Debaker
Well-Known Member
Hi all. I’m wondering if anyone has information, pictures, or plans of wooden wheels. I have read of at least a few examples, and have been wondering whether, as a woodworker, I might be able to build wooden wheels for an ultralight biplane I’m making. I know it’s unlikely, and perhaps something like a bmx bike wheel would make more sense; but I can’t stop wondering whether wooden wheels could be cheap enough, strong enough, and light enough.
I first thought of the possibility of building wheels from wood after seeing wooden wheels on a WWI German plane; but those were supposedly only used for ground transport. In the book “Marked for Death,” though, I believe I remember reading about Germans actually flying training planes with wooden wheels late in the war when rubber was in short supply (though, to be sure, I’m not proposing substituting wood for the rubber tire as well—only for the wheel). A few days ago, cluttonfred shared a document about early 20’s UK light aircraft. In it was a description of a successful plane that had wooden wheels: “The wheels are made of wood with three-ply sides and with a laminated ash rim covered with leather.”
So, anyways, the point is that it’s possible. I’m interested to hear of any other examples, especially if anyone happens to have weights of finished wheels to share. Thank you!
I first thought of the possibility of building wheels from wood after seeing wooden wheels on a WWI German plane; but those were supposedly only used for ground transport. In the book “Marked for Death,” though, I believe I remember reading about Germans actually flying training planes with wooden wheels late in the war when rubber was in short supply (though, to be sure, I’m not proposing substituting wood for the rubber tire as well—only for the wheel). A few days ago, cluttonfred shared a document about early 20’s UK light aircraft. In it was a description of a successful plane that had wooden wheels: “The wheels are made of wood with three-ply sides and with a laminated ash rim covered with leather.”
So, anyways, the point is that it’s possible. I’m interested to hear of any other examples, especially if anyone happens to have weights of finished wheels to share. Thank you!
