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Discussion starter · #21 ·
shif said:
Or you could spend ten minutes like I did 20 years ago and make a simple dishing tool from a 27 inch long 1x4 and a 2 inch long set screw (or bolt). I've used this tool countless times over the years on all bike wheel sizes from 26" to 700c:

View attachment 1175487

Cheers...
Click to expand...
Cant get much simpler than that. Did you seal that wood so it doesn't warp?
 
#22 ·
If you use hardwood plywood you won't need to worry about warpage, but I still seal everything I make (jigs, knife handles, boxes...) with something. Simple finish is danish oil, quick finish is spray polyurethane. This prop (shown before final finishes were applied) got sealed, stained then several brush on layers of shellac to simulate the original finish types. (Note: in this photo the prop is mounted backwards on the shaft. It was built using original plans as a pusher prop and that was corrected before it was put on display).
 

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Discussion starter · #23 ·
Forster said:
If you use hardwood plywood you won't need to worry about warpage, but I still seal everything I make (jigs, knife handles, boxes...) with something. Simple finish is danish oil, quick finish is spray polyurethane. This prop (shown before final finishes were applied) got sealed, stained then several brush on layers of shellac to simulate the original finish types. (Note: in this photo the prop is mounted backwards on the shaft. It was built using original plans as a pusher prop and that was corrected before it was put on display).
Click to expand...
Pretty cool!
 
#24 ·
iowamtb said:
Pretty cool!
Click to expand...
The guy that built the rest of the aircraft is pretty flipping smart about his reproduction stuff. That "Bamboo" is actually conduit. He uses some heavy cord at each joint and builds up the joint with bondo. Then when the cord is removed you do a little painting and you end up with cheaper than bamboo that holds up forever without cracking or needing additional finish.
 
#26 ·
iowamtb said:
Cant get much simpler than that. Did you seal that wood so it doesn't warp?
Click to expand...
Nope. It's just clear Doug Fir lumber, has really tight straight grain. It now has lots of grease and oils on the surface from years of use. It hangs on a nail in my shop, I don't think it will ever warp unless it gets really wet.
I ran a plug tap thru for the set screw when I made this tool, never thought the threads would hold up so well. Still solid as day one.

Cheers..
 
#31 ·
I just put the wheel on my kitchen table and measure the distance from the table to a spoke and then a spoke on the other side of the wheel.
If the wheel is flat on the table and reasonably true these measurements will be the same.
Then flip the wheel over and repeat the measurement.
If the second set of measurements doesn't equal the first set of measurements, tighten or loosen the appropriate spokes.
Repeat until perfect.

If I built wheels all the time I'd buy a tool but it's not necessary.
 
#34 ·
Mike T. said:
Make one from cardboard for zero cost as shown in Roger Musson's ee-book -

https://www.wheelpro.co.uk/wheelbuilding/book.php
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The dishing tool has been updated, and it looks similar to this one, made from 9mm ply...

https://www.wheelpro.co.uk/support/dishing-tool.php

The steel rule slides on magnetic tape (from a fridge magnet), the yellow tape is sandpaper for grip. The one described in the book uses an additional guide plate opposite the one shown. Note, the rule is not used for taking measurements, it uses the same comparison method as any other dishing tool. I've used aluminum T section for the feet (cheap, and easy to obtain where I am), although some wooden blocks will also be suitable.

You can also use the templates to make something out of cardboard.

The next incarnation will have some replaceable small feet for checking dish with a tire installed.
 
#35 ·
gravityryder26 said:
A good truing stand eliminates the need for a dishing tool. In fact, my last set slid into the brake caliper without having to make adjustments.
I have an old Park Tool stand so 29er rims have to have the tire removed to fit.
Click to expand...
Truing stands can be off center. I have a Park TS-2 that's not centered. Need to get the rebuild kit for it bought it used.
 
#36 ·
roger-m said:
The dishing tool has been updated, and it looks similar to this one, made from 9mm ply...
https://www.wheelpro.co.uk/support/dishing-tool.php
The steel rule slides on magnetic tape (from a fridge magnet), the yellow tape is sandpaper for grip. The one described in the book uses an additional guide plate opposite the one shown. Note, the rule is not used for taking measurements, it uses the same comparison method as any other dishing tool. I've used aluminum T section for the feet (cheap, and easy to obtain where I am), although some wooden blocks will also be suitable.
You can also use the templates to make something out of cardboard.
The next incarnation will have some replaceable small feet for checking dish with a tire installed.
Click to expand...
Yeah I saw that one Roger. It's hi-tech next to my RM cardboard one but mine does have a genuine stainless hand-fab indicator - a Sapim Race 2.0/1.8 (the final 2.0 end was chopped off) spoke. It works a tweet -
 

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#37 ·
Mike T. said:
Make one from cardboard for zero cost as shown in Roger Musson's ee-book -

https://www.wheelpro.co.uk/wheelbuilding/book.php
Click to expand...
Second-ed... best $15 I have spent and first wheel build went flawlessly. I built the truing stand in his book and had zero issues with my WTB i29 29er wheel even with a Vittoria Goma 2.4 on it. I went a little further and purchased some endcap axle plugs for a truing stand (this set) and it worked perfectly.
 
#38 ·
gregnash said:
Second-ed... best $15 I have spent and first wheel build went flawlessly. I built the truing stand in his book and had zero issues with my WTB i29 29er wheel even with a Vittoria Goma 2.4 on it. I went a little further and purchased some endcap axle plugs for a truing stand (this set) and it worked perfectly.
Click to expand...
A "Roger" stand that he sent to me (from UK to Canada) was the first stand I ever owned after nearly 50 years of using frame and fork as a wheel stand. I guess he took pity on me and thought I was penniless. Actually, before his stand I'd been using my $4000 Seven Sola frame and $700 Pace carbon fork so beat that for a pricey stand eh? I still use his stand of course (slightly modified and on its dedicated table - all shown on my site) and I will until someone gifts me a P&K Lie. Roger is da bomb. Hi Roger!
 
#39 ·
Mike T. said:
A "Roger" stand that he sent to me (from UK to Canada) was the first stand I ever owned after nearly 50 years of using frame and fork as a wheel stand. I guess he took pity on me and thought I was penniless. Actually, before his stand I'd been using my $4000 Seven Sola frame and $700 Pace carbon fork so beat that for a pricey stand eh? I still use his stand of course (slightly modified and on its dedicated table - all shown on my site) and I will until someone gifts me a P&K Lie. Roger is da bomb. Hi Roger!
Click to expand...
Funny that you mention that as I was using your site to pick the tools I needed for the builds. Actually I tried using your Q-Tip method but found it can be hard to find the old school cardboard shaft ones anymore (just depends on where you shop). So I improvised and found that an "orangewood stick" from my wife's nail manicure box works beautifully. The wood is strong enough that you can actually use for lots of stuff (like removing foam rings and whatnot) but still soft enough that it will not mar or mark anything. Actually after I wittled down an end I found that it actually held the thread pattern for the nipples, making it somewhat easy to screw them on instead of just pushing on.
 
#40 ·
Yeah the Q-Tip (my Q-Tips anyway) works but I since bought a Mulfinger from BikeHubStore. It does the same job for a billion times the cost but it's much more swanky and it lasts more than one wheel.

Just don't get that messy silver Anti-Seize on your wife's stick or I think you're in big trouble. But I like your resourcefulness.
 
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