[Tessasma]

Hey everyone. Has anyone had any experience building a full size carnival knife throwing wheel that could hold an actual person?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Boone6666]

you don't plan on really throwing knifes at some one do ya ? if so I would consult a real professional

 

[Tessasma]

LOL no. We just want to put a real person on there, perhaps with fake knives coming out of her to appear as though
our knife thrower was really a poor shot.

 

[mikkojay]

Wow! To hold the weight of a person, the hub will need to be extremely heavy duty. I would search the local auto wreckers for a used wheel hub. I'd then use the rim of a spare tire to mount to the backside of an actual large wheel.

I made an oversized "prize wheel" last year, and with mine one of the key issues was balance. Balance had to be spot on, especially with a bigger and heavier wheel. You could search craigslist & Goodwill for a large round wooden dining room table. This would have a finished edge and might split into 2 parts for handling. Sounds like a bold venture- good luck and take some pictures if you pull it off.

-Mike

And PS, don't forget a pickle fork and big hammer if you go scrounging at the junkyard!

 

[Beaver State Rich]

[QUOTEHow do I build a full size knife throwing wheel?][/QUOTE]

CAREFULLY!!

Seriously, there was an episode of "American Restoration" where he refurbished an antique one for David Copperfield. I'd netflix or google it and you should get a ton of tips.

 

[dpeterson]

First thought is that a junked boat lift wheel might have the size to start building one out. But, you will typically need to engineer and weld up a stand (and spinning hub, if you're crazy enough to actually rotate it). Sounds like mayhem (for your wallet) and madness (for your brainbox), this project. Definitely not for someone without the technical chops, especially if your putting others at risk.

 

[Pat-f]

How is your project coming? For a wheel that would hold a person, I would use the spindle, hub and bearing assembly off a wrecked car. Mount this to a steel frame you could bolt this together just use Loc-Tite on the nuts. For the wheel, glue and screw together 4 layers of 3/4 inch smooth plywood. Alternate the direction of the panels so that no seams from one layer line up with those of the next. Cut your circle and mount it to the hub.

 

[redshoes]

We built one to hold a dummy if you have any questions. Cool project!