Drive wheel for 6ft ring lift

This is the drive wheel that will engage the outer edge of a 6ft diameter wooden ring. The ring has 8 holes drilled through it, and the marbles ride in the holes from the bottom where they are picked up, to the top where they are released onto the track.
I made everything myself with a Mill and a Lathe. I did all the work, but I had direction and help from my friend, Bill.
What have I learned? I have learned that even the most simple looking part can be made in a very complicated way.
This took me over 40 hrs to complete. If I were to take this to a machinist to make for me it would cost $3k to $4k. Ouch.
You could buy a fancy lathe with that kind of money.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• drive
• wheel
• machining
• lathe
• mill
• ring
• lift
• mechanics
• diy
• rolling
• ball
• sculpture

[motleymdg]

Thanks, destinws2, I'm very proud of what I built. The design and idea is wholly mine. The constructtion was a collaborative effort between me, and my friend, Bill, and 80 yr old machinist. It was quite educational learing to use the Mill and Lathe from someone who has 50+ years experience. : )

Thanks again for your nice comment!

[destinws2]

You did excellent! Even filleted the tops of the saddle clamps. You, my friend are a true "Tinker Thinker".