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| 08-19-2023, 09:53 PM | #1 |
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So I got a CNC machine at work...and made this!
I have been away from the automotive scene for a long time, but recently started working at a wood shop in Hawaii. The owner's son has an S13 2JZ coupe and we came up with the idea of making some parts for cars using our huge 5ft x 10ft CNC 4 axis router. Hoping to make some extra money as a side gig.
Its a machine designed for woods, plastics, softer materials. Not metal so we work with what we got. I have plans for forged carbon fiber wheels in the future, and hybrids but right now we are starting with wood. I figured we could probably make steering wheels, shift knobs and some other simple items. This is what I came up with so far. BTW: If anybody has ideas for custom wood car stuff let me me know. I thought it might be kind of fun to make all wood wheel faces for wall decor, or maybe an M-Logo, maybe a custom BMW resin table or something. Solid hardwood steering wheel made from Sapele (an african tree with a great smell) It is strong, dense and looks beautiful. Thinking we could do customizable logos in place of the hawaii islands, which are resin filled. Nismo, Silvia, etc. 1) I know this is made from wood, I know wood is not the strongest material in the world. I know wood can break and splinter and if you run your car into a wall and crash you might break the steering wheel and smash your face into a sharp edge and die a horrible death. OK! Use at your own risk, or hang it on your wall as a art piece. 2) I did break a prototype model intentionally and found it it will hold about 150lbs of force in compression (pushing on it at 3 and 9 o'clock positions) I am modifying the geometry slightly and want to get it closer to 200lbs of force which is plenty for normal use. 3) This is designed to be an aesthetic part that is unique and different. Its not designed to be the strongest wheel on the market. There are other steering wheels in the market like acrylic wheels, nylon wheels, all those cheap older NRG wheels and Chinese wheels etc...this wheel will hold MORE force than some of those. But its not going to beat a high quality nardi, momo wheel or similar. Ok, obvious concerns aside! video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuYYS...RlODBiNWFlZA==                   |
| 08-20-2023, 08:47 AM | #4 |
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Lieutenant Colonel
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Did you use a Thermwood? They seem to be the common cnc router machines. I use them at work pluc some other traditional metal machine.
Nice wheel but not sure I would actually want to drive with it due to safety. The Hawaiian island chain was a sweet touch. |
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| 08-20-2023, 09:32 AM | #5 |
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Throttle Jockey!
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Wow! Nice work brother, you should think about making HPFP spacers. A lot of DIY guys out there would probably do their own HPFP ( using LT1 & LT4 ) if someone was making the spacer. You just need to get someone to give you the thickness from a Stage 1 and stage 2 HPFP. You could use polyurethane plastic. Not hard to find a 3x24x1/2 piece. McMaster Carr would have said material. You would just need a stock B58 HPFP for the shape of spacer and hole locations and a used LT1 HPFP for diameter of hole.
They will sell my friend. Just a thought. Good luck man, im sure you will do great! Powers |
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| 08-20-2023, 05:25 PM | #7 | |
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thanks for the comments. I have a couple variations in the works. I will post when done.
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| 08-25-2023, 03:24 PM | #9 |
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I revised the design slightly. Its about 5% thicker in the spokes, a thicker thumb section and added a structural rib to the back. Also I increased the radius in the spokes to the rim to give it more strength.
Overall pretty happy and expect this to be the final design. |
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| 08-31-2023, 12:53 PM | #12 | |
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Quote:
Some day I hope to have some metal machines, I would love an Okuma Genos M660 or similar machine. Maybe a robodrill. |
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| 09-01-2023, 10:08 AM | #13 |
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That's awesome programming/machining.
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| 09-07-2023, 07:54 AM | #14 |
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Beautiful work! FWIW when I was growing up, we had a Jaguar E-type, and it had a factory wooden steering wheel. Of course, this was a long time ago before airbags, etc. IIRC it had only lap belts. Safety was not job 1 in the 60s.
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| 09-15-2023, 04:56 PM | #15 |
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A couple of updates! Revised design, 2 versions of finishes. Gloss an Satin Clear coat.
Pretty happy with the results. these would make great wall art pieces. If anybody wants to buy one, PM me. I have a couple extra blocks of material I can cut into steering wheels. They are not quire ready for full driving use yet, but if you want one for show or for wall art let me know. $360 shipped. Horn button an extra $40.                     |
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| 07-25-2024, 12:33 PM | #16 |
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We getting a new CNC machine at work! We recently had a fire that burned down the old cnc and...if we are going to replace it, might as well upgrade!
Full 5 axis monster CNC router with ball screws. Higher accuracy and more powerful, capable of cutting aluminum and non-ferrous metals. WE customized the machine to our specification so its quite a bit beefier than the standard design. If any of you have projects or parts you want made let me know! I am going to puick up the steering wheel project again and make a forged carbon reinforced version to make it stronger and more suitable for general use. |
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