch dado blade on my Radial arm saw. The half was
rotated on a 1/4 inch shaft. At each 18 degree of rotation of the
wheel half, a cut was made 1/4 in deep, the wheel rotated another 18
degrees and the next cut made. After both half of the wheel was
notched, one side angled one way and the other side angles the other
way. a 1/8 in piece was inserted and glued into each slot. Then they
were sanded flush at the center of the wheel and at the outside edge
of the wheel. Then a dremel grinder with a sanding wheel was used to
finish shaping each of the lugs. finally both halves had the center
cut out on a scroll saw, and a groove routed on each tire half inside
edge to take the center of the wheel. Then the wheel was assembled,
the two tire half and center fitted and glued together to form the
finished wheel.

That was a challenge. I was wishing that I had a table saw to cut
those tire groves, as that overhead spinning Radial arm saw blade
scared the heck out of me. I was not happy with my hands that close to
the blade.

Hope that helps.

Zap