How To Make A Prize Wheel: Prize Spinner

Welcome back to Wood 'n' Stuff w/ Steve French! Let me show you how I created The Prize Spinner, which I'll be using from time to time to give prizes to viewers. It's first usage will be this coming week, as the winners are selected for the FastCap Shop Improvement Challenge and the first of 12 monthly Raygear X-Shield face shields.
Thank you very much for watching. If you enjoyed this video, please take a moment to rate, comment and share. Don't forget to subscribe to make sure you don't miss future videos.
CONSTRUCTION NOTES: If you make one of these, I'd recommend using flange-style bearings that ride on a shaft instead of the lazy Susan bearing. The lazy Susan bearing has more drag than I would have liked. I've since altered how I build these and plan to show the new bearing style as soon as I get my new shop up and running. Also, for the flexible piece that connects the pointer to the frame, a strip or leather works very well.
And if you REALLY enjoy my work, consider offering support by clicking the "Support This Channel" button on my channel's home page. These videos take a lot of time and the ad revenue is much less than one might think. You can also support my channel simply by continuing to watch my videos (old and new) and sharing.
Have a wonderful day!

[@bezaytsuhni722]

Well Steve gotta say my wife and I are both fans now, this was beautifully done and you make it simply informative and fun, you've got two gifts, how make quality and how to teach. Thank you

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

Very cool Steve.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

The ShavingWood Workshop Thank you, Sir!

[@christybyzewski888]

That was amazing! I not only learned how to make a wheel but so many other things about woodworking by watching this video. Thank you!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank you very much! I appreciate your watching and commenting.

[@johnnie52]

Another fun day in the shop... You always seem to come up with some method to do things that I would never think of. Good stuff here my brother!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

johnnie52 Thank you, Sir.

[@JacqueAbplanalp]

Brilliant! Craftsmanship on the wheel construction and design, but also your filming and editing. I thoroughly enjoyed this!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

+Jacque Abplanalp - Thank you very much! I've really, really been down lately. Comments like yours help me feel better about my situation. On a side note, construction on my new shop should begin this month. So look for tons more cool projects and videos to come. I'm actually editing a project video right now. I'll try to have it uploaded before the end of the weekend.

[@duvaljean-francois6278]

Congrats! the amount of work needed to render that video most have been considerable!!!wow

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

The editing process is certainly a long, tedious job. But worth it in the end. Thank you very much for watching!

[@theofficialcraftybitch7379]

This is by far the nicest wheel I've ever seen! Seriously amazing job!

[@papadan711]

I can not begin to express how much enjoyment i get from your videos. When i see your name in my new uploads I always get so excited and have a big smile on my face and considering i rarely smile since my mom died 3 months ago, thats saying alot. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos and if no one ever says it again just know there is some one out there you dont know, that truly appreciates the work you put in. Thank you again

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

CamoKing Aww, thank you so much. That means a lot to me. I'm very sorry about your Mom. That had to be a hard thing to go through. Keep your head up. Things will certainly get better over time. I appreciate your watching and your touching comment.

[@robertoconnell8153]

Hella fun!!! Great video/great project!!!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank you for watching.

[@timfoster5043]

Good idea with the lazy susan and the template to find the center. I'm planning on just using a 1/2" steel shaft for my center. But I may switch now.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

No! Don't switch! It turns out the lazy Susan bearing has too much drag. On my later prize wheels, I went with a pair of flanged roller bearings on the shaft. That works vastly better than the lazy Susan!

[@brianlasch144]

Steve you always have such great production value, and music. Good Show.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Brian Lasch I appreciate that. I sometimes wonder if I'm starting to go overboard with it. Hopefully I'm not wearing out my style yet. It's not even fully developed yet. Thank you for watching.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Brian Lasch I appreciate that, Brian! Thank you.

[@tompritch56]

Fun project to watch. Love all your techniques you use to make things.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank you, Tom!

[@AdventuresInDIY]

There was so much fun stuff on this project Steve! 20+ year old edge banding still works :) The fonts for the letters and number are perfect. You had me cracking up at so many spots.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank you, Sir. That font seemed to fit it really well. It's called "Action is".

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Oh yeah, I wasn't too sure about the edge banding. But it worked perfectly, even after all those years.

[@CUATDSNY]

It’s a Willy Wonka font? I love it!!

