Cutting a wheel spacer without a lathe.

Needed a spacer for the front wheel and, although they are fairly cheep to buy, I didn’t want to wait for one to show up in the mail. With the proper set up and a bit of elbow grease, cutting a spacer without a lathe is no big deal!
And if that’s the only thing needed to get the bike back on the ground, why wait?
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[@G58]

For the non engineers here. The squareness method relied upon here is not accurate and does not tell you what you really need to know. Here’s the correct method: Assuming that you started with a part that was machined square on at least one end, having cut off the excess, the next job is to file the hacksawed end horizontal to the known machined end, not square to the outside diameter - which is also incredibly difficult to check accurately, especially by hand. This can be done very easily by measuring the length of the new part at 2-4 places around the diameter using a pair of callipers or a micrometer. Nothing else matters other than the new end surface being made parallel to the known machined square end surface. In case you’re wondering why I might believe I’m right, when all these other guys have praised your work, I’m a retired Rolls Royce Aero engine experimental engineer. I restore old bikes. I own 12 bikes. I’ve performed this precise task for different jobs thousands of times. Please measure the part carefully before fitting it. The consequences could be damaged bearings. It’s your front wheel. You don’t need me to paint a picture. Ride safe. Work safe. Peace

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Hey, thank you for the information!

[@o.u.t.olduglytroll3712]

hi there, this is reds dad here. thanks for that info. i will make a point of checking that spacer today with the method you described, i always appreciate input and advice from true professionals. i do have a good quality Mitutoyo Vernier caliper so that should provide the accuracy required. i'll let you know what i find out in the comments here. again, thanks. bill

[@raysimon1368]

I guess you done it this way when you where a experimental engineer if you did than you were just experienced in what explain to us the way you would have done it on a rolls sir let's see if you really know what you are talking about or you are just ready to down someone engineer

[@o.u.t.olduglytroll3712]

so, I pulled the wheel off the bike and measured the spacer in 4 spots around it's diameter. these are my results; 0.8680 to 0.8685. I took the measurements three times just to be sure. my caliper is the digital type. this gives me a variance of about 0.0005 (I say 'about' because I feel like a micrometer may have been slightly more accurate). do you think this amount of variance will cause problems with the bearings? the bearings in this wheel are the sealed ball type bearings, not the tapered roller type bearings. thankyou for your input and advice. bill

[@G58]

@@o.u.t.olduglytroll3712 bill, you can be proud of your daughter. She did an amazing job. In theory it should not be possible to get such a close result using only a square against the curved edge of the diameter. But she did it! I’m impressed. Am also very impressed by your response. Most people would have told me where to go. Now I have to congratulate your daughter. Peace

[@nordland2235]

I used to be a hobby knife maker...those belt sanders sure make things go faster......bought one in a pawn shop...worth every penny.

[@robthomason1]

Some might say using a lathe would be the only accurate way of producing a part like this! You proved them wrong, a fine example of workshop problem solving!

[@deanmack8575]

WOW! Did that bring back Memories from back in the Day.. late 60's early 70's Thanks Red 👍

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thank you for watching:)

[@AngelFaceMotoRider]

Simply GENIUS.! I liked the rapid sawing footage & laughed-out-loud when you said "Finally.!"

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Lol 😂 Thanks for watching!

[@josefranciscoelizaldeteyss4458]

THANKS FOR SHOWING HOW TO DO THIS WITHOUT A MACHINE IS SO COOL !!!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thank you for watching!

[@MrLWFred]

Perfect. Simply perfect. I am actually learning a lot from your videos and forming a crush at the same time. Just keeping it real. Stay cool.

[@blipco5]

Well done, the set-up was clever. 👍 Mastering the hack saw is one of the great pleasures in life. Follow the blade , not the handle.

