Author Topic: Steam Engine Base Pattern (Read 31551 times)

doubleboost · « **on:** July 01, 2012, 04:29:15 PM »

Hi
Lads
I have been wanting to make a horizontal steam engine for some time now
As i have a cylinder pattern from my marine engine i decided to make the engine around this
It will be a fairly big affair with no bolts smaller than M6
A simple L shaped pattern is needed for the base
In the past i have used MDF as pattern material
The dust from sanding and machining this horrible material has made me feel poorly on more than one occasion
Rob Wilson donated some Birch ply wood and i had some bits of old Oak shelving (Popper wood)

The basic shape glued together

Car body filler is used to blend curves

All internal corners need a nice smooth fillet ,in the past i used car body filler (easy to apply but hard work to sand off)
I bought some fillet wax (bees wax) this is blended in to the corners with a ball bearing on a stick.
Much easier and faster than body filler.

As you add more detail it starts to look something

The Grey bit will be hollow the rest is solid

A coat of high build primer transforms the pattern
John

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jb3cx · « **Reply #1 on:** July 02, 2012, 01:59:25 AM »

looking good john,what size flywheel you going to use ?

Brass_Machine · « **Reply #2 on:** July 02, 2012, 02:16:59 AM »

That is not going to be a small engine! Can't wait to see this one get built.

Is this going to be just a model or do you plan to power something with it?

Eric

krv3000 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 02, 2012, 02:36:01 AM »

well dun john

NickG · « **Reply #4 on:** July 02, 2012, 01:11:45 PM »

It's huge!! Nice work John.

Stilldrillin · « **Reply #5 on:** July 02, 2012, 03:38:01 PM »

The usual, beautiful pattern work John!

Clocked in. Watching quietly.......

David D

loply · « **Reply #6 on:** July 02, 2012, 05:21:33 PM »

That is one big mould for a home shop

What are you going to cast it with?

doubleboost · « **Reply #7 on:** July 02, 2012, 05:54:45 PM »

Hi
It is a fair size
I am trying to work out its volume
I can weigh it find out the SG of Oak then work out its volume
Putting it in to water to measure its displacement is not a good idea
The base will be cast in Aluminium
John

andyf · « **Reply #8 on:** July 03, 2012, 06:44:42 AM »

If you have a reasonable size offcut of the oak, shaped such that you can easily work out its volume, you could weigh both that and your pattern. Then, roughly speaking because of your birch ply and filler, the volumes of the pattern and the offcut will be in the same ratio as their weights.

Andy

doubleboost · « **Reply #9 on:** July 03, 2012, 10:44:43 AM »

Hi
Andy
I was thinking if i weigh the pattern find out the SG of Oak
The formula is
Volume = Weight /SG
John

andyf · « **Reply #10 on:** July 03, 2012, 03:12:14 PM »

Hi John,

According to my inherited 1941 Machinery's Handbook list of "Average SG of Woods (Dry)":

Weight per cubic
SG inch (pounds)
Live Oak: 1.15 0.042
Red Oak: 0.75 0.027
White Oak: 0.80 0.029

Hope this helps, though these figures are supposed to be for dry wood, so I'm not sure what "live oak" is.

Andy

Bluechip · « **Reply #11 on:** July 03, 2012, 03:37:50 PM »

If it's from Machinery's Handbook, they could well refer to N. American species ???

Not sure if they're the same as European Oaks.

Silky Oak is a eucalyptus .... IIRC ..

Long time since I did any wood butchering

BC

andyf · « **Reply #12 on:** July 03, 2012, 04:00:07 PM »

Quote from: Bluechip on July 03, 2012, 03:37:50 PM

Not sure if they're the same as European Oaks.

Silky Oak is a eucalyptus .... IIRC ..
BC

That's why I suggested weighing an offcut of the same wood, the volume of which could easily be calculated.
To add to the confusion, Selly Oak is where I spent 3 years at university in Birmingham.

Andy.

doubleboost · « **Reply #13 on:** July 03, 2012, 04:10:48 PM »

Hi
Had a bit google came up with this
SG of birch ply is 0.67
Pattern weighs 2.2 Kg

Formula is

Weight / SG = Volume

2.2 / 0.67 =1.474 Litres i assume
I can melt 3 litres so it should not be a problem

John

David Jupp · « **Reply #14 on:** July 03, 2012, 05:05:24 PM »

Quote from: doubleboost on July 03, 2012, 04:10:48 PM

2.2 / 0.67 =1.474 Litres i assume
I can melt 3 litres so it should not be a problem
John

Problem is that 2.2/0.67 = 3.28 !

doubleboost · « **Reply #15 on:** July 03, 2012, 05:07:20 PM »

So
It is devided not multiplied
That looks like a better volume

John

Rob.Wilson · « **Reply #16 on:** July 03, 2012, 05:11:16 PM »

ye need a bigger pot John

Rob

doubleboost · « **Reply #17 on:** July 03, 2012, 05:15:30 PM »

You mean like yours

By the time i get some risers and gates in there it will be a good 4 litres

John

Bluechip · « **Reply #18 on:** July 03, 2012, 05:20:45 PM »

Quote from: andyf on July 03, 2012, 04:00:07 PM

Quote from: Bluechip on July 03, 2012, 03:37:50 PM
Not sure if they're the same as European Oaks.