[@dianetraynere]

This is exactly the video I was looking for. Thanks.

[@barretthageman3350]

Everything about this video is awesome.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

+Barrett Hageman Thank you for your ongoing support! I wish you could see the wheel in person. If I may toot my own horn, it really looks beautiful in person.

[@BenBrandt22]

Lots of interesting techniques in this project, looks like a fun build.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Ben Brandt Thanks for watching! I hope you get something of future use out of it.

[@dexterteo488]

Ben Brandt t

[@MRrwmac]

Very cool design and build Steve!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

MRrwmac Thank you very much!

[@m.r.h.6303]

Beautiful wheel and great video editing...you are an artist, sir. Much respect!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for watching!

[@stevecollins9450]

Very nicely built, Steve. I can see there was a lot of time and effort went into that.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Steve Collins Thank you very much. It can stand a few modifications/improvements but I'm happy with it for now. I love the way it looks.

[@TrevorsWoodShop]

Every video from you is a never ending learning experience ...the folding paper template is genius!! Another great video

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Trevor Carter Thank you very much, Trevor. I appreciate your being here.

[@thundercrackerseeker9432]

I came here because I am looking to make a prize wheel for booths at comic conventions for our (The Finest G.I. Joe costuming club) charity K9s for Warriors ... and I could not look away. Well done video sir.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank you. Please keep in mind (as noted in the description) that the lazy Susan bearing ended up not working as well as I'd hoped. Use a pair of flanged roller bearings instead and sandwich the wheel between the flanges. You'll have a much better spinning wheel. Best of luck to you.

[@sandraphelan5150]

@@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff would love to see an updated video or picture of what this looks like.

[@calvinchin3526]

awesome work there ! i love it , planning to make one myself ! thanx for the idea !

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank you for watching, Calvin. If you make one, I'd recommend using regular flange-style roller bearing instead of the lazy Susan bearing I used in this one. The lazy Susan bearing really has too much drag. I'll be moving into my new shop next month and plan to do an update concerning the choice of bearings within the next few months.

[@jennhoff03]

Wow!!! This is amazing. I've wanted to built a prize wheel for a while, and most of the tutorials I find are for wheels that are small or lame. Yours is so good! Mine won't be quite so big, but I got a lot of ideas seeing how you made yours! Thank you!

[@mandolinorchid]

Sweet Jebus that is cool!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank you!

[@wandamusgrove-spearman3432]

You done a great job making this prize wheel; love the video and special effects!!!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank you very much for watching and commenting. I appreciate your kind words.

[@woodturningjohn]

I do agree, it did turn out cool. Really looks good and I am looking forward to winning stuff, LOL.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

woodturningjohn Well, I'm working on that video this week so, good luck to you! The actual winners will be selected randomly by a website. But the wheel might hook you up with something good if you're a winner. Thanks for watching.

[@woodturningjohn]

Steve French Maybe you will start a new woodworking game show fad :)

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

woodturningjohn That would be awesome. I've already started a wooden robot building fad (amongst more than a handful). I'd love to see this sort of thing catch on with some of the other channels.

[@claudegareau8692]

You are my new favorite sight. Can hardly wait to play in the shop. Where did you get all the handy tools for sanding, wood pushers and any other neat things to have? Jan.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank you very much for the kind words. I really appreciate the support. I actually have a lot more tools now that I did then. The trick is to buy them whenever you find great deals and always be on the lookout for used tools. These days, I end up getting a lot of tools from manufactures for review articles I write for a website.

[@SterlingsWoodcrafts]

Awesome Steve, Looks Great !!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank your, Sir.

[@SC-xf3mz]

very nice. such skill. luv it!!!

[@timsway]

looks awesome and well built!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

tim sway Thank you, Tim. I appreciate your being here!

[@MattDiresta]

Great build. Great vid. Very fun to watch. Good job bud.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thanks, Matt!

[@rosssidebottom9352]

Making one of these with, hand tools and v.basic wood skills. Thanks for some tips, ie the painting with the paper and the pointer aswell. Also great video, easy watching.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@schzz8149]

Awesome video super creative, thanks for sharing the process

[@petefor25]

Very nice build, Steve I bet all those different colors took most of your time, just waiting for the paint to dry. Great video!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

You got it; since I had to tape off each slice one at a time I couldn't proceed until each dried enough. I actually rushed the first one and had to repaint it later because the tape messed it up.