[@arthurcgans8198]

From a retired machinist: This is probably more accurate than most home lathes as getting a part to run perfect in an old chuck can take a bit of old school skills. this method insures the accuracy. The only advise I would add is place a part the same dimension as the diameter of the part you are clamping in the far end of your bench vise to assure it is holding without twisting the vise. Great job Red!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Good advice, thanks! I’ll remember that for next time 🙂

[@pb68slab18]

@@RedRiderCanadaBC With all due respect to your fine efforts, if the pressure applied to any bearing is not perfectly flat/even/parallel/perpendicular/square/etc, it will wear out or fail quicker. When I make wheel spacers, or bearing spacers for any machine, I also put them on a surface grinder after turning so I know the surfaces are perfectly parallel. But machining precision parts is what I've done for the last 45yrs as a toolmaker. I'm OCD fanatical about it.

[@pb68slab18]

I have 2 Hardinge "Super-Precision" toolroom lathes at work, and even using genuine Hardinge collets, I still finish on a surface grinder to ensure perfect parallelism and flatness.

[@pb68slab18]

I'll add I've seen everything from stacks of washers, pieces of pipe and even conduit cut with a hacksaw with no thought of squareness. I've always said the ''unreliable junk'' reputation Harleys gained was because they were too often worked on by people who should never have tools in their hands! And the WRONG TOOLS at that! You do show you put some intelligent thought into your work and know the meaning of ATTENTION TO DETAIL!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

@@pb68slab18 thank you. We did take some proper measurements with the callipers today and found that the spacer is square to within less than half of 1 thousands of an inch. I pinned I comment on this video that my dad has replied to with the measurements we took today. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on the matter!

[@jd9308]

I have to commend you on your instructional video. Taking the time to explain and show exactly how to do something is fantastic. Nice tricks of the trade on getting a good level/straight cut with a hacksaw! You will always remember and treasure everything that you created for your two bikes. I know the pride you feel making that Dyna crash bike totally "your" bike. I can't wait till we see you ripping down the roads on it! Ride and stay safe up there in beautiful B.C.!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks Jd!! I’m looking forward to having it done as well 😮‍💨 it’s been a job and a half!

[@metalbill]

That’s genius. And simple. Too many people overthink things when there’s a simple and cheap solution just with a little creative thought. You Rock Angel!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks Bill! 🙂

[@allynmcfarlin2074]

I pretty impressed with your cutting jig. Well done.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks 👍

[@raysimon1368]

Another job well done red there is always more ways than one to skin a cat it took a little while to do but everybody don't own a lathe I bet your dad showed you that nice little setup nice job keep up the good work

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks Ray!

[@bryanlavergne4235]

Good job Red, Howdy there Pops, very nice cut! BRAVO.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thank ya!

[@zippitydooda9112]

Now that was cool! Love to see "the Hillbilly way" of solving these issues. Great to see a build being done without a full machine shop doing the work.

[@vidvidbiker]

Greetings from the UK. Never seen that method before - learnt something new. An alternative that I use is put a power drill in a vice. Put a bolt through the material/spacer being cut and a lock nut tightened up on the other side - then put the end (not the head) of the bolt in the drill. Then clamp a guide piece of metal to the bench for the hacksaw blade to be held against at the desired length on the item being machined. Start the drill and gently apply the blade until it cuts through. You might have to move the area of the blade being used to cut if it goes blunt - a little 3in1 helps. You have a great KZbin channel - thank you for your time and effort putting up videos.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Hey, thank you! That sounds like a pretty handy way of doing it too.

[@hogmanbaker9853]

ANGEL THAT'S A EXCELLENT VIDEO ON HOW TO CUT A SPACER. GLAD YOU MAKE YOUR OWN PARTS. KEEP VIDEOS ROLLING. 💀☠🕸⚡

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thank you!

[@chesterrafuse6323]

Have a great Thanks giving Angle.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thank you! You as well:)

[@Cstoreri]

Thanks RR!

