Making a wheel profile tool - testing the tools.

The proof of the pudding is, as they say, in the tasting. So the first job to do after the forming tools were finished (see here) was to turn a pair of wheelsets.

My usual method is to turn a wheel using a turning tool leaving .05-.1mm on all diameters, then relieving the back face with a parting-off tool;

Then a forming tool can be used to finish the wheel off;

Once the profile is formed I drill and ream the centre then part off.

Here's the results;

And fitted with stub axles and an acetal muff;

The surface finish isn't great on either set, and I'm a little unsure about the profile on the Code 72 pair.

I've left these as they have come off the machine with no polishing.

I've fitted the 2FS pair on a muff set to the normal 2mm standard gauge back to back, I have however made a second muff machined to modified 2FS standards for 6mm gauge.

Have I been successful? I'd say yes, even if the Code 72 tool doesn't live up to expectations, I've learned a lot and pushed myself (and the machine). I may end up remaking the Code 72 tool, but first I need to test both tools properly.

The next step will be to build a pair of locos, one to 009 and the other to 006, then I'll know whether I'm happy or not.

Paul.