Banjo wheel center cover

[barnstmr]

Re: Banjo wheel center cover

I wonder if the logo was stamped on a flat sheet before it was shaped with the dome contour.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Banjo wheel center cover

Josh and I were wondering the same thing. The one I had was stamped in, but the lack of distortion made me think it was AFTER forming. I found an engraver here who could engrave a domed surface and that is what I am going to try. The depth of a lot of them is getting pretty thin from past polishing so I was going to have him engrave a little deeper.
Can you do a rubbing of the logo so he can scan it into his CNC Engraver? The logo on my old one was really thin. Yours looks a LOT clearer!

Hank

[barnstmr]

Re: Banjo wheel center cover

I will try to get a rubbing for you... where shall I mail it?

[barnstmr]

Re: Banjo wheel center cover

Hank... do you know if anyone sells the control yoke ROD assembly? Thats what I call it. I am talking about the tube with welded flange on one end to bolt up to the banjo wheel... and it is drilled on the other end to attach to the universal joint.

[Bird]

Re: Banjo wheel center cover

Just saw this post and would like to add that the freeze plugs I found were too thick and I'll be damned if I can remember the brand name but they did have the correct size but because of the thickness they would not fit and as for the comment that the freeze plugs came from a marine application--does not work, my caps are thin-too thin for any type of freeze plug-hell you could cough a hole it these

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Banjo wheel center cover

I have had the same problem finding a freeze plug that would work. That is one reason I am wondering about copper instead of brass. I don't have the tools to press brass but would like to experiment with the copper. It isn't like we need much strength for the little decorative cover. Worth a try anyway.

Terry, I would really appriciate a rubbing I can pass to the engraver. If I CAN make a center, hopefully he can engrave the logo. My mailing address is;

Hank Jarrett
805 Kings Creek Dr.
Virginia Beach,VA. 23464

Still got to get the 41 flyng (with the old wheels) but the sissy straps and centers for the Banjo wheels are rising fast to the top of my "To Do" list.

Thanks
Hank

[vetdrem]

Re: Banjo wheel center cover

I wonder if the centers could be "spun" out of brass. I watched a guy spin pewter bowls and cups one time, and it seems to me that if you made a wood plug the right size and shape, the center could be "spun" in just a minute. It wont do anything for the engraving/stamping, but it might be a method of making a blank out of brass. Youtube has a lot of videos showing the process.

Louie

[vetdrem]

Re: Banjo wheel center cover

I wonder if the centers could be "spun" out of brass. I watched a guy spin pewter bowls and cups one time, and it seems to me that if you made a wood plug the right size and shape, the center could be "spun" in just a minute. It wont do anything for the engraving/stamping, but it might be a method of making a blank out of brass. Youtube has a lot of videos showing the process.

Louie

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Banjo wheel center cover

That is my plan, but it would take a VERY strong lathe to spin that thickness and diameter from brass. That is why I am looking at copper. Softer and easier to work (and anneal if needed). It isn't like the cap sees a lot of loads and copper takes Nickel plating as well as brass does.

Hank

Spinning is NOT something to play with without the proper safety equipment! If the disc comes loose or you slip while applying the SIGNIFICANT pressure used to form the metal you can be severely injured!

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Banjo wheel center cover

Just brainstorming here -
What about using a snap-spring hole cover? AKA "Wilkie Button." Can one of these be modified to do the job?
They come in various diameters and can be found at Home Depot.

[Ron Coleman]

Re: Banjo wheel center cover

Mark,
I will try and ship it this afternoon or tomorrow morning. If anyone lives near a "Tractor Supply" I was told that they were originally made from tractor engine block freeze plugs. The plugs were dome topped and 2.43" (2 27/64") OD and the lip is ~1/4" with just under 1/4" of "dome". The metal appears to be Brass with a Nickel plate put on after the "Taylorcraft" logo is stamped in. The metal is about .020" thick.
If anyone can find a freeze plug like this let me know. Starting with that could REALLY drop the price down. Then Mark and I can compare his stamping of the logo to my getting them engraved for price and appearance after plating.
Next step is I only have ONE wheel! If I can't find another to restore I am going to have to start working on making a whole replica wheel.
Hank

Some one STOP ME, PLEASE!!! That wheel is going to be a NIGHTMARE to make from scratch!

Hank if you have an original plug how about photographing it from the side so that I can print it out. Please measure it so that I can have an accurate OD. Thanks RonC.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Banjo wheel center cover

I "had" one (need two) but I loaned it out so someone else could try to duplicate it and haven't heard back from them. I can let you know as soon as I hear back.

Hank

[barnstmr]

Re: Banjo wheel center cover

Hank... sorry to take so long to get back with you. I tried to get a good rub of the logo on the banjo center, but no luck. Bu I did manage to take these closeups. Hope this helps.lo

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Banjo wheel center cover

If I scale those from the photo I should have something he can scan and program in. Now I just need to get mine back and try to spin a copper one.

Hank

[astjp2]

Re: Banjo wheel center cover

I have access to a 1000 ton trapped rubber press, think that might do it? Build a male mold and form the metal around it. Tim