anybody know where to get wheel blanks?

Diablo · #1 (**permalink**) 05-10-2003, 06:34 PM

I have a big CNC mill and I'm thinking about cutting some wheels for my Tundra. Does anyone know where to get aluminum wheel blanks? I think some forged 17" would be good. I could then cut the pattern in them and the bolt holes. I searched on the internet and couldn't find anything other than finished wheels.

RobXS · #2 (**permalink**) 05-14-2003, 05:31 PM

You should be able to buy the alloy from any metal supplier. Unless you have some real equipment, you would still need the rim. After you have your pieces, you need to construct a very, very accurate jig to attach the bolt facing to the rim. It would require a highly precise alignment than unless you had access to the proper equipment, you would never be able to get a smooth ride. If you don't know about or how to TIG or MIG weld, building wheels is not where you would want to start learning

I would say if you are just playing around and looking at this as kind of a shade tree project, buy an old set of 2 or 3 piece wheels and take them apart to use the rim.

I would not suggest that you actually use them unless you are a highly skilled in working with metal.

Diablo · #3 (**permalink**) 05-14-2003, 07:59 PM

Hey Rob,
Thanks. I thought that you could get a wheel blank that all ready had the rim on it. I was thinking that wheel blanks were either billets or forged aluminum that were put on a lathe to turn them to the correct diameter and create the rim. That is what I was looking for. Maybe it doesn't come that way. I have a Hass VF 5 so I can do just about anything except turnings. I wanted a blank that has the rims on it and was solid inside. I thought that they would be a single piece with the rims turned into them. I've seen motorcycle wheels done from them so I figured that you could get them like that for cars and trucks.

There is a picture of the Hass on my website. If you don't have a fast connection it will take a while to load. The Hass is about half way down. It's big. 50 x 26 table area and it weighs over 15,000 lbs. Check it out:
http://www.driskillguitars.com/goldflames.htm

I'm also thinking about working with the metal shop guys next door to make some spindles and lifts for the Tundra. Do you know where I could find some CAD files on the front end?

thecarguy · #4 (**permalink**) 05-16-2003, 02:21 AM

Yeah, motorcycles are the first thing that came to mind. I'd call a cycle place and see where they get theirs or the name of the maker of the blanks.

RobXS · #5 (**permalink**) 05-17-2003, 08:08 AM

That looks like a fun toy!

Automotive wheels are made differently than motorcycle wheels. Because of varying off sets and rim widths, with the exception of the very cheap 1-piece cast wheels, they are made of two or in some cases three parts. If you were going to cut it, you would really want a forged wheel, which would be nearly impossible to find.

There are some real cheap cast wheels that are one solid piece, but you would want to be careful about cutting them up because you would severely weaken them. You could always buy a set of the old AR Outlaws they are pretty close to a blank wheel.

24thHourArt · #6 (**permalink**) 02-13-2008, 06:47 PM

What state are you in? I know a place in Southern California But im not sure if they carry 17" blanks. Are you looking to go with a three piece, two piece or a solid wheel? They may be able to help you out. Hit me on my email so if you're interested let me know, I'm curious about the mill you have and what type of work you can do, I want to make some wheels for my ride too.
mgarcia_24thhr@yahoo.com