Building large wheels

[stryker001]

Hey, I'm working on a new LEGO project and am in need of some nice big wheels (at least the size of CDs, if not a few inches larger). Sadly, I don't have anything around that size on hand (8" should do the trick), and I couldn't come up with a good design to build some out of LEGO parts. If anyone has any experience designing extraneously large wheels, that'd be awesome, because my current alternative seems to be cutting discs out of StyroFoam sheeting and forming wheels from that, which I really don't want to do.

[inxt-generation]

If you want the size of CDs, then you could try PowerPuller wheels. However, be prepared to cough up at least $100 for a set of 4. Bigger than that, I would try Technic tread links turned inside-out and supported with beams or axles, like the technique here. These wheels are about 7-inches.

What exactly are you making?

[h-g-t]

If you are prepared to accept a 'non-LEGO' solution you could perhaps get them cut out of plastic, plywood or mdf by a local sign making shop. They usually have laser cutters or cnc machines which can do a neat job quite cheaply.

Or you could search ebay -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=1 ... m270.l1313

[hergipotter]

If you have the necessary tools you could cut them out of wood.

[stryker001]

If you are prepared to accept a 'non-LEGO' solution...

That'd be fantastic. Ideally, I'd like to not have to buy wheels, I was just thinking use LEGO parts or everyday materials (or both) and make a pair of large wheels.

[dimasterooo]

I remember seeing that Xander made some big wheels once, all out of lego. They're omnidirectional though, but if you can use something like that I guess his blog is the place to go: http://botbench.com/blog/2009/11/10/my- ... omniwheel/.

You could also get some of these (http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=32016) and link them together. You could make the connectors in between, so you could make wheels of any size you want. There's some with bigger angles too, but the wheels wouldn't be as smooth: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=32192 , and: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=32015 . And it's all LEGO, so that's pretty cool too.

Yea that's all I got

[sparramc]

You could use a set of LEGO Part #59521, Wheels (160mm D. x 28mm).


I had a play with making a solid mount for the ExoForce Wheels this afternoon and came up with a simple design using a LEGO Technic Part #48452cx1, Large Turntable Type 2 as the mount point between the wheel and Robot chassis. If it's of interest, visit my blog...

[stryker001]

hmmm... I have only have 8 of the necessary wheels to make one of Xander's... not so say I haven't tried.

As far as connecting a buch of elbows together: Yes, that makes the rim of the wheel but I've never been able to turn that from just a hoop to an actual wheel (complete with spokes). If anyone knows of a good design for that that'd be awesome.



And, for now, since I haven't come up with a good "big wheel" solution, I just made the chassis very low-lying and flat. Pictures to come soon.

[stryker001]

...visit my blog...

Got a link? It looks awesome, and while I don't have wheels like those, there's only a swipe of a debit card between me and them. (Figuratively speaking.)

EDIT: Nvm, found the link. I was thinking you had a BlogSpot for some reason and scanned right over your link. Anyways, I looked at it and it looks pretty nice, just bought 4 wheels. (pretty darn cheap)

[sparramc]

Got a link? It looks awesome, and while I don't have wheels like those, there's only a swipe of a debit card between me and them. (Figuratively speaking.)

EDIT: Nvm, found the link. I was thinking you had a BlogSpot for some reason and scanned right over your link. Anyways, I looked at it and it looks pretty nice, just bought 4 wheels. (pretty darn cheap)

The attached LEGO Digital Designer CAD File may be of assistance to you with your Rover design:

ExoForceRover.zip

LEGO Digital Designer CAD File

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