Modeling in Wood #3: Springer Front End

Front End

Frustration has begun to set in. The springer front forks for this model are so tiny it is hard to handle them without breaking. The parts are cut from ¾” material using both the top and side view much like the frame was. You cut the rear sections first, remembering there is a left and a right side. If there is any holes to be drilled in the piece make sure you do that first, as trying after cutting the shape will result in a bunch of toothpicks. Took me two tries to figure that one out.

Now that you have the two back pieces drilled and cut to shape, you can go ahead and glue them. While the glue is drying you will need to cut the front part of the springer front end. This part is cut from a piece 1/8” material. Not much to this, just cut it out using the front view. To try and make the springs look a bit more realistic, use a razor saw to score the wood. This works out pretty good and after a bit of sanding will generally give you the look you are looking for.

Now just cut the joiner pieces drill some holes and slide them on. The top triple tree has a couple of 1/16” holes. I stick a round tooth pick in them and leave them extend a 1/16 or so. Looks like nuts on a stud.

Glue the parts together and you are ready to fit the springer front end to the frame. As on most motorcycles the front end is chrome. For this reason and because of the size of the parts I chose to use a nice clear white maple. I can see a lot more of this board going towards the making of this model.

The picture below shows the springer front end trial fitted to the frame and front wheel. Also you can see the rear wheel has also been fitted, just missing the belt drive and guard. That will be made next, then on to the fenders and gas tank.

If there is anyone from OCC looking at this blog……How about a job?

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-- Brian's Table Top Toys http://home.mountaincable.net/~bgraham/