People seeking advice have often turned to me. But this time Carsten appears to be looking for a wheel: “Can you please turn me a Solowheel model?” - I don't want to admit that I don't know what he means by "Solowheel", so I'll spontaneously say yes.
But Carsten doesn't want to leave his Solowheel here - so that I can take measurements and create a working drawing - because it's obviously too much fun to ride this minimalistic means of transport!
So we quickly take a few detailed photos and Carsten rolls away. Carsten's driving skills, the small turning radius, and the funny vehicle left a strong impression on me!
Alone again, I search the internet first http://shop.solowheel-germany.com for additional information.
A blank for the wheel is quickly glued together. In order to prevent the workpiece from wobbling too much when finishing turning the very thin wheel rim, I quickly made a counter-pressure roller.
Creating an attractive tire profile gave me a bit of a headache. After some pondering and experimentation, a milling device was finally created from various parts of an old DBF device that delivers a satisfactory result.
The integrated partial device on my lathe also works well for drilling through the rim. In order to avoid tearing out of the wood on the back of the workpiece, I attached a block of wood to the lathe, which forms a corresponding support surface.
The bike is finished. The camera also got some dust. But at least: the self-timer still works!
The two housing shells that surround the wheel are also quickly turned. I can even use the lathe for subsequent grinding. However, the cast iron grinding pad is too small for this. In order to be able to continue working safely, I made a suitable support out of multiplex.
When choosing wood for the Solowheel model, I chose Chinese redwood. The extremely soft wood is best for turning. This will also make it particularly easier for me to make the missing parts - which unfortunately cannot be turned. While I'm stirring the black paint, I take another look at the beautiful natural red color of the wooden parts.
I was able to find suitable parts in my electronics craft box as controls (power switch, charging socket and flashing control LED). A small battery compartment (for the flashing LED) could also be accommodated in the housing!
I cut the Solowheel lettering out of adhesive film by hand because I don't have a cutting plotter. I had to retype the warnings on the computer because the sticker on Carsten's Solowheel was already pretty badly damaged by stone chips.
Complete! Carsten enthusiastically places the model next to his original to take a photo for Facebook.
The best thing for last: Carsten offers me to try out his Solowheel!
I discovered three similarities to woodturning:
(1) The Solowheel purrs just like my lathe.
(2) Without practice/instructions, every beginning is difficult.
(3) The fun factor of both hobbies is overwhelming!