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Post by buffs92 on Nov 23, 2011 10:22:35 GMT -6
When using a file to initially take off crimp marks do you do this with nail spinning in a drill or just still in a vise??? Thanks, new to this. I know when sanding, the nail should be in a chuck spinning. Just wasn't sure about first step.
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Post by *5 J's* on Nov 23, 2011 11:36:43 GMT -6
When using a file to initially take off crimp marks do you do this with nail spinning in a drill or just still in a vise??? Thanks, new to this. I know when sanding, the nail should be in a chuck spinning. Just wasn't sure about first step. I have my sons do it when the axle is spinning in the drill press. I have an inexpensive Harbor freight drill press. |
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Post by Murph on Nov 23, 2011 14:51:08 GMT -6
Hi Buff,
You have four areas of the axle preparation to be concerned about.
- The raised areas along the shaft of the axle
- The raised areas at the axle shaft/axle head interface
- The general surface sanding/polishing of the axle shaft and
head.
- What do you use to sand the axles in terms of sandpaper
selection.
Axle Shaft
The raised edges on the axle shaft can be removed by rotating the wheel and filing the raised edges down to the surface. In contrast, one can file the raised surfaces when the axle is static or not rotating. My son does it without rotating the axle (static). He uses one of my jewelers files. The smaller the better.
Axle Head
The raised edges around the axle head should be removed when the axle is turning in a drill press. Don't take too much off!
Try to keep the axle shaft at the same diameter along the length of the axle.
On the other hand, if you do not totally take off all the raised surface around the axle head, you will create additional friction and ruin the outside hub/bore interface of the wheel.
Do you plan on removing the " raised step" on the outer hub if you are using BSA Wheels?
General Polishing of the Axle Shaft and Head
This is an area of much debate. It is easy for a Scout to use 1/8" strips of sandpaper to clean-up the shaft. My Scouts start at about 320 or 400 and successfully move up to 2500 grit at our workshops. Do not sand for very long or you will reduce the diameter of the axle. You want to keep that axle diameter as close as original as you can!
How much Sanding and Polishing?
There are some experts who believe it is better to leave the surfaces slightly rough to allow the graphite to embed into the imperfections on the surface.
1500 grit would be my minimum grit for the last sanding step on an axle surface. 1000 grit is too rough. You can hear the noise from 1000 grit axle preparation on a best track with well prepared wheels. 2000 or 2500 grit is a safe bet.
There are lots of good graphites out there. Let us know if you need any more help.
Murph
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