strange request

Re: strange request

Dick Coers

As thin as the cross sections are, I'd do it with a bandsaw and round over bits in a router.

strength?

John K Jordan

I have no experience.

If small cross section do you need to consider strength? Are there specifications related to impact that might apply? It might be unfortunate if the steering wheel broke during an emergency maneuver.

If strength on the cross grain is a problem, perhaps laminate or route a groove in the back and embed a reinforcing hoop.

A google search of wooden steering wheel diy provides things to study.

JKJ

Re: strange request

Mike Schwing

I've not any direct experience with this, but I just wanted to suggest you make sure you have liability insurance, are an LLC or some other way protected from a disaster here. At least a disclaimer that says something like "for novelty use only".

I don't think I'd do this for that reason alone. Even the best of friends and family can behave unexpectedly when health/finances are involved.

Re: strength?

Philip F Duffy

Dick, why not use plywood as a base for strength and veneer the coverings? I would think that, since walnut bends so easily you could cover the in and outside of the wheel with thin stips/veneer then sand the whole thing to match up nicely. Phil

Re: strange request

Roger

Dick,

Go to you tube. Plenty of ideas there. If you can turn those vessels with the extra small openings you can turn a steering wheel!

Roger

Re: strange request

John Veerkamp

for strength I'd do a segmented turning, probably eight segments. Glue up your segments first then mount however you want and turn. You'll need a pretty big swing for this project.

Isn't there a steel spline between two layers wood

Re: Isn't there a steel spline between two layers

Dick Hines

The wood wheel will be covering the old steel wheel. The guy at the shop is going to take the rest of the plastic wheel. It's a '63 Buick wheel.

Re: strange request

Paul grover

I rebuilt a wood steering for a 1965 corvette. There was a ss rim with the spokes and hub. The top and bottom of the rim were wrapped in about 12 sections of wood on the top of the rim and 12 sections on the bottom,having a rabbit in the wood to accecpt the wood,using epoxi to join all PCs.

Re: Isn't there a steel spline between two layers

Barry Irby

I have seen at least two of those "How it's made" TV shows on luxury steering wheels. In both cases they had a steel ring to use as a core. On one of them they glued up a number of segments of fine quality wood and tuned and inner and out circle. They mounted the ring so the inside was facing out on the lathe, turned it round, flattened the face and turned a groove into it for the ring. One side the reversed it and tuned the other face convex. the Other ring they left flat on the back, glued the two halves in plane over the ring with copious epoxy. They had hand cut some grooves for the spokes. Then they hand shaped the back or under side to include some finger grooves. Sanded and shined and applied finish.

The second one was similar but made of something like Baltic Birch plywood and then covered with very fine quality burl veneer. The veneering involved a lot of slicing and a vacuum bag press.

To reduce the liability you should do this under and assumed name.

Re: Isn't there a steel spline between two layers

John K Jordan

>>>To reduce the liability you should do this under and assumed name.

Ha! What he assumes the name Barry Irby?

JKJ

Re: Isn't there a steel spline between two layers

Barry Irby

I almost said "other than Barry Irby"