Insulator Picture:

I could provide a photo of smaller NWSL insulators but none as large as you need for a 3/16" axle.  Some say they look like top hats.  Looking at their website, they offer 3 different insulators for a 3/16" axle.  I don't know if you drilled down that far on their offerings but I'll attempt to attach a link.

In my mind, and if I were attempting this, I would remove one wheel, bore it out on my lathe to an ID that allows for a press fit of the insulator, and reinstall the wheel.

https://nwsl.com/collections/p...meter%3A%203%2F16%22

Jay

@Jay C posted:

I could provide a photo of smaller NWSL insulators but none as large as you need for a 3/16" axle.

In my mind, and if I were attempting this, I would remove one wheel, bore it out on my lathe to an ID that allows for a press fit of the insulator, and reinstall the wheel.

Jay

Hi Jay, if you would post a picture of whatever size insulator you have. I have a lathe and a milling machine. I’m just looking for the least amount of time and expense to pull it off. It’s finding the insulator that’s the problem.

Brian

Brian,

The insulators I use, whether they are mine or NWSL, are meant for 1/8" axles so they won't do you much good.  There are 3 possible insulators from NWSL that might work for you but first some questions.

Have you tried removing any of the wheels?  Many 3R wheels are really tight and it's very easy to damage the axles trying to get one off.

Does your lathe have the ability too hold a wheel accurately?  Many talk about using a 3 jaw chuck to do it.  Most 3 jaw chucks aren't accurate enough.

More questions coming up.

Jay

Brian,

I do have one example of a NWSL insulator used for a 3/16" axle.  They came from a project I worked on many years ago.  They are for large scale applications but maybe you can adapt them to your endeavor.  These were meant for wheels with a 172 tread.  You'll probably want the longer version for a wider wheel.  I will attach a link to the insulator that might be more appropriate.

https://nwsl.com/collections/p...-id-x-0-313-od-8-pkg

Using these would require removing a large portion on your wheels center.  Maybe too much.  You'd have to decide.

I don't know if this will be allowed, or if it will actually work, but I'll also try to attach a link to one of my Photobucket albums.  I shows numerous photos of various tools/tooling I use to build axle/wheel sets.

https://photobucket.com/u/jayc...aa-b414-4084c4d19349

Jay

@Jay C posted:

Brian,

The insulators I use, whether they are mine or NWSL, are meant for 1/8" axles so they won't do you much good.  There are 3 possible insulators from NWSL that might work for you but first some questions.

Have you tried removing any of the wheels?  Many 3R wheels are really tight and it's very easy to damage the axles trying to get one off.

Does your lathe have the ability too hold a wheel accurately?  Many talk about using a 3 jaw chuck to do it.  Most 3 jaw chucks aren't accurate enough.

More questions coming up.

Jay

Jay, my wheel puller removes them with no problem, I use the milling machine and an air collet holder to grab the wheels when I drill them out. You can drill one every three seconds this way. I'm trying to find shoulder washers for a press fit on the axle which is .1860. If I can't find anything I'll have to drill the axle hole as well which would be another step.

@MCD4x4 posted:

Jay, my wheel puller removes them with no problem, I use the milling machine and an air collet holder to grab the wheels when I drill them out. You can drill one every three seconds this way. I'm trying to find shoulder washers for a press fit on the axle which is .1860. If I can't find anything I'll have to drill the axle hole as well which would be another step.

Another three seconds.