Making a Really Big Wheel
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- čas přidán 23. 04. 2022
- This video has an overview of the car Ron built for the 2022 Artist's Soap Box Derby, sponsored by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The majority of the video shows the intricate process of making the steel rim for the huge rear wheel.
You can help me create new videos by becoming a Pateron. Here’s the link:
/ roncovell
See how a rubber tire is mounted on a wheel like this:
• Installing Tire on a H...
See Christopher Arnold's video on the race:
• Soapbox derby, Maclare...
See Chloe Wei's Video of the race:
• 2022/4/10(日)Soapbox De...
Thanks to Beverly Rayner for the use of her video of the race.
You can help me create new videos by becoming a Patreon. Here’s the link:
/ roncovell
I have lots more CZcams videos, and here's a link to my website - which lists 20 full-length videos you can rent, stream, or download, plus the Covell line of fine-quality metalworking tools: covell.biz/
You can see the great Covell shirts, cups, and stickers here: rons-store-10.creator-spring.com
Special thanks to all my sponsors on Patreon: Craig Davis, C. Coupland, Michael Perkins, Michele Sinosi ,Richard Butterfoss, Justin Walsh, Eric Haskins, Sean Patrick O’Brien, Tim Estrada, Joshua Ellestad, Sean Walker, Paul Cheney, Eric Brummer, Don Cober, Nick Rosati, DHFG, Matthew Schumacher, Luke Hares, Clifton Ballad, Terry Doss, Matt Maurin, Gordon Stipe, Jonathan Hodgins, Dominic Peterson, William Longyard, Jonathan K, and Trevor Kam
The most important thing I have learned from your videos is patience. You never skip a step such as, using a center punch when transferring a hole, most people would just use the existing hole as a guide for the hole and then accept the small amount of drill walk. I have been guilty of this, but I am here to elevate my skills so I vow to slow down and not skip the basic steps. I believe this is my most important step to becoming a craftsman not just someone who forms metal. Thank you for passing on some of your knowledge and techniques.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment, and the kind words. There certainly are situations where guiding a drill through an existing hole is acceptable, but as the hole enlarges over time, accuracy is lost. You will learn through experience when more precise techniques are called for.
That fusion of technology, craftsmanship and art that magically ignites my spirit! Absolutely need more on the derby and Don Potts’ imaginative trike.
Thanks for the input! Sounds like you and I like similar things!
Your process is inspiring! The foresight exhibited and preparation used in every step truly reads as a skill honed over a lifetime. Thank you for giving us all a method and calmness to aspire to.
Wow, thank you!
Impeccable fixturing as always, Ron!
Thanks, Aaron. Seemed like a good place for the F-Bomb to end up, too!
As always, well I will have to see about that second datum then the third. lol
🤡🖕🤡 *HERES A **#F** BOMB*
You could have used that fixture in a project!
Definition of a proper craftsman on display here. Never a need for CNC or CAD... just brains, muscle, templates and sharpie.
Yep, gotta have that Sharpie!
I’ve done the same thing with a disc sander for trueing large circles- always nice to see common solutions to fabrication challenges.
Yes, that's a great way to make something round!
Thank You Ron ! I Love To learn Im 71 Keep it coming ! Straight Ahead Mike ✌😎
You bet - more to come!
It's great to see someone who is willing to spend talent and time to produce art that is a masterpiece of design and assembly for the sake of art.
I'm very glad there is an audience for this type of content!
I really enjoyed this video, back in the early seventies, I was building bicycles, racing, and got into building wheels extensively. I ran across the idea of a rim with a tire on it, and a "chassis" riding inside the rim, with a small engine and seat, to drive from inside the wheel, but never could actually try out the design. Your making of a rim and tire provides the possibility of completing it now, and I am tempted to return to that project. I've worked in industry most of those years and now see the possibility of completing that project in reality. You did a great job making the rim and setting it up to work.
