How are wheel flanges turned ? Is a form tool used? Do you use a roughing tool and then a finishing tool? Has anyone out there done this?
I want to cut down some cast M.O.W. wheels for a backyard railroad running on 25# rail.
Thanks to anyone who can help

2rivers@upstel.net

Wheels can be turned in an engine lathe with "regular" tools or in a wheel lathe with form tools. The shape and composition of the tool used in the lathe is also a factor of the material the wheel was cast in. I have also seen a tool post grinder used to profile wheels.

Determine the composition of the wheel and available lathes first, figure out the details second.

Dave

irondave@bellsouth.net

> Wheels can be turned in an engine lathe with
> "regular" tools or in a wheel
> lathe with form tools. The shape and
> composition of the tool used in the lathe is
> also a factor of the material the wheel was
> cast in.

Cast iron wheels *can't* be turned, they must be ground. If the wheel is worn through the chilled metal, then it's not reclaimable.

Steel wheels can be [pressure] cast or wrought (rolled from a blank with a machine). Either of these can be turned, but only if there is sufficient metal to make a new tread.

>I have also seen a tool post
> grinder used to profile wheels.

Talk about being a glutton for punishment, although this might be a good method for 15" gague etc CI wheels.

> Determine the composition of the wheel and
> available lathes first, figure out the
> details second.

Also pay attention to the tape size requirements for wheels on the same axle.