Author Topic: What material for a custom axle? (Read 7630 times)

brandEn · « **on:** October 21, 2011, 03:27:41 PM »

So I need a custom steel axle machined up for my Dresda swingarm as the stock one is to short. Can anyone with experience with metal recommend a material I could safely use for a rear axle?

Grabcon · « **Reply #1 on:** October 21, 2011, 05:43:59 PM »

First question. Is this a performance bike or daily rider? I would say that a daily rider you should be able to use a mild steel. For performance maybe use a 1024 high carbon steel. This is a tough steel and is also heat treatable if required. Both will machine well. The rest comes down to material cost.

If it were me I would also keep it metric all the way including threads.

brandEn · « **Reply #2 on:** October 21, 2011, 05:51:54 PM »

Its a performance daily rider

Seriously though thanks for the input. I plan on keeping it all metric.

Dyrden · « **Reply #3 on:** October 21, 2011, 06:17:53 PM »

Quote from: brandEn on October 21, 2011, 05:51:54 PM

Its a performance daily rider
Seriously though thanks for the input. I plan on keeping it all metric.

Mind taking a photo of your axle and swing arm? I have a dresda arm on a K7 and Im going to machine a spacer for the right side since it looks like its offset to the left and is able to use the stock rear axle. Id just like to compare yours to mine if you dont mind.

brandEn · « **Reply #4 on:** October 21, 2011, 06:22:02 PM »

Sure thing but it may be a day or so....stay tuned.

brandEn · « **Reply #5 on:** October 21, 2011, 06:39:50 PM »

OK couldn't stand it so I went out for a couple pics. I had to modify my spacers on both sides to fit my wheel. Any measurements from your K7 swingarm and axle? Got me wondering if maybe a stock K axle will work for my F.

FunJimmy · « **Reply #6 on:** October 21, 2011, 06:48:55 PM »

Dam.

That axle is close, but close only counts in Horseshoes and hand grenades.
Use Stainless Steel or Titanium for your custom axle.

754 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 21, 2011, 07:28:08 PM »

I have built them out of 4140 and 1045 Turned & Ground shafting.
To avoid weld fracture problems I often just thread both ends.
I would like to know which heat-treat process is used on the 1024 suggested earlier.
A lot of grades of stainless are not really strong, choose carefully.
If the axles are 20mm, and you need more than one, consider getting som T&G 20mm shafting.. might be asy to source for even one if you live in a large town..

Dyrden · « **Reply #8 on:** October 21, 2011, 07:35:22 PM »

Hmm, mine looks to be half inch narrower on the right side. Maybe since mines a K and doesnt have a disc brake? Its narrower than my stock arm in side to in side so Im going to have to narrow up the right side axle spacer.

brandEn · « **Reply #9 on:** October 21, 2011, 07:42:29 PM »

Quote from: 754 on October 21, 2011, 07:28:08 PM

I have built them out of 4140 and 1045 Turned & Ground shafting.
To avoid weld fracture problems I often just thread both ends.
I would like to know which heat-treat process is used on the 1024 suggested earlier.
A lot of grades of stainless are not really strong, choose carefully.
If the axles are 20mm, and you need more than one, consider getting som T&G 20mm shafting.. might be asy to source for even one if you live in a large town..

754 would you consider making one for me? I need to find a machinist that will make one for a reasonable cost.

754 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 21, 2011, 07:52:05 PM »

Shipping is pricey anffI dont know if I can easily get 20mm shafting..
If you can find that its just thread the ends, they should not bend you over too hard for that.. you can thread it 3/4 NF or 5/8, or choose a metric size.
I suggest you look around a bit there..

brandEn · « **Reply #11 on:** October 21, 2011, 08:46:57 PM »

Well your right. Try finding 22mm round stock is not easy.

scottly · « **Reply #12 on:** October 21, 2011, 10:02:29 PM »

Is the bearing race ID 22 mm (.866") or 7/8" (.875")?

brandEn · « **Reply #13 on:** October 21, 2011, 10:33:29 PM »

Should be 22mm like the axle size

scottly · « **Reply #14 on:** October 21, 2011, 10:38:52 PM »

The stock axle is likely a loose fit in the bearing.

Rigid · « **Reply #15 on:** October 22, 2011, 03:38:16 AM »

How long do you actually need overall? I have a stack of 10 or more axles here from old builds and parts bikes.

FunJimmy · « **Reply #16 on:** October 22, 2011, 06:48:12 AM »

Quote from: brandEn on October 21, 2011, 08:46:57 PM

Well your right. Try finding 22mm round stock is not easy.

Try calling the bearing suppliers and ask for precision ground bearing shaft.
If you can't find it, let me know.

brandEn · « **Reply #17 on:** October 22, 2011, 06:57:10 AM »

Quote from: Rigid on October 22, 2011, 03:38:16 AM

How long do you actually need overall? I have a stack of 10 or more axles here from old builds and parts bikes.

Measuring from underneath the head of the axle, the shaft length needs to be about 13"
Check out a drawing I made, click the pdf file below

brandEn · « **Reply #18 on:** October 22, 2011, 06:59:53 AM »

Quote from: FunJimmy on October 22, 2011, 06:48:12 AM

Quote from: brandEn on October 21, 2011, 08:46:57 PM
Well your right. Try finding 22mm round stock is not easy.

Try calling the bearing suppliers and ask for precision ground bearing shaft.
If you can't find it, let me know.

Thanks Jim, I have a place near by I can ask. If I can find the shafting it should be easy to just thread both ends and use nuts like 754 suggested.

Rigid · « **Reply #19 on:** October 22, 2011, 07:05:53 AM »

Sorry, my longest is 12 3/8" which I think came from a 77/78 K model.

754 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 22, 2011, 08:31:49 AM »

What wheel are you using that is 22mm?
Precision ground is same a turn & ground.
Drill rod is probably annealed and fairly soft
In ground you can find;
1045
drill rod in several types like O1 A1
Cr Mo like 4140 or 4340 in heat treated and stress-relieved.
lots of choices..
I will say this turning from hot-rolled Cr Mo to size is really a lot of work.. ground to size is the way to go..

brandEn · « **Reply #21 on:** October 22, 2011, 08:34:21 AM »

Thanks 754
Using a stock CB750 75F hub. 22mm axle right?

754 · « **Reply #22 on:** October 22, 2011, 08:43:28 AM »

I think it is 20mm, whoich should be fairly easy to find.
If you do cut threads on the ends, try using a lathe, pretty hard going with a die.. hard to hold the axle..

FunJimmy · « **Reply #23 on:** October 22, 2011, 08:51:48 AM »

Quote from: brandEn on October 22, 2011, 08:34:21 AM

Thanks 754
Using a stock CB750 75F hub. 22mm axle right?

Your drawing indicates 20mm.

MRieck · « **Reply #24 on:** October 22, 2011, 09:02:57 AM »

Those axles are 20mm. I have a JMC axle that is threaded on both ends....it is 13.25" long. I had a custom axle made so I can part with it.

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Author Topic: What material for a custom axle? (Read 7630 times)