« previous next »
Pages: [1] 2  All   Go Down

Author Topic: Potty Grasshopper Engine  (Read 38015 times)

Offline sbwhart

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3530
  • Smile, Be Happy, Have Fun and Rock Until you Drop
Potty Grasshopper Engine
« on: September 08, 2015, 02:41:49 AM »
The inspiration for this engine comes from a haulage engine on display at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, the engine was built in the 1840 and was used to haul wagons up an incline at an alkaline works, being an haulage engine it would run in both direction via a simple slip eccentric.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Modmodder/100_3004.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine



The model will be far from a scale model of this engine as I intend the design to be as simple as possible suitable for beginners, so I have taken huge liberties in the design, it will use the same cylinder and piston valve as my Horizontal Mill Engine and Vertical Cross Engine.

This is the assembly drawing

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/Grasshopper%20Sht1_zpstfssnopr.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

I had planned on using a cast fly wheel but had problems sourcing a suitable casting they were all too big and chunky, fly wheels of this period were far lighter affairs, in the end a had a blank laser cut that I've machined up and painted I've posted this else ware on the forum, but for those who missed it this is the finished fly wheel.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02340_zps3hsggwos.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

I've nearly got all the cylinder parts finished but as I've used the cylinder for other engines that I've ran threads for I won't bore you with its construction.

As this is very much a work in progress I won't make the drawing available until the engine is finished and I've caught up with all the changes there inevitably will be.

Cheers
Stew
Logged
A little bit of clearance never got in the road
 :wave:

Location:- Crewe Cheshire

Offline mexican jon

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 214
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #1 on: September 08, 2015, 04:29:43 AM »
 :clap: :clap: Looking forward to this  :thumbup: :thumbup:
Logged
People say you only live once ! I say thank F@*K can't afford to do it twice.

Offline sbwhart

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3530
  • Smile, Be Happy, Have Fun and Rock Until you Drop
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #2 on: September 11, 2015, 07:56:21 AM »
Thanks Jon looks like you're the only one to read it.

Been working on the Beam made from a length of 1/8" * 5/8" mild steel first job mark one of the bars with all the hole position and mark the other with just the centre hole.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02348_zps5usfvyfo.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Then drill all the holes in one beam, and just the centre hole in the other, then clamp the two together at the centre and drill the rest of the holes through the other that way they will be exactly the same.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02350_zpsylpmetky.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Add a few more clamp bolts just so nothing will move.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02352_zpsus4a1ti5.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

And set to with the mill or a file to get it to the tapered shape and finish of the rads at the end with a couple of filing buttons,

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02353_zpsxfmbf3eg.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Next up machine up the 8mm spacers tapped M3 then make the clamping/pivot bolts.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02354_zps4mpnzlrw.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

This is what it looks like completed.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02356_zpsnckf3f6g.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

I've nearly got the con rod finished but I've been called away on domestic duties.

Stew
Logged
A little bit of clearance never got in the road
 :wave:

Location:- Crewe Cheshire

Online awemawson

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9100
  • East Sussex, UK
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #3 on: September 11, 2015, 08:10:33 AM »
Don't worry Stew I'm watching :)
Logged
Andrew Mawson
East Sussex

Offline Chuck in E. TN

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 572
  • USAF Retired
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #4 on: September 11, 2015, 08:21:27 AM »
Me too, Stew!
Is there a list anywhere of your engines that use the same cylinder? I intend to build them all.

Chuck
Logged
Chuck in E. TN
Famous TN last words: "Hey ya'll, watch this..."
MicroMark 7x14, HF X2 mill, Green 4x6 saw. Harbor Freight 170A mig

Offline modeldozer

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 299
  • Valencia, Spain
    • AJ´s Truckmodeling
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #5 on: September 11, 2015, 08:36:00 AM »
Looking good, am following with great interest.

Abraham
Logged

Offline Pete W.

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 852
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #6 on: September 11, 2015, 10:38:52 AM »
Quote from: awemawson on September 11, 2015, 08:10:33 AM
Don't worry Stew I'm watching :)

Me, too.   :bugeye:   :D   :bugeye:   :nrocks: 
Logged
Best regards,

Pete W.

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, you haven't seen the latest design change-note!

Offline shipto

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 867
  • Redditch, UK
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #7 on: September 11, 2015, 05:09:13 PM »
Watching too  :)
Logged
Turns out this life c**p is just one big distraction from death but a good one. For the love of god dont give yourself time to think.
https://myshedblog.wordpress.com/

Offline SwarfnStuff

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 596
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #8 on: September 12, 2015, 02:39:09 AM »
See, Jon was not the only one watching. It's just that the rest of us didn't say so at first. So, as with all your posts, I am another who will follow your build. With  :coffee: in hand after messing about trying to build our club challenge, "Jan Ridders, Coffee Cup Stirling".

