How to cut a1.2 cricle in Z axis for steering wheel

[laheyth]

HI, I have Vcarve8 pro, and am hoping I can cut out a 14 inch dia . steering wheel and profile the 1/2 radius in the z axis at teh same time, but I dont see where to start....any body got a suggestion?

[Rcnewcomb]

Like this?

[laheyth]

YUP, Thanks,. now I have up upgrade to your version....... easy

[laheyth]

Sorry, Its not working very well,
I downloaded ver 8.024 to get equal, then opened the file and I get this.....
I guess I was expecting a ball end mill cutting a zillion circles to create a half circle in the z axis.......I suspect you are using a round over cutter and cutting an inner circle and an outer circle......correct?

[JoeM]

There are three toolpaths on the file Randall uploaded. If you preview all 3 you'll get the item pictured. Your picture looks like just a preview of the 3rd toolpath.

Having said that.....
Have you thought about how you intend to connect that round steering wheel to a steering column? What will you do to keep it from snapping in half at the two end-grain points the first time the driver has to slam on the brakes?

[garylmast]

Having said that.....
Have you thought about how you intend to connect that round steering wheel to a steering column? What will you do to keep it from snapping in half at the two end-grain points the first time the driver has to slam on the brakes?

Here's one I did for my Model A Ford, however I did it in Aspire, doing a double sided cut. I tried looking for the file, which is buried on my computer somewhere, to see how I did it. I remember doing it in a solid piece of wood, and it was extremely strong.

[laheyth]

YEs, The wood will be laminated with 3 layers, so strength is not a problem.
The 08 Stanley has black painted steering wheel, so laminated is fine, no one will see the joints.
The originals are steam bent......too much hassle.

I am at an interesting cross roads:......my lathe will swing 18 inches, but I don't have a face plate or chuck large enough to hold this
......My Bridgeport rotary table is way too small ( 6 inch)....to hold this and run a round over router bit around it.
So I am hoping there is a way to use my cnc router, which can do this easly if I can figure out the programming.....it is limited to a 1/4 dia shank as well.
If I can get the inside rear curve cut, I can then mount it to the brass spider and put it into my lathe and finish it.

[Rcnewcomb]

A point cutting roundover bit would be quick and easy

[laheyth]

THANKS<
I looked all over for this, could only find 1/2 shank.....which would require a new router and new bracket.....it never ends...project creates more projects

[Rcnewcomb]

The link I provided is for the 1/4" shank. http://www.magnate.net/

1/2" Radius; 1/4" Shank Diameter; 3/4" Cutting Length; 1-1/4" Shank Length;