Glad you liked the video, and your planned project sounds very cool indeed! I have seen a few others who have built vehicles like you describe. There are certainly some challenges, but it's a worthy effort!
czcams.com/video/qNzl6N_ScyQ/video.html
Ron, Honestly I’m almost at a loss for words. The process you used to make this wheel is so simple and elegant. No big industrial machinery, just some MDF forms and skill. Even the MDF forms are beautiful! I’ve seen you build a lot of things over the years, and I still learn something every time. Really nice job on the wheel, and what an amazing chapter in the story from the first artist’s soap box derby and building the Don Potts entry to today.
Thanks so much, Joe. There does seem to be a fair amount of interest in doing a historical video on the Don Potts entry in the 1975 Soap Box Derby, as you suggested. I'm seeing if I can dig up more photos from that period.
It's like watching Bob Ross, but instead of painting it's metal fabrication. Would love to see a shop tour mixed with a history lesson of everything in it.
More videos on the way!
Mr Covell is a great source and teacher who is generous with his knowledge and time...I know this; 'cause he's bailed me out with alteranatives to bird houses and how to assemble my E wheel Thanks Ron
Glad to help any time!
This was fun to watch since I've re-spoked my bicycle wheels before, and also made a cage for a homemade shop fan that was similar scale and fabrication process as you did for that giant wheel rim. I learned some techniques and tricks from your video I wish I would have known or thought of then; now I have them for next time!
Glad you enjoyed it!
The patience of Jobe! Superb.
Thanks 👍
I am blown away at some of the stuff you do for instruction and your answers to questions. I have replaced steel spokes with stainless steel spokes in a set of four Zenith wire spoke wheels for my street rod. It was quite an experience and I learned it takes a lot of patience. My effort was successful. Your example here explains it very well. Thanks.
Wow - that must have been quite a job. I once had a brief tour of the Zenith wheel company. I just did a web search, and apparently they are still in the same location, in Campbell, California.
Seeing you spoke that wheel reminded me of a job I had back in 1972-76 as a mechanic at a bicycle shop. I learned how to spoke wheels and there are different patterns defending on the ride you want and strength. The shorter the spoke the less stretch. However, if it's a power wheel like on the back of a chain driven bicycle, you want more of an angle to your spoke. It prevents the hub from flexing in the rim.
We used to use a spoke chart to let us know what length spoke to use which is probably the hardest thing to figure out because of the wheel diameter, the diameter of the hub then spoke patern and number of spokes.
You did a very nice job because true-ing up a spoke wheel is an art and one of the hardest things to do in a bicycle shop. You did the right thing by passing on to a pro who does it all the time.
You bring up some great points - thanks!
I’ve contemplated building my own wheels for the Henry Ford Quadricycle replica I’m building. Your video has given me the confidence to do so. Thank you and keep up the good work.
Wow - that Quadricycle project sounds great! Please keep me in the loop as you move forward with it.
Your smile brings light to the bleak life. The joy that you are having is remarkable and it surely be transmitted to the viewers.
Yes, I really enjoy doing this kind of work.
Wonderful video, Ron. I have to say, 'for an amateur' you got that wheel initially in darn nice shape! You have to have one of the nicest, most relaxed mechanical engineering channels on You Tube. Thanks so much for taking the time to do it right for all of us!
Thank you so much!
I know right!? It's the "Ron Covell Unintentional ASMR Metal Working Channel"
Your thumbnail looks like marketing material aimed at wile e coyote 🤣
As a unicycle and penny farthing enthusiast, I cant wait for this one. I’m
Curious to see how you went about hub design and choosing spoke count, spoke length, and lacing pattern. As well as where you were able to source the tire.
As always, thanks for sharing your vast knowledge and skill set.
In today's video, I re-use a hub I made 44 years ago. It is styled after a Campagnolo,, but scaled up considerably, and I used 72 spokes, just because that's a 'regular' division of 360 degrees. I used radial lacing because I like the look, and since my vehicle is a coaster with a brake on the rim, the hub has no torque on it. Here's the link for the tire:
czcams.com/video/DxSDOzDoO-w/video.html
Hope you enjoy the video!
