Toy wheel

For quite some time, I had been considering the idea of ​​creating tire tread patterns using a laser. It would also be great if the laser could cut  the wheel contours as well. My first laser was a 5-watt model, suitable only for engraving, so I needed a more powerful one; I ended up getting a 40-watt Longer laser. With this unit, I can easily cut profiles into oak up to about 15mm thick. I also purchased a rotary attachment to handle the laser work on the outer surface (the tread). Working this way is a learning process, and once I’ve gained a bit more experience, I hope to create a "how-to" guide. Below are some photos of the process.

The wheels were supposed to have a finished diameter of 70 mm, but due to the final machining on the wood lathe, the actual diameter ended up being 68.5 mm. In short, next time I need to start with a slightly larger diameter.

Used wood for the tyres is Oak and the rim is made out of Beech.

The tyre, 70x40x11mm (half of the tyre and a little oversized) after it is cut on the laser.

Now that it has been fitted with a profile,

glued together.

Mounted on the lathe, and turned concentrically.

Another view.

After turned concentrically, with 3 mm machined off the sides and a rounded corner.
The same operation is then performed on the other side.

For the sake of completeness, here is a photo of the rim,

and the rotation unit as used for laser processing of the outer diameter.