Finally installed the gear handle...

I also wired up the 24VDC bus bars and power supply. I'm pretty much set for the imput card now, but I still haven't decided yet. I've been cruising e-Bay looking for a got lot of 5VDC/24VDC relays as it seems I'm going to have to use them if I expect to get my indicators working with FS.

Found out today my 5VDC 40A power supply wa only putting out 3.8 VDC. I always thought my panels looked a little dim, but I just thought the bulbs were old. I adjusted it up to 5.3VDC and it really added some life to the overhead and control stand panels.

Here is the gear handle I rebuilt today. It used to be just a 3/8" aluminum shaft. I bought this mechanism from a supplier that I can't even remember. I added an extra aluminum shaft to beef it up some and an additional section of stainless steel towards the end with the wheel. The wheel is not correct, but if I find one I'll change it out.

I still need to add the lock-out trigger and the decals. Sure looks better than an empty hole in the panel. I have enough of those to fill as it is.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h1...ing722/lg3.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h1...ing722/LG2.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h1...ing722/LG1.jpg

Try a skateboard shop, they might have some nice wheels

I can make the "glass" look wheels!

Gwyn

By all means! Send one over.
Can you also make the flap/speedbrake/throttle-handles/cutoff/parkbrake?
I'd be happy to order a set :)

That would fit nicely on the TQ I'm building

I might have to take you up on that Gwyn since you appear to be the only supplier of those wheels. How much are they?

I've never found one anywhere before.

Can you tell me the width through the center and the diameter? The wheel on mine is attached with a (I think) 6-32 screw that is threaded into the wheel and screws into the end of the shaft.

That was an old telescope focusing knob I had after changing to aluminum knobs, but I've seen some dolly wheels that are a close match to the real thing, but nothing exact.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Westozy

I can make the "glass" look wheels!

Gwyn

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Gwyn,

You apparently can make ANYTHING! ;)

best,

..................john

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Boeing Skunk Works

I might have to take you up on that Gwyn since you appear to be the only supplier of those wheels. How much are they?

I've never found one anywhere before.

Can you tell me the width through the center and the diameter? The wheel on mine is attached with a (I think) 6-32 screw that is threaded into the wheel and screws into the end of the shaft.

That was an old telescope focusing knob I had after changing to aluminum knobs, but I've seen some dolly wheels that are a close match to the real thing, but nothing exact.

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All I need is your maximum width and diameter, I'll machine the plastic to suit your lever. Kezz, I can do throttle lever handles but not with printing on them. I would have to buy the raw material for throttle handles to work out prices but the glass wheels would be US$18.00ea. They take about an hour to make and I already have material for them.

Gwyn

That sounds great.

Width is 15mm max at the center and 42mm diameter.

Would you drill a hole that will fit a 6-32 screw longitudinally through the wheel and counterbore the hole about a third of the way through to 7/32" or .218"?

My screw goes through the front facing part of the wheel right on through to the end of the shaft. The shaft is tapped for a 6-32 cap head screw.

Let me know how much shipping is and I'll send a Paypal on Friday. Thanks!

I used a clear plastic wheel from one of those coasters for furniture.

Cheap at the local hardware store.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Boeing Skunk Works

That sounds great.

Width is 15mm max at the center and 42mm diameter.

Would you drill a hole that will fit a 6-32 screw longitudinally through the wheel and counterbore the hole about a third of the way through to 7/32" or .218"?

My screw goes through the front facing part of the wheel right on through to the end of the shaft. The shaft is tapped for a 6-32 cap head screw.

Let me know how much shipping is and I'll send a Paypal on Friday. Thanks!

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Mike,
I think drilling for an end screw would look a bit ugly through the clear plastic, the bolt would stand out. Can you use an axle mounting? The wheel has to have at least a 6mm hole in the centre for sturdy arbor mounting on the lathe in order to machine and polish the outside.

Gwyn

I don't mind the hole in the center, as the ears on the sides that are supposed to hold it will cover it up. The problem is that the ears on the end of the shaft on my mechanism are not real.

They are only there for looks. They are filed and fitted to the end of the shaft and attached with Loc-Tite 401. They would not support the stress of operating the gear handle.

Can you machine from aluminum an extremely short shaft extension with the ears for the wheel that screw to the end of the existing shaft? It would have to be of the same diameter as the existing shaft. With a little filling and sanding I could make it seamless.

Only that way could I use a wheel that is axially mounted. Let me know if that is possible. Adding 12mm or so to the length of the shaft shouldn't look too out of place.

Can do Mike, can you send a sketch of exactly what you want?

Gwyn

Can do. Might be a day or three as I'm not off again until next Monday.

Rgr, copy that...