I think it gets away with a radial spoke pattern because there's no braking and no drive; it is only coasting. If there was pressure from a chain/cassette or resistance from any kinda of brake, the sheer length of spoke would allow some wind-up. For a wheel that brakes or drives, some kind of cross-lacing pattern is definitely a good idea.
As a tall bicycle rider - I wish larger wheels were affordable.
@@criggie Making myself feel old, but "back in the day" (mid 1980's) when building track wheels, we used radial on the fronts for simplicity, lightness (shorter spokes = less weight) and often the rear was a cross pattern on the drive side, and radial lacing on the offside. I have seen wheels with radial spokes as drive wheels, but they were smaller 16 inch rims, and 72 spoke hubs, or 20 inch with some absurd drilling (96 or 108?) and were heavy, and nearly impossible to true up.
@@RonCovell I was gonna ask where you got that hub from. I favored Campy Tipo or Normandy Red Label hubs for my loose ball, though Suntour were okay too (okay, Shimano Dura Ace was okay too, but I hated Shimano with a passion especially once index shifting came along) and Phil Wood or Specialized sealed hubs.
@@jpkalishek4586 Radial lacing any sort of bike wheel puts you into 'seat of the pants' territory, even basic castor wheels.
I never thought about building a wheel rim by hand. So this was a very informative and beautiful way to show the process. Thank you, Ron! 👍😉👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
Ron you blow me away. creating a wheel from scratch...that's wizardry. you are amazing.
Glad you liked it!
That is so cool! Yes, I'd love to hear/see more stories about the other Soap Box cars.
Great - several others have expressed an interest, too.
@@RonCovell Yes, me too please!
Its so good to see someone who knows more about what they are doing than everyone youve ever met put together
Thanks for the wonderful compliment, but from my perspective, I meet people smarter than me every day!
The Bob Ross of metalworking.
You’re the best Ron!
Thanks - that's quite a compliment!
@@RonCovell Wow, yes, highly inspired by you and feel incredibly fortunate that you share your skills and passions. Thank you for all of the great videos, content, inspiration and the push to try out new techniques. You’re a legend 🙌🏽
Ron you never cease to amaze me. Awesome build.
Thanks so much!
I ride a tadpole trike (the pedal variety) and up to this moment, I never realized I could have rear tire size envy.
Now you can make a wheel any size you like!
@@RonCovell Had to downsize the rear tire from a 27" to a 26" to fit it in my SUV. If I was good enough with upholstery and body work, I would totally make that wheel and make a custom hollow shark fin on the top of the SUV to get the rear tire in.
Ron I built a much larger wheel last weekend. These simple builds are a great inspiration for newbies like me.
Great to hear!
As A bike Mechanic and an ex- metal worker this vid is right up my street! Very nice to see how you did it. I would have done some things differently, but for a non experienced wheel builder, this is really nice! For your next build, try cross threading the spokes, it will give you a more comfy and stronger wheel...
Thanks for the nice comments! I totally understand that crossing spokes makes the wheel stronger.
art and functionality,whats not to like...your processing and fabricating is brilliant
Thank you so much! More to come...
Oh yes, we need more art soap box cars on here. Amazing work.
More to come!
You sir are a legend! Thank you so much for showing off your skills and helping teach the rest of us!
I appreciate that!
It's great to see you old schoolers turning into teachers in teaching a whole new generation with old school ideas and with new techniques should produce some quite extraordinary children
I appreciate that!
As a bicycle mechanic and wheel builder I can say you laced the wheel the hard way, just lace every other spoke until you're out of holes but leave it loose. Then flip and do the other side, and rough true it by tightening a half turn per spoke until they all make contact with the wheel and stop as each spoke makes contact. The final truing will make sure to have the same tension on each spoke by plucking the spoke and listening for the same tone from each spoke, then using the truing jig to fine tune the wheel.
We should have talked earlier. Thanks for the great tips!
I don't have a shop, probably never will, but I always love your videos! It's amazing seeing everything come together and your show of skill blows me away every time!
