[TT Dog]

Has anyone ever tried to turn a set of replacement spokes for a model T ford out of aluminum? I thought I might give it a try with some 6061 stock. I made new wood ones in the past, why not metal? any thoughts on this working using a metal lathe and bridgeport...
Thanks

[OneMoreTime]

Sounds like a plan to me...Go for it..Might upset a purist or three though..

Sam

[timothale]

The geometry of spoked wheels. It started with horse drawn carriages. When the rim of a wood spoked wheel gets a side push it loosens the spokes. Carriage wheels were dished, and the wheel was cambered so the load pushed the rim towards the center line thru the hub. That's why bike and motor cycle wheels have the hub offsets with spokes started on opposite sides, and the spokes are under tension. Wood spokes are only under compression loads. . Aluminum spokes, rims and a lot of TIG welding needed. I have seen some neat looking wheels, cast centers from trucks of the 20's. A neighbor did a lot of Demolition work. and had a bunch from Farms that were getting developed into housing. The last time I checked he only sold one set and the rest went to the scrap yard.

[TT Dog]

Are you telling me that someone has done this and they work? Does this person still have any sets made? 21" in the front and 20"s in the rear is what I have.
Thanks

[timothale]

they were original steel wheels from the 20's. all but one set were scrapped.

[TT Dog]

[QUOTE=TT Dog]Has anyone ever tried to turn a set of replacement spokes for a model T ford out of aluminum? I thought I might give it a try with some 6061 stock. I made new wood ones in the past, why not metal? any thoughts on this working using a metal lathe and bridgeport...
Thanks