Making Trike and Quadcycle Hub Flanges Without a Lathe

Step 14 Drill the Spoke Holes - Tip

The flanges are bolted to a piece of lumber which is then bolted to the side of my workbench as shown in Photo 14 so that the drill can be held horizontally rather then trying to push down on it.

This position is much easier as you can just lean into the drill rather than needing to put constant downward pressure on it. Remember, that drill bit is not very strong, so only a little pressure is used to avoid snapping the bit. I only broke 1 bit during this build!

Comments

[jeff-o]

Here's where a drill press would definitely come in handy. Kudos for doing it with a hand drill!

[KoolKat]

Thanks. We do things the "old fashioned way" to show everyone that you don't need special tools. Hope to encourage more young people to get into garage hacking by showing them that anything is possible with basic tools, the desire to make something and be creative. We need more "out of the box" thinkers. Everyone's trying to stretch the mighty dollar in so many ways already, but you're right that a drill press could certainly do the job, if you have access to one.

[JamesRPatrick]

You could try a drill bit wrapped in duct tape. Or just a metal spoon.