Silky Oak is a eucalyptus .... IIRC ..
BC

That's why I suggested weighing an offcut of the same wood, the volume of which could easily be calculated.
To add to the confusion, Selly Oak is where I spent 3 years at university in Birmingham.

Andy.

Selly Oak ??? That's where Ariel bikes were made.

I had a 350 Red Hunter, a bloke up the road has a 1937 500 VH.

Did you make it ???

I'm off ....

BC

awemawson · « **Reply #19 on:** July 04, 2012, 08:06:57 AM »

You don't need to know the sg of oak. Now it's painted use Archimedes principle to find it's volume. Place a brim full container of water inside a dry bowl. Imerse the pattern so that the water displaced spills into the bowl. Measure the volume of the displaced water - simples !

doubleboost · « **Reply #20 on:** July 09, 2012, 04:55:38 PM »

Hi
Decided to modify the furnace and make a bigger crucible
The story in pictures

Furnace extension ring

John

Rob.Wilson · « **Reply #21 on:** July 09, 2012, 04:57:33 PM »

And i was hoping the patten would come back pink

Rob

doubleboost · « **Reply #22 on:** July 09, 2012, 05:08:07 PM »

You seem to have a thing about me and pink

I would have thought silver would have been your colour

Rob.Wilson · « **Reply #23 on:** July 09, 2012, 05:17:07 PM »

your missing a photo

Rob

doubleboost · « **Reply #24 on:** July 09, 2012, 05:28:57 PM »

Will this one do

Rob.Wilson · « **Reply #25 on:** July 09, 2012, 05:47:04 PM »

dam fine lookin chap

Rob

jb3cx · « **Reply #26 on:** July 09, 2012, 05:50:24 PM »

is rob starting to mine his own ally now?

doubleboost · « **Reply #27 on:** July 09, 2012, 05:52:11 PM »

Great day out mate

Once you get your cupola furnace sorted we will be able to smelt our own metal

John

John Stevenson · « **Reply #28 on:** July 09, 2012, 05:54:10 PM »

Would you buy anything off a twat in a yellow mac ?

doubleboost · « **Reply #29 on:** July 09, 2012, 05:56:31 PM »

Quote from: John Stevenson on July 09, 2012, 05:54:10 PM

Would you buy anything off a twat in a yellow mac ?

Now i realise why i like it hear

John

Rob.Wilson · « **Reply #30 on:** July 09, 2012, 05:59:19 PM »

Quote from: jb3cx on July 09, 2012, 05:50:24 PM

is rob starting to mine his own ally now?

Nope just like dressing up in rubber

jb3cx , i carried that lump of lead ore for friggin miles

I it was mate ,,, next time i am taking a mobility scooter

, then i can just zip around , no back breaking stooping

Ist not a mac JS ,,,, is a very fetching one piece

Rob

doubleboost · « **Reply #31 on:** July 09, 2012, 06:00:49 PM »

jcb3x
http://madmodder.net/index.php?topic=3168.msg33953#msg33953
Enjoy
John

John Stevenson · « **Reply #32 on:** July 09, 2012, 06:17:33 PM »

So me and Rob's having a conversation.

I sez to Rob, your a twat, you have always been a twat and will still be a twat in the future.
If you entered a twat competition you would come second.

So Rob says why wouldn't I win ?

I replied because you are a twat.

Rob.Wilson · « **Reply #33 on:** July 09, 2012, 07:03:23 PM »

Quote from: John Stevenson on July 09, 2012, 06:17:33 PM

So me and Rob's having a conversation.

I sez to Rob, your a twat, you have always been a twat and will still be a twat in the future.
If you entered a twat competition you would come second.

So Rob says why wouldn't I win ?

I replied because you are a twat.

That would be because the OLDER more experienced twat would win

Rob

sbwhart · « **Reply #34 on:** July 10, 2012, 01:04:04 AM »

Have you made the furnace from a BASS bear keg John ?.

I didn't know Rob was a trog

Nice work on the patern

Stew

doubleboost · « **Reply #35 on:** July 15, 2012, 05:12:55 PM »

Hi
Lads
Not cast that base yet
Lots of prep work first
Made up a set of crucible tongs today
Nothing special just 1 inch flat bar and a bit of welding
A good tip for bending flat bar is to cut the outside of the bend 2/3 of the way through bend it then a couple of weld beads and you are done

John

Rob.Wilson · « **Reply #36 on:** July 15, 2012, 05:35:47 PM »

i best get my finger out and make some rammers

Rob the trog

doubleboost · « **Reply #37 on:** July 15, 2012, 05:40:47 PM »

Now that you mention it

John

millwright · « **Reply #38 on:** July 17, 2012, 04:28:08 PM »

Its posts like this that remind me why i joined this site, Great work and some great comics.

