Pot Rack Building Instructions

I have had several requests for details on how to build a bike wheel pot rack. The contract with ReadyMade said that I could publish for a while. I think the time has passed and they have not answered my e-mail so here it is.

The biggest task is to acquire a wheel. Front wheels work better, more symmetrical. The next step is to decide what type of wheel to use. I used a modern mtn bike wheel. Mtn vs road is not very important. However it is easier if the hub has cartridge bearings, not the old fashion bearings with races. ReadyMade reported using an old fashion wheel. If you are looking for a free/cheap used wheel it will be a lot easier to find an traditional bearing race hub.

1. Thread one nut and the coupling onto the metal side of the two sided bolt.


2. Using two wrenches, tighten the nut and coupling against each other.


3. Drill a small hole into a joist in the ceiling/floor of the floor above.


4. Screw the wooden side of the bolt into the hole. Use a wrench on the coupling to drive the coupling/two sided bolt.


5. Prepare the wheel by removing the tire, tube, skewer, and axel. Each hub with have different directions for removing the axel. If you are using cartridge bearings replace the bearings sans axel. If you are using a bearing race hub replace the bearings with washers.


6. Place a washer on a 1/2 in x 3-4 in bolt. Thread the bolt through the hub so the washer and head of the bolt are on the bottom wheel.


7. Place another set of washers on the other side of the wheel. I placed enough so there would be no gap between the wheel and the next nut. Add one nut after washers. Tighten the nut against the head of the bolt. Do not over tighten, the bearings will bind if it is too tight. Be sure to get the bolt as straight and centered in the hub as possible. This is kind of difficult and sort of a hack. It might be a good idea to try to shim the bolt so the centering is automatic.


8. Place one more nut on the bolt attached to the wheel. Screw it down enough so that there are enough threads clear for the coupling.


9. Assemble the two parts. Place the wheel below the coupling. Use the bolt head to tighten the bolt on the wheel most of the way into the coupling. When the nut attached to the wheel comes up flush to the coupling stop screwing using the bolt head. Use one wrench attached to the coupling and one attached to the nut one wheel side bolt. Tighten the two bolts against each other.


10. Attach hooks to the rim and spokes of the wheel.

Done!

If you have any problems with this please email or comment. I have detailed pictures I will label and post but not right now.

Please send pictures if you create a pot rack.

California Bike Pictures

I have a lot of stories about Google and San Fran, but I am not in the mood to write a big post. I just wanted to share some bicycling pictures. None of these are pictures that I have taken.
I have been riding to work about once a week. There is a great group of Googlers, and others who ride fairly regularly the 45-50 miles from San Fran to Mtn View. Here are some pictures of the ride, none taken by me.

I also have some pictures of a bike ride I took with Piaw and a few other riders.

UPDATE Piaw was nice enough to write up the ride. Check it out here.