Custom made for your bike.
Phil De Gruchy on Spoke making video.
I make most of my own spokes and supply a large number of private and trade customers. Over the years, my stocks have risen considerably with blanks for various gauge diameters to enable me to make up spokes quickly and very accurately. I also have acquired over the years a large amount of drawings, dimensions and samples of spokes. As long as the customer can supply a hub, I can supply the rim and spokes plus work out the spoke length required. Spokes are either straight gauge or butted in stainless steel or zinc plated.
Spoke Nipples
I buy these in large quantities in various gauges, diameters and lengths: brass nickel plated, steel zinc plated, steel chrome plated and stainless steel. On average, I keep about 20 different types of nipples.
There are so many types.
These are the common kinds.
Thread rolling
The thread rolling machine I use is second to none and rolls a perfect thread every time. This ensures full overlap of the thread but also allows the nipple to spin down quickly and easily to help build a brilliant wheel. Check out the video on Spoke making above.
My preference for brands is Euro Spoke, CWC and Buchanan. I’m not keen to use unbranded spokes and spoke blanks because they may or may not be up to standard. This ensures quality control and good workshop practice.
Thread Rolling
Many diameters and widths.
A measured and controlled bend.
Rims
Most of my rim stock are undrilled blanks in 32, 36 and 40 dimples. These are alloy, stainless steel, chrome plated and bare steel in various diameters, widths and cross sections for all applications. I then drill these blanks to suit each application for the hubs provided.
Union rims.
Dimple and drill
This is where the rim is completely blank so then I can dimple the rim in the power press to whatever configuration or amount that is required. Most car rims, beaded edge rims and custom rims are done this way.
Look at the slide show on the right.
