User:Dorkmo/Builds/SteamEngine

steam engine

building based on this sketchup model [1]

feel free to make comments in the discussion tab.

hardware

• ace hardware

• nylon parts for copper spool
• all thread rod

• grainger

• aluminum tube spacer
• made in usa pipe fittings

Engine Management System

Power Cube/Controller

progress

so far ive built a solenoid valve but i still need to test it. im slacking on that, theres a big air compressor i can use but its out in the country.

trying to figure out the final parts for piston and sleeve

have to match up all the diameters of everything

90% i like these parts:

outer sleeve: 4-1/2" 12 gauge tube

brass sleeve: 104mm ID

piston ring: 241 teflon o-ring 1/8" thick

outer piston: 4" 12 gauge tube w/ .078" cut for ring to sit in

top of piston: steel plate, not sure yet

11/31/11

thansfer page 1

thansfer page 2

made a pattern to tranfer punch where holes are to be drilled

[[2]]

there should end up being seven different sets. not sure if pages will be reusable after punching through?

need to put a ruler on the printouts so peeps can verify they printed to the right size.

12/1/11

spooled two more solenoids. need to get more nylon washers for #4.

need to find online retailer for nylon stuff

12/8/11

received most of the materials for the build.

going to do some preliminary stuff and then get ready to go to austin to meet up with thad.

drilled some holes. need to get a 5/8" and 4-1/2" drill bit.

might change the design to 3/4" rod instead of 5/8". was hard to find a bit. drill bit sets go up to 1/2" and hole drilling bits start at 3/4". but not sure if they could cut through 1-1/2" square tube, will look into.

1/27/12

got all the holes cut in the frame pieces.

brass sleeve is a little too big on o.d. might order smaller gauge steel pipe.

matching up holes. making bigger where needed.

need to make pipe tee support holes a little bigger.

2/6/12

had a thought to move the spring around so the seal was on the top of the plate to save room in the cylinder.

will still have the height of a 1/4" nut + a little extra threaded rod occupying room in the cylinder.

i updated the diagram here User:Dorkmo/Ideas/Steamvalves

going to shop and see if i can find an appropriate spring.

2/7/12

i ordered a couple different 2" long compression springs from grainger, not sure how stiff it needs to be.

i dont know much about springs, seemed okay to sped a few bucks to try some different stuff

probly going to need to edit spacer length to move magnet closer to clynder to get the 2" spring to be compressed a little.

also ordered some 4-1/2" 16 gauge pipe for the cylinders. i think i might have recieved 11 gauge instead of 12 gauge so thats why it was too thick. 16 might be small, not sure if itll be a problem.

need to coil another magnet bc i guess i lost one

still need to decide how to get solenoid wires through the plate steel

heat shrink + silicone?

once i file all the holes so the bolts all go in im going to apply some wood hardener to some of the stuff. not sure what effect its going to have but hope it wont be bad.

2/8/12

only had time to drill one 5/8" hole today in the pillow block mounts. three more to go, hope fully tomrrow. then the holes for block bolts them selves.

my mum took me to the movies. nice little film about urban life. nice overview, didnt get super in depth. would be good required watching for any town mayor. http://urbanizedfilm.com/

think i might ask for some math help on the forum tomorrow about weighting the crank shaft and the size of the holes for the valves. i keep putting that work off :/

2/12/12

cut a couple threaded rods to finish top side

installed pillow blocks and mounts

got 95% of structral stuff done. just not the side walls. going to tear down later to paint and seal.

will work on pistons next then crank arms then shaft then solenoids then oil pump system yadda yadda

2/14/12

set up a jig using the sheet steel and four hack saw blades to try cutting grooves for piston rings. seems to cut accurately but takes a long time. worried i might be going to deep. but not much play between sleeve and piston.

tried welding for the first time on attaching piston wall (4" pipe) to top of the piston (skinny cut of round bar). went okay. might jb weld gaps.

going to continue with grooves. then mess with attachment to crank arm.