: phill - Viewing Profile

Perhaps there is someone out there that can help me. I'm itching to build a treadle wheel and am caught up by some things.

1. the bearings:
i understand the topmost bearing--a 2-bolt flange bearing block with some set screws. I don't understand the bottom bearing(s). A flange bearing is not meant to hold up weight the way I want it to, and instead I have been redirected to a thrust bearing. Is a thrust bearing really necessary?
I get the gist of how thrust bearings work but I don't understand how to install them. Is the inner diameter of the thrust bearing 1" and the weight of the entire shaft rides on some type of pipe collar? or is the outer diameter 1" (or maybe slightly larger?) and the bottom of the shaft pole sits on top of the bearing? Then how is the bearing seated in the wooden support beam? Thrust bearings, as I understand them, don't have a seating like flange bearings where you can just bolt them down and they work.

2. I am hoping I can frame this wheel up without all the hard joinery. I am not hoping to make a pretty wheel, just one that works. Think it is possible? Or perhaps, what hand tools would I need (I can't afford power tools...but i can borrow a drill and a mitre saw) to cut the technical joints, mortise and tenons if i were to attempt this way?

Thanks in advance. If you can answer, please answer as clearly as possible!

Best,
Phill

ps - i am attaching an image of what i am trying to say with my understanding of thrust bearings.