Page 3 of 3

Re: Another leader build

Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 4:39 am
by gearhead1951
Yeah , take look at a Kiwi leafer ! There is always a rebound leaf installed !

Re: Another leader build

Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 12:25 pm
by hansgoudzwaard
yona wrote:I looked ....you just need a top leaf,, cut from another spring, the same length as the leaf, under the eye leaf .
Good eyeballs Yona.

Re: Another leader build

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 8:44 pm
by kheaton
I have the rebound spring, just haven't put in in yet because the bolts holding the spring are too short. Been meaning to buy longer ones for about a month now and you just reminded me!

Just started machining the rockers today. I'm using a buddy's mill so I may not get to finish them until next weekend. Don't really want to ask to use it after work, can't be greedy with borrowed mill time. Almost done though!

Ken

Re: Another leader build

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 9:16 pm
by yona
You are farther ahead than I am.... ; ))))

Re: Another leader build

Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 10:25 pm
by kheaton
Still not done! I must say I have a new respect for all you machinist out there. I spent hours over the weekend trying to mill my rockers from solid 1" stock. Didn't even get close before I gave up. This was on my buddies Bridgeport. I have since cut new rockers from 1/2" bar and will make them that way.

Re: Another leader build

Posted: Thu May 02, 2013 8:14 pm
by curt
i know what you mean

Re: Another leader build

Posted: Fri May 03, 2013 10:33 am
by rudog
There's alot to milling before you ever get to turning two handles at the same time. Same principle as working wood to a scribed line, but 1" is ALOT!!!

Re: Another leader build

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 9:44 pm
by kheaton
The leafer is done but I goofed a measurement somewhere and only left 4.18" between the narrowest point on the rockers and my hub won't fit. Not only will mine not fit, I haven't found one that will and allow me to run disc brakes. Thought about drum on front but every one I've checked is too wide. I did find a Hallcraft/Airheart setup that would fit but everything I've read on them basically says its a brake to say you have a brake and doesn't work good. Not really comfortable riding without front brakes.

All is not lost though. I'm still looking for a hub and it will go on another bike. I must say even though I haven't ridden with the leafer, it was extremely satisfying to see it on the bike.

Ken

Re: Another leader build

Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 4:43 pm
by Jeff L
Where do You think the Measurement is off?I just checked Mine, & with the Forks at 8" centers & running the Rockers on the outside, I have 9" between my Rockers.

Re: Another leader build

Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 11:53 pm
by kheaton
Jeff L wrote:Where do You think the Measurement is off?I just checked Mine, & with the Forks at 8" centers & running the Rockers on the outside, I have 9" between my Rockers.
Not sure yet. I was a little confused with the plans. On one page there was a thrust washer on each side of the rocker and on another page it appeared to only have one on one side. I put one on both. I have the rockers on the inside, if I put them on the outside the axle will bottom out on the rear leg. Working from the inside out I have: the bolt head, flat washer, thrust washer, rocker, thrust washer, lower leg. Measuring from bolt head to bolt head I only have 4.18.

I have an ironhead disc wheel that fits but its a 19" and I built it for a 21". I looked for a used one on a 21" for weeks but no luck and a new one is high as giraffe ears.

Ken

Re: Another leader build

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2014 1:34 pm
by gww25
I know this is a really old post but I need to clarify that the motion of the axle on a leafer is always 'upwards' therefore the axle can never 'bottom out' on the rear legs unless the builder makes a horrible mistake with their rocker design geometry.

Re: Another leader build

Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2014 5:47 pm
by kheaton
gww25 wrote:I know this is a really old post but I need to clarify that the motion of the axle on a leafer is always 'upwards' therefore the axle can never 'bottom out' on the rear legs unless the builder makes a horrible mistake with their rocker design geometry.
I understand. Jeff mentioned putting the rockers on the outside to make room for my hub. I put them outside without the wheel or spring legs mounted and when I rotated the rockers, the axle hit the legs. I have no idea if this would have happened with everything put together.