MODERN BLACKSMITHING 85 



and be of the right length. If this is rightly done 

 one cannot tell where the weld is. Set the axle by 

 the gauge, if you have one, if not, by the wheels. 



AXLE GAUGE 



A gauge to set axles by can be made in this way: 

 When you have set an axle by the wheels so that it is 

 right, take a piece of iron ij{xj^, six feet long, bend 

 a foot on this about six inches long, with a leg on the 

 other end. See No. 5, Figure 8; the leg to be mov- 

 able and set either with a wedge or a set screw to fit 

 for wide and narrow track. The gauge to be set 

 against the bottom side of the axle. The pitch to be 

 given a set of buggy wheels should be from one to one 

 and one-half inches. I would recommend one and a 

 half inches. This will be enough to insure a plumb 

 spoke when the vehicle is loaded. It will also insure 

 safety to the rider from mud slinging. By pitch, I 

 mean that the wheels are one and a half inches wider 

 at the upper rim than they^are down at the ground. 

 Every smith ought to have a gauge of this kind, it is 

 easy to make and it saves a lot of work, as there is no 

 use of the wheels being put on and an endless measur- 

 ing in order to get the axle set right. 



GATHER GAUGE 



By gather I mean that the wheels should be from 

 one-fourth to one-half an inch wider back than in 

 front Don't misunderstand me now. I don't mean 