Glad you like them!
That is a beautiful wheel. It was a pleasure to watch you make it. Whenever I see someone lace and true a wheel I always think of the couple who did that job for years at the Harley Davidson plant in York PA. I lived close enough that I toured the plant and museum many times in the 70s and 80s. The woman would grab a handful of spokes and would lace a rim in minutes and then would pass it to a guy who would true it equally as fast. It was truly impressive to see two people who were proficient at that task.
Sounds like those two people were artists!
@@RonCovell They we’re incredibly proficient at what they did. I tried to post a reply to my post that included short article about the HD factory that had a picture of those two. Apparently the CZcams gods would not allow it.
You can send that to me by email, if you want - covell@cruzio.com
Sounds pretty interesting!
Now I understand why Wright brothers among all of engineers and scientists back than were only one capable to built a first airplane. This is a kind of job they're doing, lots of ropes, strings, spokes, wood working, thin metal shaping,... Thank you Mr. Covell for the lesson.
I have to agree - the Wright brothers were good in a LOT of areas, and that, coupled with their fierce determination, is why they excelled at what they did.
Don’t forget Santos Dumont
The bicycle industry of the 1890's was the auto industry today, many bicycle companies went on to build motorcycles, cars and of course airplanes.
Such a humble selfless man .As a lifelong auto body man ,I come here to the master of disaster to get inspiration and X-TREME knowledge .Quite frankly I don't have the patience it takes to do what Mr. Covelle does just in preparation in making bucks for metal fabrication .Its unreal and hard to comprehend sometimes .Rumor has it that Ron's great,great,great grandfather was an original chariot builder for the Roman Empire 🐴
Well, my father was born in Italy, so it's possible that my forebears were in Rome!
@@RonCovell It's inherently in your blood .Your ancestors probably were armorers and blacksmiths .I'm just sayin !
fantastic Ron, You don't know what you can do, until you do it. You sir have inspired me to make many things.
A horse drawn buggy with spoked wheels is now on my list...I had the body worked out in my head but the wheels were a problem.
Thankyou for this walk through.
You can do it!
Seeing the other racers from the past would be a rare treat. Especially if anyone decided to film part of it. Please consider producing that piece. Maybe collaborate with a bike museum for footage? I think this creative metalwork is fascinating even though my unfortunate loss of patience precludes my ability to make stuff like this 😬
There is one film that I know of that covers many of the entries in the 1975 Artist's Soap Box Derby, including the one I worked on with Don Potts:
czcams.com/video/0LhPsfiX_Ow/video.html
My idea is to go more into depth about the design and build project for Potts car. I'm looking for suitable photos right now.
You can tell you have a real talent for making large wheels as you make it look easy.
Thanks!
Every single time I see your videos, I'm inspired to make cool and interesting things. You are incredible and thank you for sharing your processes with us!
You are so welcome!
Much respect on the video and tutorial...and even MORE respect for answering ALL the comments...!!
When people take the time to comment, I think it's polite to reply.
Wow! One of the BEST How-To videos out there! You have a genuine knack for breaking down a complicated process.
Wow, thanks!
Absolutely amazing as usual , i watch a number of metal work channels but this one always blows me away - you make it look so easy Ron - and yes we want the soap box history video - thanks
Glad you liked it!
Here's the link to the video on the history of the SF Artist's Soap Box Derby:
czcams.com/video/3sWNiDPVu2A/video.html
Wow! Another amazing art from you Mr. Covell!
Thanks for sharing the skills and ideas!
My pleasure!
I spent some time thinking about how I would go about building a composite rim. I might have to give this a try first. I just need to build or buy a break first.
This is how I imagined the internet as a kid when the internet was first coming about. Sharing techniques and skills is gold. I'll be delving more into your channel now that I found it. I wish there was a better way to find channels like yours. I imagine I have close to a hundred, but I can't tell as youtube subscriptions are hard to manage past 1000. lol
I'm very glad you found my channel, and I hope you have a great success with making your rim!