[@AndreaArzensek]

Your techniques are great and I learn a lot from your videos! Great stuff Steve!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Andrea Arzensek Thank you, Sir!

[@DeathByMercy]

I can't believe this doesn't have a massive amount of views already! Well done!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

+DeathByMercy Yeah, I'm surprised that most of my videos don't have many views. But I appreciate everyone who does watch. So, thanks for watching! Feel free to share some of my videos; that's one way to help spread the word :)

[@wmonger]

Yet another outstanding video. Nice work.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

***** Thank you very much.

[@sgbbraun]

Simply the best!

[@theoriginalloveandteavarie4285]

Your extremely talented🙌🏾🔥

[@Omarateastwind]

Hey Steve! It looks great...you put a lot of work into that project... One thought: The lazy susan bearings work best in the horizontal position...your wheel would spin better if you used a bicycle wheel hub or something meant to be vertical. No offense...just a thought. Love your vids!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Omarateastwind No offense taken. The lazy Susan bearing does have a lot of drag. Too much for my liking. I may, at some point, remove that bearing and go with a roller bearing and steel shaft. I'd like to get more revolutions than the two it generally gives. The winners will be chosen by a randomizer website. The wheel is only for fun, parties, and matching winners with prizes. I appreciate your feedback. Thank you for watching.

[@12Brian12]

Nice prize wheel keep up the great work

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

brian 96 Thank you.

[@WoodTraveler]

Very cool! I could see making this for a school to use in their fund raising fairs! nice work Steve! oh ! and I dig the scull on the scroll saw!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank you, Ron. My wife already has plans to use the wheel for various events. I'm glad you like the skull knobs too.

[@frankorona1]

Fantastic project!!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank you!

[@annetorrie]

Great Editing! Entertaining!

[@divadfh]

I said ho man.... more than 13 min. Of video But it was worth watching the whole video from beginning to end.I laugh a lot with the sound effects, and the most important is that i learnHow to do it myself Everything is done to perfection .. thanks for uploading this video ...

[@profepatriciabaru426]

Excelente trabajo 👍 desde Colombia

[@lexx71te]

If you wont to learn something come to Steve French... :-) Really great Work Sir. Greetz from good old Germany

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

lexx71te Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoy my work. I appreciate your watching and commenting.

[@DavesCave]

Enjoyed the build. Liked the idea of drilling thru for screw access holes though if one screw is high enough you could rotate and do one screw at a time for your given application. That said I just watched your latest video and see you are changing the bearings. I will stay tuned ;) Love your channel Steve

[@mfwoodshop]

I have no need for a prose wheel, but dammit it just looks like fun to build. Nice job Steve

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

No one needs a prize wheel, but every one wishes they had one. Well, at least I did. :) Now I need to figure out where to store it.

[@Mitermikeswoodshop]

Very Cool Steve, I enjoy your videos.

[@robgards]

nice vid. I made a prize wheel last year out of acrylic so we could have some sort of a white board aspect to it, change what the categories were every so often. The spinning on this wheel seems like it locks up quickly, is that because of the flapper or the lazy susan? I ended up using a half threaded hex bolt with some nuts and washers and that worked out pretty good.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thanks for watching. The problem ended up being the lazy Susan bearing. I've been recommending others use a pair of flanged roller bearings, and have been doing so myself on other prize wheels. Lazy Susan bearings just have too much drag. One of these days - and I've been saying this ever since but haven't had a chance to do so yet - I'm going to convert this wheel over to roller bearings. When I finally do it I'll make a follow-up video showing the conversion. But I also have more prize wheel orders I've got to fulfill in the coming months. So I'll show in a video how to use roller bearings. I appreciate your comment.

[@junenana634]

Thank you. Hope to make one.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thanks for watching! If you make one, use roller a pair of flanged bearings on the shaft, not a lazy Susan bearing as I did here. You'll have much better results.

[@DannyShackleford]

Born and raised in VA and use spray paint on a daily basis, so I totally get the issues with humidity. Love the prize wheel Steve, glad it stopped raining long enough for you to complete it.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Danny Shackleford. No doubt. Some of the paint took almost two days to harden. Any attempt to rush it left tape marks on the wheel face. So I had to mask off and paint a couple of the pie pieces a second time.

