Simple 'spiderweb' paddlewheels

[mjt60a]

This is too big to post here so I put it on my own server, here's the link - http://www.btinternet.com/~mjt60a/models/paddlewheel01.html

[Eddy Matthews]

Great idea Mick - very well presented. I'm sure they will be a great help to anyone contemplating a paddler!

[mjt60a]

If I can get a 'circle cutter' (as shown in the Modelboats article on Tipstaff) I'll try making a couple with circular rims  

[Red_Hamish]

Thanks Mick for the interesting article on how to make a pair of paddelwheels. I have started on the Tipstaffs' wheels as described in the magazine. I am using 2mm thick polystyrene sheet which was cut to size on my bandsaw. I'll have to get some more sheet material tomorrow as I used up more than I though I would. I'll continue with mine at the moment but may also make up a set as per your instructions if I don't like the look of the ones currently under construction. Photos will follow of course.

cheers

Jim

[mjt60a]

Those ones I made are for the 'newspaper boat' and are the way I wanted them to look as the whole wheel will be visible, I'm sure the tipstaff wheels will be ok as you don't see that much of them (and as he said in the article, you won't see the solid backs at all).
How have/will you make the outer ring? I looked in all the stationery shops and couldn't find a circle cutter anywhere, though Ryman's said try an art shop in covent garden... If I can get one I'll make another two wheels with round rims just to see how they turn out (and possibly use on a future model)
I do have a 'hole saw' (device that goes in an electric drill and has a number of saw blades that wrap around in different size circles) but the largest blade is about 3" and wasn't big enough for this job so I haven't tried it on styrene.
Good luck with the tipstaff though, I'm sure everyone would like to see it  

[steamboatmodel]

If you need a light circle cutter look in the mechanical drafting sets, and substitute a stencil cutting blade for the lead.
Regards,
Gerald

[Walter Snowdon]

Congratulations- a superbly presented article. Now, as an alternative to cutting out circular rims, how about this idea I have used in the past. All those throw-away plant pots, yoghurt cartons, salad tubs, all have perfectly round and rigid rims which are easy to cut off and being styrene are east to glue. I find plant pots best as they come in  various sizes and are very strong. Cut them off using a knife and sand the cut area using wet and dry paper. This gives a good flat edge for glueing. I have a hook in my shed which is festooned with these rings- not only can you use them on wheels but they are perfect for adding the beaded edges and details to paddle boxes. Give them a try, after all, they come free with food and plants !!!.  Walter

[mjt60a]

If you need a light circle cutter...

I just found a shop selling them today and now have one. It says 'cuts circles from 1cm to 15cm' so should be OK for any wheels I'm likely to make. I don't have enough styrene sheet left to test it just yet though.. :x

I'll keep in mind the idea of using plant pot/food carton parts, I'm always looking for ways to recycle everyday materials - especially as parts of  models!

[thewharfonline]

I'm intrigued and must make a set of wheels...and a newspaper boat!

[mjt60a]

I've now tried out the circle cutter (it's actually called a compass cutter) on 2mm styrene sheet and it works just fine - I found it best to drill a 'pinhole' in the styrene and use it on both sides, cutting lightly but go over the cut about 4 times then carefully bend the styrene until it cracks around the cut edge, just needs finishing slightly with abrasive paper.
I'll add a bit on using a round rim to the simple wheels article when I have time  

*edit; I meant to add, maplins have them - http://www.maplin.co.uk/Free_UK_Delivery/Compass_Cutter_30607/Compass_Cutter_30607.htm   4D models have similar, plus a much bigger expensive one (which IS called a circle cutter) - http://www.yellowcatshop.co.uk/shop/default.asp?clientid=14&gid=4dmod&viewstate=32769&tabcatid=3500145&subcatid=3500154  
But I got mine from an artist supplies shop (I'd actually been to both the other places and don't know why I didn't think of asking about one while I was there - still, I got mine cheaper and it looks exactly the same!)

[mjt60a]

I've now added the part about using a circle cutter to make round rimmed wheels, see the article here - http://www.btinternet.com/~mjt60a/models/paddlewheel01.html - (actually it's the same location as before, I just added to the page)
BUT................
I've taken it a step further and will add yet more to explain how it was done! The wheels now look like this;

...the feathering mechanism is just for appearance and doesn't work at all, I just thought it looked good, especially when only part of it is visible below the paddlebox  

[PJ]

Hi there Mick!

I can't access the URL you put up...is it working or is it just my system playing up?

PJ
Victoria, BC Canada

[PJ]

It was my system..suddenly all came up okay and it's EXTREMELY GOOD..those are superb wheels, buddy and i thoroughly enjoyed the article.

Well done, indeed!

PJVictoria, BC Canada

[Eddy Matthews]

A superb job Mick!

I'm still working on some software so we can add articles such as yours to the website, but somehow there just aren't enough hours in the day to do everything I want to! :-(

Anyway, back to decorating the hallway and staircase..... She who must be obeyed has spoken!

[thewharfonline]

Ah Eddy you should come down with a cold like me! It's amazing how much stuff you want to do can be achieved when you have a cold!

However I also don't recommend colds either...damn nasty things yuck!