John B
Logged
Converting good metal into swarf sometimes ending up with something useful. ;-)

Offline Stilldrillin

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4972
  • Staveley, Derbyshire. England.
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #9 on: September 12, 2015, 04:16:18 AM »
Sorry! I'm late again, Stew. 

Only just spotted, you've set off without me......  :palm:

Watching. Appreciating.......  :thumbup:

David D
Logged
David.

Still drilling holes... Sometimes, in the right place!

Still modifying bits of metal... Occasionally, making an improvement!

Offline sbwhart

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3530
  • Smile, Be Happy, Have Fun and Rock Until you Drop
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #10 on: September 12, 2015, 07:34:18 AM »
Hi

I see you old madmodders are awake then  :lol:

Ok on with the con rod I made this from 1/2" Squ mild steel

First job was to cut a length off and square it off in the lathe using a 4 jaw self cantering chuck, then I blued it up and marked out the key features.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02357_zpsug5p65nz.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02358_zpssd1rpfhv.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Then drilled 8mm holes where the bearing bushes will fit.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02361_zpsmsjjrjqb.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Centred both ends and machined a 6mm register to help mill the flats in the middle when I come to them.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02365_zpsdvf0b4yj.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Then supporting one end with a running centre rough out the key points with a parting tool.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02367_zpspdliupcq.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

And rough out one end of the shape.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02368_zpsw1ucqdgb.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Swop it round and rough out the other end.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02370_zpswekmcopx.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Slew the compound round 1 1/2 deg and machine the taper with a round nose tool.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02373_zpsc2xswcj7.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Flip it round and taper the other end a shape the fat belly in the middle, and polish up with a bit of emery.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02374_zps8e8pvnr8.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Mill the ends to thick ness maling use of the register when the cut just kisses it where down to size.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02378_zpssd3vtruw.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Shape the end with some filing buttons

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02380_zpsaniypr0e.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Give it a polish and fit the bearings.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02381_zps1f7jndjo.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

While I was at it made the cross head.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02388_zps5jiqdklz.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Her they are fitted on the beam.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02391_zps30e57q20.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

And her's the beam with the cylinder.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02383_zpssc0dg9l9.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Stew
Logged
A little bit of clearance never got in the road
 :wave:

Location:- Crewe Cheshire

Offline sbwhart

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3530
  • Smile, Be Happy, Have Fun and Rock Until you Drop
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #11 on: September 12, 2015, 07:39:06 AM »
Quote from: Chuck in E. TN on September 11, 2015, 08:21:27 AM
Me too, Stew!
Is there a list anywhere of your engines that use the same cylinder? I intend to build them all.

Chuck

Hi Chuck there will be three in total:-

The mill engine http://madmodder.net/index.php/topic,8438.msg90828.html#msg90828

The Vertical engine http://madmodder.net/index.php/topic,9371.msg103716.html#msg103716

And this grasshopper.

Thanks for your interest.

Stew
Logged
A little bit of clearance never got in the road
 :wave:

Location:- Crewe Cheshire

Offline Chuck in E. TN

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 572
  • USAF Retired
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #12 on: September 12, 2015, 07:42:05 AM »
Thanks, Stew.

Chuck
Logged
Chuck in E. TN
Famous TN last words: "Hey ya'll, watch this..."
MicroMark 7x14, HF X2 mill, Green 4x6 saw. Harbor Freight 170A mig

Offline sbwhart

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3530
  • Smile, Be Happy, Have Fun and Rock Until you Drop
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #13 on: September 17, 2015, 08:00:10 AM »
On with the swing beam.

I've long admired the iron work of a beam engine that runs at Style Mill Cheshire, it roughly of the same date as the grasshopper I'm styling this model on. the Iron work on this engine is based round the them of interlocking circle's so I thought I would try and make this beam a series of interlocking circles.

First job turn a length of bar down and mark the part off points of each circle.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02398_zpsjqiuosyk.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Then transfer over to the spin indexer and mill two flats down either side, and drill each side 1/16".

