Posted by MrTim (205.188.208.9) on May 16, 2003 at 22:28:19:
In Reply to: Wheel response to weight motion... posted by Vector Viper on May 15, 2003 at 23:38:17:
The main reason a wheel would turn with an uneven motion is because it's not balanced properly. The Bessler wheel, from all indications, was exquisitely balanced. In fact, I believe it took him longer to balance the wheel than it took to actually build it.
And just a note from an expert experimenter here: Any free-swinging weight in a wheel will just lead you to disaster.
>> Oscillation = Disruption = Bad <<
Don't believe me? Try it. Hang a single weight on your wheel. Give the wheel a small push so that it rocks back and forth. Watch what happens. Now multiply this effect by however many weights you plan for your design...
This next question is for everybody:
How much do your test wheels weigh? I build mine with balsa strips and cardboard. A two foot diameter wheel (less internal mechanisms) weighs less than 36 GRAMS [1.5 ounces](!) They may be lightweight, but they can take an AWFUL amount of abuse.