I guess Im going to bite the bullet and build a set of doomwheels. I have an extra set of ski bindings. Has anyone made these to use with ski boots?? Just wondering how this works out..

Thanks
Scoop

I tried that a few years ago. The problem was that once you add in the space required for the bindings and the boot, which is usually longer than a hiking boot or roller blade boot, the skate ends up being 8 or 10" longer than it needs to be. Longer skate is good for high speed stability, but a lot more difficult to manuever.

I think the roller blade boot would be the way to go. Used roller blades are cheap. I was going to build another pair using roller blades, but then ended up buying a set of Trailskates, which are working out well.

Got my inline skates in.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=72147...

will be building my dooms before long. Lookin for wheels right now.

Scoop

How did I miss this one?!
Finally, we can add Scoopy to this list of good minds gone mad!

rrc62, good advice about kite boots. I also find that they lift your heels a bit too high.

Scoop, you can find a couple wheel sources here:
http://www.kiteskating.com

Be sure to post some pics when you're up and rolling.

Found a good local source for steel stock.. What size do you guys recommend?? Im 285 pounds. I was lookin at 3/8 by 1" Think this will do it??

Scoop

Scoop -

I used 12-1/2 x 2-1/4 black nylon wheels and pneumatic tires from Northern Tool and Supply:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Produc...

The stock bearings are junk, but fit a 1/2" axle. I replaced them with ABEC-1 sealed bearings from McMaster-Carr (item #60355K36). Online at www.mcmaster.com

Chris Krumm

Great info, I appreciate it. Still lookin for information on steel size for my side rails. Thanks
Sam

Side rails - available from McMaster-Carr:
http://www.mcmaster.com
Part #8910K178
Low-Carbon Steel Rectangular Bar 3/8" Thick, 3/4" Width, 6' Length - $15.63 each.

This is the size I use - lasted 14 years, landed jumps, no bending.

Wheel, tire and bearing resources also available at:
http://www.kiteskating.com

Kiteskate building instructions:
http://www.doomwheels.com/articles/buildwod.php

Scoopy,

I've recently started blacksmithing, and have made the search for a good cheap supply of steel. Look in your local phone book for steel and pipe distributors, for building contrators and the like. That will be your best deal on steel. Some, but not all, will sell small quantities to consumers.

There's a local company, they only sell in 20ft lengths, and I haven't priced 3/8" x 3/4", but it would probably be around $20-$25 for a 20ft length.

Hot rolled vrs cold rolled makes a big difference in cost also. Hot rolled is formed into rough dimensions while the metal is still in a plastic state (about 2000 degrees), the newly smelted steel is run through a series of rollers to give it the desired dimensions. Cold rolled takes the hot rolled steel bars and puts them through an extra set of rollers after they've been cooled. This does three things: a) removes some of the forge scale, b) gives very uniform dimensions and c) work hardens the metal makings it a bit stronger.


The low-carbon steal at mcmaster.com is "surface hardened", so it's mild steel that has carbon added to the surface after the initial forging. It will be slightly stronger than mild steel on the surface (better wear resistance) but it over all strength is fairly equivalent.

-chip

I have a place to get them. I have a huge welding shop right down the road. (less than 2 miles) and they do huge volumes of stuff. The guy is going to give me a couple scrap pieces. I just wanted to know exactly what size I should get..

Thanks guys

Scoop

The length varies depending on the size of the skate boot. You want to make them as short as possible for agility yet enough space so that the tires do not rub the boot when under load. I suggest a space of 1/2 inch between the ends of the boot and the tires.

As I wear an 8.5 (USA - 41 EURO) boot, my rails are exactly 2 foot long.

hehe. I wear a 14 usa so its probably going to be more like 3ft. No problems, .5 inches will work out great. Ill probably have the guy at the shop cut then and have him drill them as well. Hes used to precision stuff.

Scoop

So it's been two months now, have you finished your wheels yet? I'm kicking this around (doomwheels) vs. a land board.