Reading some of these great comments leaves me in a position of just copying what somebody else has already said. Love you Ron you’re one of a kind 👍
Thanks so much, Trev! I truly appreciate your longstanding support!
The wheelwright has been among the most skilled workers since early carriage days. What a terrific how to with today’s tools! Bravo
Thank you so much!
Wow, that's very wheel-made, and with simple tools too!
Thank you for sharing this, Mr. Covell!
You are very welcome!
Turned out to be easier to make that rim than i expected. Thinking back to a more modern rim profile i was expecting a flat ring to be gradually rolled into that profile with machined rollers, but seeing how this is an airless tire this method of bending a channel around a form looks to be much more practical for a one-off. Thank you for showing and explaining the making of this rather unusual object!
I'm so glad you liked it!
Pure art. Absolutely mesmerizing. Very informative, you are a master of teaching. Thank you.
Wow, thank you!
Ron you are SO awesome!!!! Great design, clever techniques and what wonderful craftsmanship. Thank you for educating us and sharing your enthusiasm and inspiration!
So nice of you.
Lovely project Ron...Thanks for sharing.
Many thanks!
Totally interesting pi ratios use in a practical mechanical situation. Like the flame face shield while tack welding. Brilliantly badassed!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I don't think I could get in a machine like that being so low to the ground. Great way of step by step process to create a part.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This was awesome! Made this process feel somewhat accessible. Glad I stumbled across your channel, looking forward to more videos. Thank you for your effort. Cheers!
Welcome aboard, and there are more videos on the way!
Another great video Ron. I really appreciate how you break down very complex assemblies into simpler tasks. Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Fascinating and amazing! Thanks for publishing.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Wow - what a stunning design. Thanks Ron for inspiring us 👍👍😎👍👍
Glad you like it!
Ron, you are a true Master! I use to re spoke my bicycle wheels as a kid. It wasn’t easy! (I may be older than you young man!) Thanks I’ve followed you for years!
Excellent job, not only on the wheel, but on the video as well.
Glad you enjoyed it! More videos on the way.
Another awesome project, thoroughly enjoy watching the master at work!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very cool! I ran the machine shop at a laboratory supply marketer / manufacturer and had almost as much fun working there as you seem to have producing these projects. I enjoyed your video; please keep them coming. Regards, -Dave
I'm so glad you found work that was enjoyable, and satisfying. Not everyone does, you know!
More videos on the way.
You are like the Bob Ross of metal fab. I mean that in the most respectful of ways
Thanks so much!
If anyone is interested your channel and MAKE IT KUSTOM are two of the best body working channels on utube.
Both of you are terrific teachers.
I'm a big fan of the Make it Kustom channel, too!
It's always a joy to see what you create Ron! I really love the methodology and attention to detail in your approach. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Incredibly well narrated, logical, understable, just enough information, without excess.
Thank you for the kind words!
awesome video Ron. love watching a master make everything look so easy
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing ron! Love you're vids!! 💪🤯🤘
Glad you like them!
WOW…AWESOME/Awesome/Awesome…..so many lessons in this video where you show “simple” in appears to be complex….luv the center scribe done early…simple/smart for following features
Glad you liked it!!
Thanks for taking the time to make this video Ron! It was such a pleasure to get to meet you and chat a bit at the Derby. I was impressed that you were able to clear the speed bump without assistance after all; it lent a little extra drama to your run!
Also would love to hear about the original race you built the car for!
I'm so glad you liked this video, and I'm investigating the feasibility of making a video about the 1975 race, when I worked with Don Potts on his entry. It's hard to get photos from that era!
Ron, great video! You've been amazing and teaching me since the 90's. your guy from New Paltz NY.
Thanks for sharing!
Awesome! Thank you!
Stunning job Ron absolutely beautiful. I am still a young Maker at the age of 36, you give me inspiration on where I want to be when I’m older. Thanks again. Make On my Friend. Maker 238
I'm so glad you liked it!