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02399_zpsgjtr3fmw.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Then back over onto the lathe and drill out.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02404_zpsfk1i6aek.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

And then part off each circle.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02406_zps4d85daad.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Link the circles together with a 1/16 rod

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02407_zpsps45ye1r.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

And silver solder together.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02408_zpsqbpce10x.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Then mill two more flats on each side.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02409_zpsbai8wwcu.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

And drill some 1/6" to take some 1/16 rivets to hold the side arms in place, then soft solder the lot together.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02412_zpstl303usa.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Drill the pivot hole through both sides.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02416_zpsw33xgcfx.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

And clean up its going to get a lick of paint so it doesn't need a shine.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02418_zpsahtza61i.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

This is it mocked up in place for a look see.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02422_zpstgpykpoi.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Stew
Logged
A little bit of clearance never got in the road
 :wave:

Location:- Crewe Cheshire

Offline Chuck in E. TN

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 572
  • USAF Retired
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #14 on: September 17, 2015, 08:18:24 AM »
 :jaw: Stew, I am in awe of your talents! :beer:

Chuck
Logged
Chuck in E. TN
Famous TN last words: "Hey ya'll, watch this..."
MicroMark 7x14, HF X2 mill, Green 4x6 saw. Harbor Freight 170A mig

Offline RotarySMP

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 464
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #15 on: September 17, 2015, 08:20:58 AM »
That brass fabricated beam is excellent.
Logged
Best regards, Meilleures salutations, Mit freundlichen Grüßen, Cu salutari
Mark
https://www.youtube.com/c/RotarySMP

Offline jcs0001

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 286
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #16 on: September 17, 2015, 02:33:05 PM »
Stew:

Very nice work.  As a complete amateur I appreciate the multitude of photos and the explanations that you give. 

Thanks,

John.
Logged

Offline tom osselton

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1301
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #17 on: September 17, 2015, 02:35:52 PM »
She's going to be a beauty!
Logged

Offline John Rudd

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2550
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #18 on: September 17, 2015, 03:45:15 PM »
I turned away for a few minutes......oh wow that looks good Stew.... :bow:


Waiting in anticipation to the finished engine.... :dremel:
Logged
eccentric millionaire financed by 'er indoors
Location:  Backworth Newcastle

Skype: chippiejnr

Offline Stilldrillin

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4972
  • Staveley, Derbyshire. England.
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #19 on: September 17, 2015, 03:55:40 PM »
That's blummin', gorgeous!    :clap:   :clap:

Well done, Stew......

David D
Logged
David.

Still drilling holes... Sometimes, in the right place!

Still modifying bits of metal... Occasionally, making an improvement!

Offline krv3000

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2188
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #20 on: September 17, 2015, 04:43:34 PM »
oooooo nice
Logged

Offline mexican jon

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 214
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #21 on: September 17, 2015, 05:53:11 PM »
 :nrocks: Awesome work  :thumbup: With a capital A  :clap: :clap: :clap:
Logged
People say you only live once ! I say thank F@*K can't afford to do it twice.

Offline sbwhart

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3530
  • Smile, Be Happy, Have Fun and Rock Until you Drop
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #22 on: September 21, 2015, 11:07:19 AM »
Thanks for your support Chaps.

Next bit the eccentric arm decided to keep the circle theme going.

So turned up and parted off some rings with their diameters receding in size drill 1/16 and threaded on a bit of wire as before.

The final was turned up and threaded M3 and shaped to blend in with the circle.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02427_zpsmwvnegkx.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

It was also drilled 1/16 and threaded on the wire.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02429_zpsrcijlw0z.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

And the whole lot silver soldered together, whist it was in the pickle made the valve rod handle fron 3/8 square bar.

Faced off centre drilled and drilled at tapped M3

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02431_zpsf3uabay8.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Then drill a 3mm hole off centre slightly to help keep it on the valve rod/

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02433_zps03vq4ihz.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Formed the other end up into a nice handle shape.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02435_zpsgnnz80aw.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Thinned the width down to 1/4

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02438_zpszgoyduo9.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Cut a slot to take the Valve rod.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02440_zps5kobh7zb.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

And this is it finished.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02443_zpsts3n9oru.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

And where it will roughly sit on the engine.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/sbwhart/Grashopper%20Engine/DSC02441_zpsvzlv7ril.jpgPotty Grasshopper Engine

Cheers

Stew
Logged
A little bit of clearance never got in the road
 :wave:

Location:- Crewe Cheshire

Offline Joules

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1320
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #23 on: September 21, 2015, 11:19:02 AM »
Oh NO.....   yet more machine porn  :bugeye:  Why oh why do I open these threads......
Logged
Honour your mentors, and pay it forward.

Offline Stilldrillin

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4972
  • Staveley, Derbyshire. England.
Re: Potty Grasshopper Engine
« Reply #24 on: September 21, 2015, 05:43:38 PM »
Oh, my........  :palm:

Well done. Again!  :thumbup: :clap: :clap:

David D
Logged
David.

Still drilling holes... Sometimes, in the right place!

Still modifying bits of metal... Occasionally, making an improvement!
Pages: [1] 2  All   Go Up
« previous next »