New Project in the Worx

[Mr. Steve 316]

I thought we would share a project we started just for fun. My Son loves playing "World of Tanks" and has learned a lot from it. The German Hetzer Tank Destroyer is one of his favorites. We start all our projects with a simple plan to rough cut it and drill the axle holes.



We'll have to remove wood as we go to make weight. Also, the middle wheels and tank barrel will have to be removable if we want to race it.



This is how we tackle tank treads. I rip down strips of pine on the table saw and then cut quarter inch grooves in them on the band saw. After gluing it from front to back we carefully bend it around the outside wheels and under. Place it in a rubber band until dry and then trim it back so it doesn't contact the derby wheels.



The photo shows the rubber band in place. The tread obviously does not continue under the derby wheels.

[chromegsx]

That's cool! I assumed it was for all show till you said the tread didn't continue under the wheel and I looked at the pic closer.

[sporty]

pretty awesome.

[Noskills]

Very cool. keep the photos coming!
Seth

[Mr. Steve 316]

We did a little more work this afternoon.

[BallBoy]

Nice job. I like the wood bending technique. I like how it looks even more than that.

[whodathunkit]

Mr.Steve 316,

Wow! this tank is looking good.. I'm likeing how you guys are doing the drive sprokets & track links.
What did you all use to make them out of if i might ask.
And how did you guys bend the links around the sprokets with out brakeing them?

Very cool. keep the photos coming!
Seth

with Seth on this.

Mark

[Mr. Steve 316]

This is how we tackle tank treads. I rip down strips of pine on the table saw and then cut quarter inch grooves in them on the band saw. After gluing it from front to back we carefully bend it around the outside wheels and under. Place it in a rubber band until dry and then trim it back so it doesn't contact the derby wheels.

Thanks for the compliments. The links actually will crack and flex, but the glue on the sprockets keep them secured. I did end up reinforcing the dangling track sections on the bottom, with the treads scored they were pretty fragile. You can see in the new pictures how it is now doubled up and very strong.

[Darin McGrew]

Wow... that's looking great! Thanks for including the build process too!

[Mr. Steve 316]

Here's just an update on the project. All the pieces base coated in olive drab. Hard to see in the pic, but the tire tread is not painted.

[Mr. Steve 316]

Finally finished.

[whodathunkit]

That is one cool tank Mr.Steve 316.

Whoda.

[BallBoy]

That is awesome. I'm sure it is the envy of many a Cub Scout. I like the technique you used to create and bend the tread.

[pgosselin]

Looks awesome. Great craftsmanship.

Paul

[Darin McGrew]

Wow! That's beautiful! (And thanks again for sharing the process with us as well.)