Modifying (cutting down) wood spokes

[JDD_0485]

Has anyone ever taken a good set of spokes from an early large demountable wheel, cut them down with new tenons, and fitted them to a late smaller demountable rim? I would assume it's possible given the hubs seem to be the same. Thank you.

[Will N]

Not sure why you'd want to go through all that trouble when brand new spokes are available.

[JDD_0485]

It's a matter of "free" versus "$300 plus shipping." If you've ever gone "through all that trouble" please give me some of your expertise.

[Nerd]

I don't know anything about that but good luck.

[FlatheadTed]

Why not ! ,I suggest you only change the outer rim only ,you could shave the inner a fraction so it goes further in there for spreading and tightening the hub ,lengthen the tennon end a wisker ,

[redmodelt]

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I have done it with some new spokes that were too long, on my metal lathe. When you turn the tenon, they are not 1/2 or 5/8 inch. You need some squish when pressing them in. My suggestion would be to get a new spoke from Langs and use it as a master to get correct length and tenon diameter. New spokes from the suppliers would be about 1/2 or less that cost plus shipping.

[Will N]

One of the things I wouldn't skimp on is the wheels. 100 year old wood being repurposed might save you some money until the spokes collapse and send you into a ditch.