Custom rims from mini lathe

Bill Newcomer
After owning my Taig min lathe for 4 months, I finally got to use it for what I intended. My Boss 429 Mustang is pretty much done pending wheels and tires. After detailing 3 rim styles, I decided I like the Magnum 500's. My tire selection is "big and littles" with the same tread pattern. My 1st problem is the rim OD is slightly too small for the tire ID. In addition, I wanted deep dish rears. I spent yesterday evening getting familiar with operating my new lathe. It has been over 20 years since I have operated one. Amazingly I got a good pair of hoops on the first try. I plan on making the front pair this weekend. Comments welcome.

Treehugger
I've been wondering about buying a lathe machine at some point. I think I've learned that you can use a piece of emery cloth for gently polishing the metal: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emery_cloth

I wish I had a big lathe to create a lot of metal train wheels, and also a big three piece aluminium artillery cannon (about 40+ cm total length, too big for a small lathe). I have a WW2 Dora railway cannon in 1:72 scale kit to fix. 🙁

Bill Newcomer
Got my front pair of hoops machined and polished today. It takes about 4 hours per pair. Lathe is very messy. Aluminum chips and curly Q's everywhere. No way I could use it in the house.

Brandon H
I'm one paycheck away from pulling the trigger on a minilathe myself... I'll be turning my own pulleys and sheaves soon!

Bill Newcomer
Brandon, Good for you! My mom sent me a generous amount of Christmas cash last year which made it feasible for me to get mine.