[@MakeCrazydays]

Great solution on getting all of the numbers positioned the same.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Make Crazydays Thank you. It actually worked out really well. Thanks for watching!

[@veronica5896]

Great build =) And great video =) Many really cool tecniques to learn here =) Thanks for sharing =)

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

+Veronica And thank you for watching! I'll actually be making another prize wheel in a few weeks. I've got a commissioned, customized 18" lined up. It will have a different method of doing the bearings. In fact, I'll be modifying this one to the improved method I'll be using on the other one.

[@veronica5896]

Looking forward to it =) Cant wait =)

[@gerry7457]

Amazing editing!!!!!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank you very much!

[@franciscovaldes1352]

Hey man, I stumbled across your video as I was looking around for some DIY instructions for a spinning wheel I could make for a drinking game. Now I'm definitely not gonna be making this for myself as I'm not as skilled as you nor have the tools you do but I still really really enjoyed watching your video, there's something extremely therapeutic and satisfying in watching you work. The end result was amazing! Keep up the good work!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank you very much for the kind words. I appreciate the support!

[@moyperezwoodshop1722]

Turned out looking awesome Steve. Great job buddy

[@BowWowPewPewCQ]

FWIW, I used a S6004 RS bearing. Cheap and easy to find. I made a bearing pack with 1-1/4 schd. 40 PVC, it was a nice slip fit on the OD. I captured the bearing by gluing in a piece of pipe then cutting it off flush. A 3/4" bolt makes a good axle, a couple wraps of tape for centering and a short piece of cast iron pipe for a spacer. Just some thoughts to get started. I'm sure you can figure out the details :)

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm actually using flanged roller bearings now. The flanges help keep the wheel from wobbling.

[@PiperPiperPiper]

i also love soda and woodworking !

[@SkunkTreeCarvings]

Kool Build...

[@adrianbarber7490]

Nice job on the wheel

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

adrian barber Thank you.

[@nestornicolas79]

Muy Bueno!! Saludos desde Argentina!!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Nestor Ruiz Diaz Valdez Thank you!

[@FitzTheGame]

I came to learn something and was entertained in the process. Great video, I really enjoyed it.

[@kyleallen1858]

That looks awesome

[@CUATDSNY]

BTW your work is Awesome!!!

[@harmonythyme137]

Awe inspiring skills Wood n stuff. Where is this wheel now, is it still in use? xx

[@SteveTurtle]

Nice design!

[@EstebanHerp]

your work is cool.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

+Green tea - Thanks!

[@xoacatl]

Good work!

[@MarkMcCluney]

How magnificently bonkers! Always a treat Steve; thanks for this super project! And what a splendorously eclectic choice of music... Now, where did I put my Zep vinyl?

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Mark McCluney Thanks for watching! I appreciate the comment.

[@ESCAGEDOWOODWORKING]

Thank you! I may have one of these to do, coming up! I came out super cool!!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank you very much. I appreciate your support! FYI, I'd you do make one, avoid the lazy Susan bearing. It drags too much. I'll be address that issues when I finally get the new shop built and setup again. Go with regular flange-style shaft riding bearings. You'll have a much more "fair" wheel.

[@ESCAGEDOWOODWORKING]

Thanks dude!! Listen to this....the customer just called me. I asked what their budget was, they said 100 bucks, lol. This is a big company...what a joke. Guess who's moving on to the next thing..lol

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

ESCAGEDO WOODWORKING - A hundred bucks? That's an insult. It'll cost $30 or more just for materials.

[@ESCAGEDOWOODWORKING]

ok, they just called back. now she's asking for me to send them what I think it's worth. I though this was going to be a dead end. People don't take labor and time into account, at all...maybe I'll have a video of it, if it works out.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

ESCAGEDO WOODWORKING​ - FYI, I usually price my custom prize wheels $275 - 350. That includes custom logo/theme. (26 inch wheel).

[@theoriginalloveandteavarie4285]

I love it 👏🏾👏🏾😂more coke breaks🤣🤣

[@kaqudiapatterson4719]

Was looking for a perfect way to make my prize wheel and found it. Amazing video, great skills. Where can I find the wooden piece of wood to stop the wheel. Is there something I can buy with a spring in it to stop the wheel.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

+Kaqudia Patterson Thank you. Honestly, if you can do this with flange style roller bearings in the middle the wheel will spin a lot more freely than this one does with the lazy susan bearing. I'm making another prize wheel with the roller bearings. That will be a future video to show the alternate construction method. Unfortunately though, that may be several more months away because I'm currently without a shop and looking for a new space to set up again. The made the pointer you're talking about. It's cut from 3/4" birch plywood.

