I dont remember the thread, but I said I would get a picture of this thing. The paint roller tray on the bottom left is for scale. The wheel is 62" in diameter. Likely I'll never see another like this one. So neat. ;)
Ironwood
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11262/OBigwheel.jpg)
That's a neat wheel, I've never seen one that big.
I think Jeff was looking to acquire bent spoked wheels.
It was quite a while ago, but I remember seeing the thread.
Possible dumb question alert ::): what was its original use ???
Came out of a steel mill on the Allegheny near Pittsburgh Pa. Likely a "rope" pulley as there are cleats in various places around the wheel to add friction. Rope could have been natural fiber OR steel, but definitely NOT HEAVY DUTY use as it is not that heavy given it's diameter. That makes it good for my use, as a,..... ?? chandelier frame or table base,....???? who knows but definitely a rare item. Small "bearings and drive pulley (small one) and bull gear still attached.
Ironwood
I vote Chandelier, that would look great!
i wonder if bent spokes are stronger in some way or they made that way for looks?
Good question. Certainly there was an element of "industrial artistry" involved in machine design. Usually it seems to go in decade intervals. I would say this was 1880-1900. Casting was decent quality, and so I would place it in that era, earlier castings would be more primitive. I know it is 20 year interval, but come on it is only a guess :D
Ironwood
The early foundries discovered their larger pulleys developed cracks after pouring. The cause was unequal cooling of the rim,spokes and hub - the spokes cooled first. Curves became a solution, with more massive castings they had to resort to sections which were bolted together.
I do agree they are more artistic, curves beat straight lines any day. :-X
mike
Even on more modern stuff I see bent spokes on pulley wheels. Modern being after the second world war. ;)
That's a nice find Ironwood, but I wouldn't know what to do with it. :/ Work your magic. ;)
When I was hanging out with the antique engine guys, I learned the French created the first "bent" spoked wheels. These guys helped me rebuild my Grandfather's 1923 Fairbanks Morse 6.5 Hp @ 350 rpm. Probably weighed about 800 lbs.
You seem to attract the coolest stuff. Sent you a pm also.
I've been admiring that wheel assembly since it was first posted. I just keep coming back for another look. It's interesting to imagine what to do with it..... smiley_headscratch smiley_idea
I think even at a 10:1 return I would not sell it, I had to pinch myself when I saw it, then again when the guy gave me a price over the phone. Couldnt get back there fast enough to get it.
Ironwood ;)
Chandelier...definitely...
What's the rust on that right hand spoke? Looks like it was disturbed somehow. Was it welded?
WOW did you study that pic or what? Yes, it was broke, I did a pre-heat and weld, waiting for it to "rerust". Looks great so far, and I "tested" it and I must say it is a good weld.
Ironwood
It actually jumped out at me pretty quickly. I've seen a lot of welded spokes. :D