First mini lathe project, oscillating steam engine.

[Stilldrillin]

Ross.

That will do all you need it to do. It will also blow up car tyres........ 

My little twin, tankless presser, won't....... 

David D

[Ross]

Just an update,

I've ordered the compressor and got some bits and pieces to go with it. Ive covered my lathe in oil an a rust protection liquid in the summer as I won't be using it until I'm settled into working full time.

Should have a runner by next week (he says)

[Daveinlondon]

very nice build. Iam also starting my first engine, and the video on centreing the piston block realy helpme, Ihave seen car inner tubes with a regulater valve used to give a good air supply ...just a thought

[Ross]

I got the new air compressor up and running. and the engine is a runner!

 It was a little stiff to start of with, it would move on anything under 3bar but now it happily ticks over on 1-1.5bar.

The flywheel has a bit of wobble, but I think that is due to the crankshaft not being totally straight. I'll make a new one later.

I'll keep running it in and give her a go on steam later.

 Here are a couple of pictures and the video:

[Stilldrillin]

A RUNNER!!  

Nicely done Ross! 

I can see that grin from here....... 

(Gave it a little tweak. Hope it's ok for you, now).

David D

[NickG]

Fantastic stuff Ross, the feeling you get when you see your first engine running is immense, I remember it well and still get it now to be honest!

I don't think the flywheel is that bad at all, especially considering the design with 1 narrow bearing. Video's seem to accentuate these little wobbles anyway. If you want my advice, don't bother making anything new for this engine ... you might find it's no better ... move on to the next project!

 

[Dean W]

Congratulations Ross!  You've done very well.  It's always great for us to see a first run on a first build!
Thanks much for posting your project for us.  : )

[rleete]

Like girlfriends, you never forget your first  completed engine.

Well documented build.  Congratulations.

[DaveH]

Well done Ross, I enjoyed your post from start to finish. 

Congrats on a great little engine 
 
DaveH