Another great video. Amazing to see how this was done. I would love to see any more videos that you would make on building these soap box vehicles. We never stop learning from you. I wish Louisiana wasn't so far from you. Dan
I'm so glad you enjoyed this video. More on the way!
Covell artistry makes things look so deceptively easy and is bound to lure many to this type of craft. How can one not become hooked on making the types of things shown here? What an inspiration! Thanks Ron!
I'm so glad you liked it!
Brilliant video Ron, thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome! Done to perfection!
Thank you! Cheers!
Just heart warming seeing how simple things, sometimes are, when enginuity and craftsmanship goes into play :D Thank you Mr.Covell
p.s.: We ( at least I ) missed you :D
Wow, thank you!
Amazing. Much appreciate you sharing your knowledge and skills.
My pleasure!
Really enjoyed your explanation and watching your skill.
Thank you very much!
That's so cool. I remember visiting your shop in Freedom and seeing the bike sculpture you had hanging from the ceiling and discussing Don Potts. Great to see you having fun with new vehicles and ventures.
Yes, life is good!
I really enjoyed this, as usual the precision with which you work is inspiring. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
We were so bummed missing the derby. Hopefully, Ron you’ll be at next years event.
No announcement has been made about future events, but I hope they do it again! I've got some great new ideas.
I'm pretty crafty, clever and professional, Ron. But every time I watch the way you work I just... I just am left quite struck. You change the way I think. From way over here in Sydney Australia.
Hey, I'm sure I would learn some good things if I spent time with you!
I'd love to see more on your soapbox derby vehicles! Super fascinating and insightful 👍👍
Well, several people have requested this in the first few hours. If the demand continues, I'll make another video.
Your knowledge and wisdom cuts through in all your videos, this is no exception. You make it look easy but true craftsmen do that.
I appreciate that!
Your ability to break a project into simple to understand steps is staggering. On top of that, you're a master story teller. Thank you for the lesson.
Wow, thank you!
With that clean simple set, I did not expect an actual talented craftsman! But you certainly are, and so humble too. I was surprised how easily that channel bent by hand! Funny I just spoked a wheel before I randomly (?) watched this!
Thank you very much!
I enjoyed watching this very much. I'm a bit of a freakbike guy, and your race cart is a stunning beauty. In the footage of the race you can see it waving its tail, so fragile is it. Still it withstood the race without major damage, so you got it just right.
I enjoyed the fabrication part of this video just as much. You radiate such positivity while making the wheel, taking the little extra steps to make sure it'll turn out perfectly. That's why I subscribed your channel and why I'm looking forward to see the next video. Greetings from Germany
Thank you so much! Yes, the car is limber - but it's sturdy enough to make a few runs like the one you saw.
Inspiring stuff, as always. A wonderful piece of artwork. We learn from the best!
Thank you so much!
What a treat to see your derby vehicle back in action. Very nice work, Ron!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I think you'll really like my next video!
Great to watch. You are a true craftsman.
Thank you very much!
Bellisimo! Great video Ron!
Many thanks!
Saw this at the race. Beautiful craftsmanship
Thanks so much. It was a fabulous day, wasn't it?
Hi Ron, another impressive video story. You made the making of the extra large wheel seem deceptively simple and easy, but as any maker will tell you, that is only half of the story. The things that can be made with simple materials, simple tools and techniques can add up to being very complex items, it's just a question of when to stop.
Mark from Melbourne Australia
I agree with all you say!
The Bob Ross of fabrication! Love you Ron, thanks for another great video :)
My pleasure!
That's Awesome Ron. I used to build harness racing karts / Sulkies and they had a similar construction of the wheel and I used to build and true them the same way you have shown in your video just a lot smaller.
Good thing about an unpowered wheel un-like on a bicycle is you don't have to criss cross the spokes.
Nice job Ron I love watching your video's they are very informative.
Thanks 👍
Far out!! You are a man of many talents!!
Thanks, and I'm glad you liked it!
Thx ,That brings back memories making parts for my bmx bikes .
Cool!