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| Tandem Compound Poppet Valve Steam Engine Build, ala Cedge |
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| cedge:
The rib is still pretty sore so I've been doing hand work and some of the details that would normally wait until later in the project. I'm really not enjoying the lathe or the mill at the moment, so no huge dramatic tricks in this post. The original engines of this sort had added support for the long cross head guides. I had planned to leave this detail off the engines, but since I'm stuck with doing detail work so early in the project, I decided to give it a go. This meant reheated an already complicated solder job for more soldering. The "fin" was cut on the mill for a snug fit on the ends. making it a little easier to position the piece and get it centered. I turned a plug of aluminum to fit the bore so the window pieces were supported from within. Once the fin was in place, the whole cross head guide was wrapped at 3 points on the outer surface with thin mechanics wire to lock the window against the plug. This assured nothing was going to move, even if there might be some new solder seepage. After sweating the piece in, a bit of hand work was called for to clean the joints and polish out some file marks, here is what I had when it was all over. http://cedesign.net/steam/images/misc/multi-valve/build/detail-1.jpg All the stanchions are now fitted and their tiny studs trimmed to size. The studs were a bit of a challenge mostly because of the 1-72 threads wanting to strip the first time I tapped them. A bit of minor adjustment to me, the operator, soon sorted things out as I once again learned the need to be patient when working with tiny things. The stanchions fit just as hoped for and the shaft alignment is dead on centerline and free enough to turn with two fingers. The fit is such that the arms are not yet bolted down in this photos. Did I mention that I really do love the DRO on the mill? http://cedesign.net/steam/images/misc/multi-valve/build/detail-2.jpg Almost all the 2-56 studs have been trimmed and will get their nuts when I begin the final assembly phase. The valve ports are now opened up in the low pressure cylinder and have received some hand work to give their edges a nice rounded shape. This was done using small needle files and 400 grit sand paper to keep things smooth and properly shaped. It only takes a tiny bit of misplaced sanding to show like a sore thumb, so great care is being taken to get it right. After all... I've got the time, while I'm not getting to make bigger parts....(grin) The cylinder head was given a 3/8 ball to finish it out. This was made using my handy dandy ball turning attachment. I think it added just the right touch to the overall look. http://cedesign.net/steam/images/misc/multi-valve/build/detail-3.jpg Here is the obligatory test fit photo. Nothing but the cross head guide is bolted on. The joints are all nice and tight, the graphite packing is installed in the stuffing boxes of the glands and the pistons and cam shaft are aligned well enough to move by hand. Once it is all secured, a bit of run in time should loosen things up nicely. http://cedesign.net/steam/images/misc/multi-valve/build/detail-4.jpg Steve |
| chuck foster:
as my kids would say "steve thats sick"..............and an old fart like me would say "holy $#*! that is some amazing workmanship" :bow: :bow: do you have plans or do you just see it in your head and build it? chuck :wave: |
| cedge:
Thanks Chuck No plans, just a few sketches from photos found around the net. I just build what I see behind my eyeballs....LOL. not everyone's cuppa tea but it keeps me at home and out of trouble. The wife still says it's all cheaper than my days trolling the bars and pubs... and she knows where to find me. Steve |
| Stilldrillin:
--- Quote from: chuck foster on May 19, 2010, 05:27:17 PM ---as my kids would say "steve thats sick"..............and an old fart like me would say "holy $#*! that is some amazing workmanship" :bow: :bow: chuck :wave: --- End quote --- Chuck, I just sit here, eyes wide..... :bugeye: ........ And shake me head in admiration! Steve, I wish I had just a little of your imagination..... David D |
| Bernd:
Steve, Outstanding hand work. All those blended corners looks realy nice. :thumbup: I need to learn that type of paitents. Can't wait to see and hear that engine run. Bernd |
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