After breaking the knurled ends of two 1666 and 221 engine axles, I need to ask what's the best way to place the wheels on the axle without damaging the axle.
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Are you putting new wheels on existing axles? If so, you need a method to press the wheels on the axles that holds the axle square to the wheel. Ignoring the knurling and just looking at the wheel bore and axle diameter, you need an interference fit of 0.0015” to 0.002” between the wheel bore and axle diameter. Use appropriate chucking reamers to get the correct interference fit. I prefer a wheel press with a cam driving the ram. With a cam, as the axle is pressed deeper into the wheel, the mechanical advantage increases and the ram speed reduces. I find this makes controlling the press work is easier. This is ignoring the issues of quartering, that is clocking the side rod mounting bosses. If you are pressing wheels back on to the axle they were pulled off of, scribe a line across the end of the axle and wheel hub before they are pulled off. This is so the wheel and axle can be lined up and pressed back on in the same location.
Wow Sounds like I need more tools to get this done.Your advice makes complete sense. Chucking reamers and wheel press where do I get these?
Do you really want to invest in all the tools to rebuild steam engines? How many are you planning on rebuilding?
The press and press tool can be acquired from Jeff Kane, The Train Tender. I get reamers from either MSC or McMaster Carr.
I ordered the reamer. I can't get the press from Jeff Kane. Is there another source? Also when I go to order axels for this 221 engine , there are several choices. what size do I need. The engine service no. doesn't seem to correlate
@Bob is cool! posted:I ordered the reamer. I can't get the press from Jeff Kane. Is there another source? Also when I go to order axels for this 221 engine , there are several choices. what size do I need. The engine service no. doesn't seem to correlate
Our forum sponsor Trainz has gone through great lengths to set up postwar Lionel exploded view diagrams. In addition, an easy to use parts menu accompanies each & every drawing. This is by far the most comprehensive exploded view system for Postwar Lionel…….I found the drawing for your 221 in less than one sip of coffee, and before I could take another, I found your axles, in stock, ready to put in a cart. ….cool stuff…..you may also inquire with the team at Trainz about finding you a press and cups if you’re serious about restoring these older machines…..
Pat
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Thanks so much. That's a big help This issue is a first for me. Then again with as many engines I'm doing it was bound to happen. I'll call trainz
PE Designs also sells a press and related tools for heavy rebuilding of postwar Lionel locos. The PE Design modified arbor press doesn't have a cam, it's more of a rack-and-pinion setup. But I think their model has an adjustable depth preset, which is supposed to prevent over-pressing.
These presses have been sold for years, Lionel first sold a branded model of the Hobby Horse press in the 1990s. Personally, I would fly somewhere and stay at a hotel to attend a 3- or 4-day apprenticeship on the proper use of these tools! Unfortunately I couldn't even found any good YouTube videos. At 55, am I too old for high school shop class? 
The reamer worked out well I was able to press the wheel on in a work bench vise with bending the wheel or breaking the axel
