DIY: Train Wheel Metal Axles

[dr_spock]

I received an order of train wheels and frames but they didn't come with the axles.

Here is how to make your own metal axles.

1. You'll need 2mm diameter metal rods. You can find them at local hobby stores or online.

2. Cut the rods to 40mm in length. You can use an original LEGO metal axle for reference.

3. Smooth out the ends with a metal file or bench grinder.

4. Optional: Buffer them to a shine.

It was pretty wild when the cutting disc shattered and flew everywhere. Wearing eye protection is a good idea.

[ALCO]

Cool! Thanks for sharing! I was wondering how I might do this since the axles are pretty expensive.

[KlodsBrik]

One could also just use a short metal saw being the cheapest and safest option, or a metal scissor ( if you own one, these are quite expensive as well ) to cut the rods.

Mostly since, if one dont own a dremmel, it will be quite expensive buying both the Dremmel and the cutting disc's, not to mention as you did yourself, when the disc's "explode" they are a PITA ... Always use safety googles when operating a Dremmel !

But lot's of people will probably find this usefull anyways.

[dr_spock]

Cool! Thanks for sharing! I was wondering how I might do this since the axles are pretty expensive.

Thanks.

One could also just use a short metal saw being the cheapest and safest option, or a metal scissor ( if you own one, these are quite expensive as well ) to cut the rods.

Mostly since, if one dont own a dremmel, it will be quite expensive buying both the Dremmel and the cutting disc's, not to mention as you did yourself, when the disc's "explode" they are a PITA ... Always use safety googles when operating a Dremmel !

But lot's of people will probably find this usefull anyways.

Yup, there is more than one way to cut metal. A jeweler's mitre saw, bolt cutters, etc. would work too.

You can get fibreglass reinforced cutting discs for the Dremel. They cost more and not as exciting since they don't shatter.

I would love to have one of these for cutting small metal objects if money is no object.

[KlodsBrik]

Thanks.

Yup, there is more than one way to cut metal. A jeweler's mitre saw, bolt cutters, etc. would work too.

You can get fibreglass reinforced cutting discs for the Dremel. They cost more and not as exciting since they don't shatter.

I would love to have one of these for cutting small metal objects if money is no object.

I got something similar.

Even the reinforced disc's explode

Then again im always using tool´s to the limit of what they were build for.

Im educated master cabinet maker and have been working on some weird project's where detail's were what mattered. We have had to invent some weird solutions using seriously top notch tools.

As an example for the "table saw" you had a picture of, we needed something even more precisely. The owner of the company had an water cutter especially made that would cut through 4mm of iron, to do the job. Dont get your hand under that water beam.

Edited May 24, 2016 by KlodsBrik

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

Thanks for the hint!

[dr_spock]

LEGO bogie sushi party tray anyone? I got bogie fever. I made about 48 so far. I found if the rod is more than 1mm short, the wheels could slip off the rail and be bouncing off the ties as it rolls along. LEGO likes exacting tolerances.

I got something similar.

Even the reinforced disc's explode

Then again im always using tool´s to the limit of what they were build for.

Im educated master cabinet maker and have been working on some weird project's where detail's were what mattered. We have had to invent some weird solutions using seriously top notch tools.

As an example for the "table saw" you had a picture of, we needed something even more precisely. The owner of the company had an water cutter especially made that would cut through 4mm of iron, to do the job. Dont get your hand under that water beam.

I think I recall you mentioning that in the Occupation thread. I find woodworking hard without proper tools.

I tried the reinforced discs, they don't cut as thin as the other discs.

I could make use of a high pressure water jet cutter and a table saw. I have metal to cut to repair a fire bowl grate and a 2x4 piece of scrap wood to make new handles for my wheel barrow.

Thanks for the hint!

You're welcome.

[coaster]

LEGO bogie sushi party tray anyone? I got bogie fever. I made about 48 so far. I found if the rod is more than 1mm short, the wheels could slip off the rail and be bouncing off the ties as it rolls along. LEGO likes exacting tolerances.

While it may not seem like much to most people, to a machinist, 1mm may as well be a mile. I would be surprised if the Lego rods varied by more than ±0.1mm. That's a very easy and standard tolerance on "slop" parts.

[Chubbs]

I seriously just logged in and was going to ask if anyone had any suggestions on these axles as the price just seems to go up and up. I remember a time when you could get a 4 pack of axles directly from Lego for $2.89 CND and now they are $2.22 each on PaB.

Thanks for the help good Dr.

[KlodsBrik]

That's a serious sushi, and one of the good kind.

Yeah, one can never get enough tools. As well as LEGO !

We have a saying( hope I can transfer it to be understandable) : Any craftman is never better than the tool´s he have at hand.