This is a project that maybe of interest and worth posting. It's an english wheel anvil holder that I made for a bigger project. It requires some precise layouts and cuts, but is a "GREAT" project for someone who may be just starting out to learn about, and use basic machine tools.
It requires a lathe and a mill -- and a little careful planning. Perfect for a beginner --
The pieces are 3/8" scap steel (did I mention that this was a "big" e-wheel project, ;D) but for smaller wheels, the plate can be 1/4". The eventual size depends on you and the size of the project.
Cut two plates to size on a chop, or bandsaw saw (here I'm cutting the side plates)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image09.jpg)
Machine the sides square
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image03-1.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image08-1.jpg)
Center a rotary table with a "test indicator"; then center and clamp the plates in place (I used a 2.75" radius) for the top. I cut both plates at once.
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image10.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image11.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image12.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image13.jpg)
Cut a bottom plate to size (depends on width of anvils) on the chop or bandsaw, and machine the 3/8" "rabbit" on each side to accept the sideplates.
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image14.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image16.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image17.jpg)
File any rough edges smooth for an even surface and measure on a level surface.
Then cut lands for the anvil axles to rest in.
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image18.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image20-1.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image21.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image19.jpg)
This is what you end up with!!
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image22.jpg)
Cut the front and back support plates on a saw and finish to size on the mill
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image27.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image26.jpg)
Layout the holes for the fasteners and drill/tap to size (I used cap screws)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image43.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image44.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image45.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image46.jpg)
Make an axle for the appropriate diameter of the anvils. I use cheap Grade 5 bolts ;D
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image32.jpg)
Part the bolt head off, and machine the axle to the correct diameter
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image04-1.jpg)
Machine the rolling surfaces to fit the lands and polish these surfaces with machinists tape for smooth rolling performance
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image39.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image40.jpg)
Here is the finished axle resting in the anvil holder assembly
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image41.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image42.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image47.jpg)
All painted in "Black Metallic" and ready to go!!
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/E-Wheel/Image49.jpg)