Posted by Michael (24.68.96.18) on October 12, 2003 at 13:08:37:
In Reply to: Re: Need Information posted by Patrick on October 12, 2003 at 11:53:36:
Hey there,
I would agree with Patrick on most of that. The main thing you need to consider regarding deviation is the bearing though, and the bigger the wheel, the freer moving the bearing, the more possible deviation. And three feet is rather big. Oak wood holds it's shape quite well, if the pieces follow the length of the grain. Kevlar and fiber glass resin can be very good, but very expensive. Plexiglass is a bugger to cut. Even using a scroll saw causes the pieces to melt back together. You can buy hollow brass tubing from a hobbie store (usually 1 foot in length) and solder them to join them, it's lightweight and it's firm. These are all methods I've used and I would recommend wood simply because it's the most forgiving if you make a mistake (the easiest to repair), and more cost efficient. By making several cuts following the grain you can meake something very firm, strong and light.
Mike