[@rvator7291]

Ive cut many things with a hacksaw and cutting square is no small task with thicker matl. Very easy to twist blade ever so slightly and get the cut going wonky. Nice job!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

It’s a job for sure lol

[@tommydemis9094]

Necessity is the mother of invention. : ) 👍👍

[@hwydog905]

Nice, cool way to to get it cut . I had to do something similar , I used a mandrel on the drill press then with the hacksaw blade clamped like that.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Whatever works, eh! 😎

[@Buzzzbom]

Great idea! I will do this, next time I modify a spacer.

[@tedwasilowski26]

good tip for a square cut on tubing, thanks Red Rider

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrJ35080]

Yet again red you do it so well good on you and hello from new zealand 🇳🇿 😊 😀 ❤️

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Hello 👋 and thank you 🙂

[@tytempleton8400]

Hi Angel. Thank you for another fantastic video. GREAT JOB !!

[@tytempleton8400]

Hi Angel. Watching a Red Rider video is a prize !!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks for watching!

[@robbieautrey3158]

Very nice tip RED/Janis, looks like you did a great job to me. I'm sure your Dad would have said something if you were doing it wrong. OLD, i don't think so girl, i see a beautiful Ginger who happens to love Harleys.. Stay safe out there girl..

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks Robbie 🙂

[@scuzzytwo7556]

I used a chop saw made front and rear spacers. You did good.

[@solarprepper1offgrid.753]

night owl calling! thanks for sharing that!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks for watching!

[@bruce1816]

Thanks Red !!! This is good info for those just starting and maybe some of us older folks too !!!

[@G58]

No it isn’t. It’s the wrong way to do it.

[@rockercover]

Craftpersonship like you performed there, (the spacer), is a true talent / art.

[@ridingonruby3287]

Awesome job, you are soooo talented. Thanks for sharing it. Have a beautiful day.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks!

[@olskool3967]

good job Miss Red,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@kafkastrial8650]

You don't look old at all !

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Lol that’s good, thanks!

[@billjones9419]

Never seen that good of a cut with a hand saw good job

[@garnettlloyd]

Nice work, this is a great way to make sure the spacer is cut straight. I also like seeing you realize the blade only cuts in one direction. Going both ways is an easy way to dull the blade.

[@BillTheHarleyGuy]

awesome video as always keep making these types of videos they are very informative to watch 👍

[@radricster]

Some great backyard machine shop tips there. You might want to use a hand pipe de-burring tool on the inside of the cut spacer before belt sanding, just to clean up the inside of the spacer. That aside, great work. Can't wait to see the dyna on the road soon!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

The Dyna is almost ready! Just waiting on a few parts

[@billshortall3594]

Inspirational your cool your bikes cool. Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks keep the shiny side up

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks!

[@Vasolini]

Love it! You don't know how many crooked cuts I've made in the past! Thanks for this tip. (Also, you don't look old!!! lol!)

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Lol thanks

[@dirkg7062]

What a great idea! Thanks Red for the tube cutting tip.

[@hokaheyrider059]

Outstanding! You give true meaning to the term, Taking car of Business.

[@alkennedy1124]

That was a nice part of red rider engineering spacer cutting,I have cut drive lines like this to shorten them right in the middle of the weld on the yoke end turning the drive shaft as I would hacksaw it , kinda like this proses lol that is an nice doll house square thanks BigAl California praise Jesus Christ grace grace grace amen

[@gregd.88]

Well, there are easier ways but whatever works for you. Good job!

[@my357mags]

Great job Red! 👍👍

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks!

[@donaldmorgan5334]

Very cool I would have never thought about how you cut the spacer. Thanks very much and you have a greaat day!!!!

[@markh.harris9271]

Ha! Red, you don't "even" look old... someday, when you really are old... you'll know what I mean! 🤣 Cool spacer trick! Keep up the great work on your 'road warrior'. marcus

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Lol thanks 😅

[@sailtails2775]

So nice to see you have no fear of working carefully with hand tools ! Cheers !

