New to the hobby, need wheel opinion « Thread Started on Sept 14, 2009, 3:31pm »
As the name of the thread says, I am new to live steaming. I have wanted to get started for a number of years, but never had the tools to do so. I just started college, so now I have access to a full machine shop, CNC machines, and all other necessary tools as long as no one is using them at the time (and I got lucky. There is an afternoon where I have no classes, but most everyone else does. Perfect work time). As I just started school, I do not and will not have a lot of money for a while (not enough for engine or car kits at least). I have read before about building a blast furnace and casting your own parts, and I think the time has come. I want to get a good start on an engine and a few cars before my shop access goes away. My question then is, how should I build wheels. I was think cast iron would be much easier to pour than steel, but Iron has rust issues that I am unsure of how to deal with. I then though stainless steel, but that is very hard to pour from what I hear. How should I do it?
Joined: Nov 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 61 Location: Dripping Springs TX
Re: New to the hobby, need wheel opinion « Reply #1 on Sept 15, 2009, 9:26am »
The real advantage of Kozo's methods is no castings are required. I do not think very many members of this forum cast metal. A blast furnace or a cupola furnace to melt iron is not something that can be run in a small apartment. Steel and stainless are not easy metals to start with and are out of the range of most back yard casters.
I do lost wax casting which is can be a small operation needing only a torch and a bell jar and vacuum pump. This process can cast bronze and the nickle copper alloys. It is used by jewelers for the most part.
My suggestion is if you have access to CNC equipment learn to use it while you can. Cheers Dan
Re: New to the hobby, need wheel opinion « Reply #2 on Sept 15, 2009, 4:51pm »
I have sand and investment cast bronze at home. I aways wanted to try cast iron, but lacked enough time to put everything together. Steel and stainless are different animals again, and will require an induction furnace or carbon arc furnace in order to melt them, plus the support equipment required.
As much as I enjoy casting bronze, I find that if I value my time much at all, it often is cheaper for me to take my work to a commercial foundry to have poured. Keep in mind I say this in spite of the fact I thoughly enjoy foundry work. I poured my first bronze casting over 40 years ago.
Foundry work is another animal all it's own. If you try to learn it along with everything else you are trying to learn to get started, you may find you don't finish a project. Learn your machine work first, and later you may find time to delve into the foundry work.
Re: New to the hobby, need wheel opinion « Reply #3 on Sept 19, 2009, 8:39am »
As a newcomer to the hobby, it would be worth your while to purchase one of Kozo Hiroaka's books. "The Pennsylvania A3 Switcher" is a good book that gives you plans, and step-by-step instructions on how to manufacture every part. The wheels can be built-up using his methods, or castings are available if you wish to go that route. There is also a forum on this board in support of those building Kozo's engines. Kozo's books can be purchased here: http://www.discoverlivesteam.com/books/book-right.html and wheel castings can be purchased from John K. here: http://www.friendsmodels.com./productsforsale/kozowheelsdrivers.html Even if you do not build one of Kozo's engines, the wealth of knowledge gained from his books is worth their purchase price many times over.
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