Hello again,
Just to clarify a few things about my wish to try to balance my wheels at
home. I did receive a few responses to my query (thanks to all who responded).
I've always tried to make or do things myself. One such example is the
trailer hitch on my car. I could easily go out and spend the $250Cdn on a
hitch; but I'd rather spend $50 on steel and fasteners. The extra I could
spend on equipment.
I spent a while on my back looking up at the frame on my car (Yes, it is an
actual frame!) figuring out how I should develop my hitch. In the end, I
produced a superior hitch which is similar in design but stronger than the
5,000lb one I was looking at. The other hitch used four 3/8" bolts with
washers to attach to the frame, but I used 7/16 bolts with heavy 1/4"
plates inside the flat frame sections. It is similarly "beefed up" in
other areas, with more welding and heavier metal.
Instead of purchasing the hitch, I spent the money on a used plasma cutter
which I then used to help fabricate certain parts of the hitch. The cutter
cost me more than $200 but I have used it a lot more since then on other
projects and I am so happy that I have it! My Migmaster 250 made short
work of the heavy welds required; I got it used for a steal!
I have access to a lathe, and figure I can create a very accurate "bubble
balancer" 'cept perhaps with a accurately machined center for 1/16"
wire. I have yet to figure out how to put a "bubble" on this item
though! I have seen a New aluminum bubble balancer before, but the cost
would have been about $150Cdn with taxes. As I already have the aluminum,
it would cost me nothing to build a similar functioning item.
While several people have mentioned dynamic balancing, I have to wonder,
How were tires balanced in the days before digital modern
machines? Persons seeking speed records certainly must have needed
perfectly balanced tires!
One person referenced a ON-car balancing rig. This got me thinking of
another way to make my "bubble balancer. Instead, I would create a
"spindle" which precisely matches the hub-centric wheels. The spindle
would be of 1" threaded rod. There would be a machined hub against which
the wheels would fit.The wheel would be held on the hub by a threaded
nut/large washer against the hub. The hub would be tightened down to the
threaded rod. At each end of the spindle would be small bearings that
would sit in a v-groove on a level stand. If the wheel was heavier on one
side and it was spun, I would imagine that the heavier spot would usually
rest at the bottom if the bearings are "free" enough.
Problem with that idea? Perhaps I wouldn't be able to get the clearances
tight enough for the threaded portions. Dynamic balance not achieved.
Again, Thanks to all who responded
Steve "I have the satisfaction I did it myself" Reilly
(P.S. Wal-mart quoted $9.50 to balance each of five wheels plus 15% tax)
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