I
wanted 14" wheels to mount my 16-38.5 Swampers. Since I wanted to keep
cost down, and I had a set of 8" wheels doing nothing and also the more
important: acces to a fabrication shop, I decided to enlarge my 8" wheels
to 14". It is a time consuming job but I had the time to do it.
I
started with 8" wagon
wheels.
I
had them cut on a lathe taking care to choose the lowest part of the wheel.
This is important because that lower part is needed to be able to mount the
tire.
Then
I calculated the circumference of the rim at the cut and cut a 6" flat
bar to the calculated lenght. I used 3/16" thick since the thickness of
the rim was between 1/8 and 3/16". Then I rolled the flat bar on this 3
roll machine (sorry I don't know the name).
This
is the 6" flat bar after being formed. The nail is inserted to show where
the joint is. Otherwise it would be closed completly.
This
the wheel assembled, not welded. Before welding, make sure everything is squared,
then tack the ring and main wheel together, if ok, then weld inside and out.
I did a bevel on the edges for better penetration. Do the same for the remaining
of the wheel to the ring.
This
is the final product after welding and painting.