[@marthapaewhenua7999]

you are aweaome going to give it a go

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Martha Paewhenua I'm going to be mentioning in an upcoming video that I'd go with a regular roller bearing and shaft, rather than the lazy susan bearing. I'll most likely be modifying my wheel by replacing the type of bearing I used. The lazy Susan bearing works but doesn't really allow for as many revolutions of the wheel as you'd probably want. Thanks for watching!

[@4defy772]

anyone else dancing to this fire beat

[@Mauroiltornitore]

Beautiful video, Steve!! Ciao. Mauro

[@jwoods228]

Hey Steve, great video! I built a large wheel with the lazy susan hardware. I was wondering if you had any specs on how to use the flange-style bearings instead. I have run 3 contests with the wheel so far and it works great.

[@ambalastores]

just fall in love with your working style ;) great work great video who is the producer of video and cameraman .?? all done magnificent work

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

+Javed Akhtar Arain - Thank you very much! I do all the video recording and editing work myself. I'm a one-man team.

[@ambalastores]

Amazing ..Amazing ...Your Photography SKILLS is More impressive ...:)

[@LancerThomas]

Very nice!! Excellent form and function. Did you also use soda bottle plastic for the pointer hinge, or did you find another source for the "not too rigid/not too soft" action?

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

+LancerThomas Thank you! Honestly, this wheel doesn't perform as well as I'd hoped. The lazy Susan bearing creates too much drag. In future prize wheels, I will only use flange style roller bearings. As for the pointer hinge, I used plastic cut from the circuit board "cover sheet" that sits underneath the power supply in a PlayStation 2 console. I used to repair game consoles (and other consumer electronics) and have built up a collection of such materials for whatever needs might arise. Stiff leather might be an even better, more durable option.

[@CUATDSNY]

I Love it!!! I am going to make a Spinning Wheel of Death prop for my Halloween display, put a large doll in the middle with flaming knives around her and get a motor to make it spin. THE LAZY SUSAN That was All I needed to see, I couldn’t figure it out until I saw this video THANK YOU!!!!

[@rodemtreedental8771]

Looks Great !!! Steve. Where did you buy your bearings?

[@gregclin]

It's called a Lazy Susan Bearing. Wonder why...

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

If you make one, don't use a lazy Susan bearing like I did on this one. Use a pair of flanges rolled bearings. The lazy Susan bearing doesn't spin as freely as the wheel should. At some point I'll be replacing this bearing with standard flanges roller bearings.

[@itsyourgirlkesha6327]

Wood 'n' Stuff w/ Steve French can I pay you to make me one?

[@LeannPerdue]

nice :) I need one for my piano students' Christmas Party. LOL :D I was just looking through to see if there was an easy one to make. This is amazing .. nice job. :D

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank you very much.

[@bernardlaherty]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@dmgladden]

Thanks Steve I really enjoyed watching this and its as good if not better than any I've seen on the game shows, now you need to think of a way to have Woody do the spinning

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

David Gladden Thank you, Sir! It doesn't spin as freely as it should so I'll likely switch to a shaft and roller bearing at some point. But it'll serve he purpose for now. Woody may try to spin it. But it takes more force than he can muster, lest some one think I rigged the outcome. I appreciate your watching and commenting.

[@richardgarcia4522]

What is the name of the machine you used at minute 7:52 to 7:57?

[@lolzpenguins]

Very inspiring work!

[@Fre5hko21]

Nice job! Is there any way to make it spin faster and smoother?? Not using a lazy Susan?

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Yes. After making this one, I changed how I do the bearings. Now I sandwich the wheel between a pair of flanged roller bearings and they spin much, much better. At some point, when I can get caught up enough, I'll be converting this one to the roller bearings as well.

[@MagnusTheGreat]

Proven to help choose a restaurant to go to for lunch

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

No doubt. There were countless times at my old business when my guys and I spent a hour or more trying to decide on what we're getting for lunch. Sometimes we'd resort to dice rolls or random drawings. This would have been perfect. Thanks for watching!

