Scratchbuilding chariot wheels

[Aethelwulf]

Anyone know of a good way to make chariot wheels?

[Mick_in_Switzerland]

Try these

https://warbases.co.uk/product/cart-wheels-28mm-scale/

[Aethelwulf]

Try these

https://warbases.co.uk/product/cart-wheels-28mm-scale/

Thanks, but I meant me making them.

[robh]

Thanks, but I meant me making them.

Not from scratch (which will be difficult and time consuming) but certainly DIY.

Prince August have artillery moulds for home casting with useable wheels.
eg:
http://shop.princeaugust.ie/pa518-25mm-french-8-12-pdr-gribeauval-cannon-moulds/

[Aethelwulf]

Not from scratch (which will be difficult and time consuming) but certainly DIY.

Prince August have artillery moulds for home casting with useable wheels.
eg:
http://shop.princeaugust.ie/pa518-25mm-french-8-12-pdr-gribeauval-cannon-moulds/

Those would be perfect,however I've decided to make the wheels solid without spokes, its much easier, not to mention cheaper.

[steeldragon]

If it’s solid I’d choose a coin or base of the intended wheel size and usit as template for cutting the circle on plasticard. I’s easier to cut several 1mm thick plasticard circles than trying to cut a single 3-4mm thick plasticard circle. Just glue the together in a sandwich. Then it’s texturing and filing to get it rounder. I also used some putty for the ‘metal’

[Aethelwulf]

If it’s solid I’d choose a coin or base of the intended wheel size and usit as template for cutting the circle on plasticard. I’s easier to cut several 1mm thick plasticard circles than trying to cut a single 3-4mm thick plasticard circle. Just glue the together in a sandwich. Then it’s texturing and filing to get it rounder. I also used some putty for the ‘metal’

That's a good idea, I think I'll use that.

[SteveBurt]

What era are the wheels from? Post Sumer I think all chariot wheels were spoked. 4 spokes for early, 6 spoked later, and 8 or 12 for the bigger 4 horse chariots. They are not dished like later artillery and wagon wheels (and have fewer spokes)

[sgzleada71]

Wheels for custom made Etruscan chariot.  Plastic bottle cap.  Glued the 2 strips of balsa wood. Attached the metal ring - from craft store  total cost ~ 5 cents    

[Freddy]

Ever tried this or similar tool? I use it sometimes, the only drawback is that mine has a minimal radius. Works with plasticard sheet too, if only for making a perforation to punch.
https://olfa.com/products/olfa-cmp-3-rotary-circle-cutter

[zemjw]

You may be able to find a craft punch of the radius you want. I have several of useful diameters that come in handy.

I'm not sure they'd handle 1mm plasticard, but 0.5 mm is fine.

It would be quicker and give more consistent results than cutting each one individually.

[Aethelwulf]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I actually ended up using mount board for the wheels, with balsa stuck over it, and shields for the centre.

[has.been]

if you are definitely going 'solid' for the wheels,
take a look at buttons. There are some really nice ornate ones out there.

[Aethelwulf]

if you are definitely going 'solid' for the wheels,
take a look at buttons. There are some really nice ornate ones out there.

I might be able to find some buttons.

[snitcythedog]

If you are not set on solid wheels it is possible to make spoked but it is a bit of a pain and when I did it I needed a specialist tool.  You can purchase or make a crimping tool that crimps a V shaped notch on one side of a coffee stirrer.  Micromark has one here:  https://www.micromark.com/Plank-Bending-Tool
You crimp several coffee stirrers and then laminate them onto each other around a plastic form using PVA or wood glue.  I used the spool from clear sellotape.  Add the spokes and then sand it to the desired thickness. 
Again it is a lot of work when other manufactured options are available. 
Here is an example of the finished product.  http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z12b0tPbgww/VJAS3F6AsQI/AAAAAAAAA5c/Py6SnJmxgmI/s1600/DSC03890.jpg