[@garyhopkins6337]

A great little trick, I'll remember that one. Thanks, Red.

[@nmpan-shovel]

I love the method you've shown of creating a perfectly parallel guide groove. Never seen that. Only suggestion I'd make is when using a belt sander, hold the work against the 'foot' of the machine rather than on the pulley. That provides a perfectly flat surface to finish up on. Also avoids wear and tear on the pulley. Nice!

[@chesterrafuse6323]

A hand drill can be used to help you along with other repairs as well as this one.

[@brianreynoldson1965]

If you don't have access to a lathe, you make do with what you have. Reminds me of the carpenters credo, " measure twice, cut once".

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Yep!

[@shaking-bones-bike-shop]

great idea!! the hillbilly way : D nice! ey and NO, you dont look old!

[@tommylitchfield3450]

That's a really good way to get a good, square cut! Red, you do a good job of explaining the whats and whys of what you do in your videos. Your channel should grow and grow as people find it, because you are REAL. I think people are just about done with all the fake "personalities" that infest cyberspace, and when a real person makes content, it sure is refreshing.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Hey Tommy, thanks I really appreciate that! I hope people continue to watch and enjoy my content :)

[@dangalli1]

Nicely done!! 😊

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks!

[@wvbiker746]

Good idea. Thanks.

[@robertadams4415]

Neat little trick

[@nickwhitaker8602]

Wow great job! I always learn something on your how to vids. Going to have to remember that one. I have messed up a lot of cuts over the years. Keep up the good work.

[@benderbender1233]

grrrrreat idea! go red go ✌😘

[@jamesshonk565]

Time consuming but very good results. Good job Red.

[@zombiedog4343]

Hey this is a great helpful tip! Thanks!

[@robertrodriguez2412]

Great idear!

[@warrenp2022]

Well done! I was wondering where you found that doll house framing square. I didn't expect that type of quality tool in the "red neck shop", you guys are full of surprises. I figured you would find a way to chuck it up in your 'poor man's lathe' (drill press).

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

The square is an old machinist tool that was given to my dad years ago.

[@G58]

@@RedRiderCanadaBC Did you measure the length of the spacer at any point? The reason I ask is that the squareness method you’re relying upon is not accurate and does not tell you what you really need to know. Here’s the correct method: Assuming that you started with a part that was machined square on at least one end, having cut off the excess, the next job is to file the hacksawed end horizontal to the known machined end, not square to the outside diameter - which is also incredibly difficult to check accurately, especially by hand. This can be done very easily by measuring the length of the new part at 2-4 places around the diameter using a pair of callipers or a micrometer. Nothing else matters other than the new end surface being made parallel to the known machined square end surface. In case you’re wondering why I might believe I’m right, when all these other guys have praised your work, I’m a retired Rolls Royce Aero engine experimental engineer. I restore old bikes. I own 12 bikes. I’ve performed this precise task for different jobs thousands of times. Please measure the part carefully before fitting it. The consequences could be damaged bearings. It’s your front wheel. You don’t need me to paint a picture. Ride safe. Work safe. Peace

[@eugenebarry220]

Great vid & it worked out perfect. I was wondering if I could make spacers with a hacksaw and now I know how, thanks for sharing.

[@ronhernandez6923]

Sweet!...nice work.

[@richiebainbridge2608]

Yep that does it.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

👍

[@douglas9607]

Getting it done.

[@williamanthony5021]

Wanted to chime in . Love your determination all the while please be safe note using protective eyewear whenever necessary . I enjoy a clean work surface . Hey there's Papa Bear putting around ,sweet .thank you for the video.peace out .

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks for watching!

[@samuelw1311]

Great job Lil Red! You're doing fantastic with your channel. Looking forward to your next video.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thank you 😊

[@hippytrev7452]

very impressive... job well done cheers

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks!

