[TheForge] Machinist needed?

[xlch58 at swbell.net]

On 4/5/2011 12:46 AM, peter fels wrote:
> It always seemed to me that 1/2 of a  small rear end from and independent rear suspension car, turned on end,
> was almost a ready made, for a potters wheel.
> Just fill the wheel with plaster ( ditch the tire).
> The driveshaft lets you put the motor wherever you want and you can have a gas pedal and a brake.
>
I suppose it depends on just what period Phlips friend is re enacting 
how well that will work for them.   Don't know why they would even need 
a steel shaft for a potters wheel, much less a bearing capable of 
supporting several thousand pounds of radial and axial load.   Hardwood 
shaft and with hardwood or even leather bearings worked for centuries.   
If the they want a little more friction free thrust bearing you could 
make one easily out of hardwood, a ball nose router bit and a handful of 
marbles.    If they absolutely have to have something modern, there's 
plenty that can be adapted for free to be found on every big trash 
pickup day, which I guess could lead you back to the back axle of a car.

Charles