[@Bz12Angels]

Very cool! Thanks!

[@ruthpabon7820]

where did you get that clear piece that goes in between the pointer? and how do you get it to stay in place? is it plexiglass?

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

+Ruth Pabon - That's some somewhat flexible plastic from out of a PlayStation 2 (from under the power supply). But just about any flexible plastic will work as long as it's not too stiff. It's just friction fit into a thin groove (kerf) I cut with the bandsaw.

[@willemkossen]

Thats a nice build. If ever i need a wheel like that, i'll check this vid for reference. Glad you're back. Been a while. I wasnt able to join the challenge, maybe you could have another round in the future ;)

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

+Willem Kossen I appreciate your comment and support, Willem. It's pretty much certain that there will be more like it at some point.

[@sefordyce2563]

What a wonderful video. The finished wheel looks PRETTY heavy (3/4" plywood!!!) which, of course, makes the wheel useful and durable. We raise money for Rottweiler rescue (although we rescue other dogs sometimes) and have been talking about creating a prize wheel for our fund raising. I am an artist and like to build things, but making a wheel similar to yours would be a challenge for me because of the question of tools. (I do use a router, for example, but am scared to death of the thing so ONLY use it in a very elaborate router table...and I don't have a table saw.) However I'm thinking I might be able do it using a modified way; but, of course, it wouldn't be nearly as nice as yours. I appreciate seeing how you used the lazy susan mechanism and how you made the pointer thingy. Thank you. I LOVED watching you work!!!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thank you very much! It's actually not that bad, weight-wise. It's heavy duty but not excessively heavy. But let me recommend that you use roller bearings _instead_ of lazy Susan bearings. The wheel will spin more freely and you'll get more random results. One of these days I'll be upgrading mine to flanged roller bearings. I'll make a video showing how I make the change. The lazy Susan bearing really has too much drag. Thanks for watching and best of luck to you.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Also, if you use the circle jig I used (I have a video showing how I made it) the router won't be quite as scary. Just cut a third of the way through or less in each pass, don't try to rush it and everything will work out just fine.

[@MaileyMcAslan]

Nice … I can’t afford those tools and have a tenth of the space to work. But it’s cool seeing it done.

[@MaileyMcAslan]

And I subbed because you’re funny 😁

[@TheLittleGardenShedWorkshop]

Looks great Steve, and very well built! Thank you for sharing, Cheers Harry

[@Car_Doc24]

Dude I'm sorry I couldn't even make it 3 minutes in with that music love the work you do just can't take that music

[@franksmodels29]

Nice work Steve ...

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

+Frank yazzetta Thank you, Frank.

[@v1g1lnte36]

Will a heavier wheel make it spin for a longer amount of time? like a roulette wheel?

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Yes. But the best way to solve the dragging issue is what I've been doing on my wheels since this one, which is to do away with the lazy Susan bearing and sandwich the wheel between a pair of flanged roller bearings. The roller bearings work MUCH better.

[@Redline09fa5]

What kinda wood did u use? Im planning on making one for my dads 2yr fundraiser for american heart association. Def great video

[@davidbloom4983]

plywood 0:50

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Thanks for watching, Ibsen. If you make one, I'd love if you'd send me some pictures (I'll show them off in a future video, crediting you of course)! The wheel is 3/4" cabinet grade plywood (this piece was salvaged from an old store display). The frame is pine. The pointer and pointer standoff is 3/4" plywood as well. The numbering and logo stuff is all made of 1/4" plywood. If you make one of these, I'd highly recommend using flange-style bearings that ride on a shaft instead of the lazy Susan bearing. The lazy Susan bearing has more drag than I would have liked. I've since altered how I build these and plan to show the new bearing style as soon as I get my new shop up and running. Also, for the flexible piece that connects the pointer to the frame, a strip or leather works very well.

[@TreyStegall]

Great video! What did you use for the bearing in the middle of the wheel?

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

+Trey Stegall It's a "lazy susan" bearing. But, if you make one, I recommend using flanged ball bearings instead. This one doesn't spin as freely as I'd like. At some point in the future (when I get my new shop) I'll be finishing up another prize wheel I've started. I'll also show how to change out the bearings in this one. Unfortunately though, it'll be a few months from now before I can get them done and the videos posted. Thank you very much for watching!