[@PaulBerry-bm6lk]

Good job

[@jerryspencer5453]

Always helps to know how to do things the hillbilly way, eh. Thanks Red.

[@MegaTroyhamilton]

we use a pipe cutter or a chop saw. and use old handlebars.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Good idea!

[@tims72demon]

Nice job ! 👍

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks!

[@davidgourdie3691]

Nice trick Red, laying it up against the alloy and blade.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks!

[@YeLLGoYeLLGo]

Perfekt 😉👍& i like your bike😊👍

[@DCMcF]

Nice work!👌

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks!

[@johnnysechrist6313]

[@kennethking817]

Missed the last 4 video's , It's my guess u tube unsubscribe me from your channel , I've never had that happen before and I was thinking of you , btw your Pretty with a precious ❤ .

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thank you 😊 glad ya came back around!

[@Boysenberr]

I notice that you say, "aluminum" rather than the UK-preferred, "aluminium." Wondering why that is. Regardless, quite a useful and comprehensive explanation!

[@randylenart9674]

Are you doing that on a granite surface plate and being a old journeyman tool and die maker I am still learning haven't seen this done yet but you have to make due with what you have good old dads teaching you rite American ingenuity 👍😎🇺🇸

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

I’m doing it on a steel bench

[@ClassicRider]

I bet you could make just about anything "motorcycle" in your shop !

[@ClassicRider]

I like your grove. But Dearest, when using a saw itself, ask your Dad about how to use your index Finger to guide the saw - also, I noticed when this was posted. Get some sleep ! - btw: its a beautiful day for a ride in CT this morning - getting ready to go out. Got new Camera glasses - going to give em a try -

[@alstone5257]

cool idea :) another good video

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thank you :)

[@thedirtyknobs]

Good job 👍 p.s we like it all 😊

[@jasoncasey5ify]

I'm about to try using chop sW

[@robertgwinn8406]

Wow ... cool

[@shaunmiller7370]

Red Nice

[@josefranciscoelizaldeteyss4458]

SOMETIMES, IS GOOD SOME ELBOW GREASE !!!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Yep!

[@ПетрПетров-с8э]

I think this method was suggested to you by your father, this is one of the reasons why I respect the past generation of people, because then there was no Internet or KZbin, everything was done empirically and passed from mouth to mouth. That's right, you need to calculate that the fork is parallel, otherwise the suspension will work with wear and tear and not correctly ...

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Yes, this is how my dad taught me to do it. And I agree with you about the older generations, they had to figure everything out the hard way through trial and error. Our generation has things too easy…

[@ПетрПетров-с8э]

Guys (Eastern Europe), all of a sudden, who does not know English well, Yandex has a neural network that translates into our language. Peace for everyone!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

✌️ ✌️

[@candlebright100]

youve got to be an expert to do this ,measurements are important ,so is the metaltype,got to be allplum,i would struggle to do this ,well i dont have tools and the knowhow

[@rikki28prp]

👍

[@bernardspillane5948]

genius

[@shanefagan9642]

Please wear a Hair net using that machine

[@allynmcfarlin2074]

Was that Merlin in the background ??

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Merlin who? lol it's my dad.

[@williamanthony5021]

P.S. I have two words for your snipit at end of vid . Oh , Stop . No matter what age you can't beat precious and H D lover , you . Muah

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Lol thanks

[@jamespolucha8790]

Nice job but I think I would just run it down to the machine shop, probably only cost a couple bucks if you wear the right clothes

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

I’d rather keep my clothes on and pay a honest price for a honest job… or do the job myself.

[@cowdudeable]

When you clamp the tube in your vise, how do you tighten the vise enough to hold the pipe tightly without distorting the roundness of your spacer?

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

You just got be careful and not go to ridiculous on it. Normally I would have put something else the same size in the other end of the vice to help when claiming it all down, but I forgot to do so this time.

[@cowdudeable]

One more thing...keep your hair away from that belt sander!