Nice lookin pattern there John, waiting now for the pour.
John

doubleboost · « **Reply #39 on:** July 19, 2012, 04:15:25 PM »

Hi
Lads
Bigger castings need bigger tools
Time for a man sized rammer

Will my lathe ever be the same :slaphead::slaphead:

Hoping to get it cast this weekend :smiley-dancenana::smiley-dancenana:
John

Rob.Wilson · « **Reply #40 on:** July 19, 2012, 04:18:41 PM »

pleased thats your lathe mate

Rob

doubleboost · « **Reply #41 on:** July 19, 2012, 04:26:28 PM »

So am i mate

I will be up all night cleaning it
The radius tool removes wood at a rapid rate

I am pleased i cut it "dry"

John

micktoon · « **Reply #42 on:** July 19, 2012, 06:47:46 PM »

Hi , John , I have had my lathe looking like that before ,

hassle to clean but at least it soaks up the oil leaks

, canny bit wood turning mind John and nice pattern too. I am looking forward to seeing the casting. I have a Graduate woodturning lathe now and they are one hell of a lot easier to clean , quick brush off and its done

. thing is you still have your mega rammer so alls well that ends well

Mick.

krv3000 · « **Reply #43 on:** July 19, 2012, 06:48:57 PM »

good job john

Stilldrillin · « **Reply #44 on:** July 20, 2012, 04:06:32 AM »

That looks a handy weapon you've made John! Looking forward to seeing it in action.

No probs with cleanup! Less than 10 mins, with brush/ shovel and vacuum........

David D

DaveH · « **Reply #45 on:** July 21, 2012, 01:53:33 PM »

John,
You should have been a woodworker

DaveH

PekkaNF · « **Reply #46 on:** July 21, 2012, 02:49:56 PM »

Quote from: DaveH on July 21, 2012, 01:53:33 PM

John,
You should have been a woodworker

DaveH

Slander. I though that swearing was forbidden here, unless the sentence contains details of workshop or pattern. Does potato smasher qualifies?

Pekka

doubleboost · « **Reply #47 on:** July 21, 2012, 03:30:47 PM »

Hi
Lads
After a eventfull morning i now have a base casting

I was joined by Rob Wilson for the casting rituall
It is easier with 2 people (safer as well if something goes wrong) in this case i could not have lifted the flasks alone
The pictures tell the story

Thanks again Rob

John

krv3000 · « **Reply #48 on:** July 21, 2012, 03:44:59 PM »

well dum john dam fine work but i think you shud of cast a sper one up

Stilldrillin · « **Reply #49 on:** July 21, 2012, 03:51:54 PM »

Clearly shown, John!

Really nice, crisp casting. Well done, you two.

David D

NickG · « **Reply #50 on:** July 21, 2012, 04:34:21 PM »

Looks great. I didn't know the said would hold itself together quite like that for the hollow.

Rob.Wilson · « **Reply #51 on:** July 21, 2012, 04:39:08 PM »

Fettled up well John

Aye , it was a good couple of hours ,bacon sarnnie was the best part

Rob

sbwhart · « **Reply #52 on:** July 21, 2012, 05:17:11 PM »

Real nice work a fine bit of casting.

You can now use that rammer at Christmas for cracking nuts

Look forward to the next step machining it all up

Stew

dsquire · « **Reply #53 on:** July 21, 2012, 09:50:30 PM »

John and Rob

A fine bit of casting that was. Thanks for showing the pictures. Just like looking over your shoulder.

Cheers

Don

micktoon · « **Reply #54 on:** July 22, 2012, 07:19:59 AM »

The lads done good

Looks like all went well with the casting, very impresive

, looking forward to seeing it being machined , The weather was spot on for the cast too , which is almost a miracle considering whats its been like lately.
Class job there !
Mick.

millwright · « **Reply #55 on:** July 22, 2012, 05:24:51 PM »

A nice clean casting John, And the hired help comes cheap for the price of a bacon sarny.
John

Stilldrillin · « **Reply #56 on:** July 23, 2012, 02:28:28 AM »

That Lad's anybody's, for the promise of a bacon sarnie..........

David D

narrowgauger · « **Reply #57 on:** July 23, 2012, 06:19:45 PM »

Hi Rob & John

knowing that there are many of us out here who cannot do a casting line this, how much would you charge for one shipped to Australia.

with beautiful base castings like this I would suggest that you have the makings of a nice little business here.

Have fun and let us see more.

Bernard

Rob.Wilson · « **Reply #58 on:** July 23, 2012, 06:42:29 PM »

Hi Bernard

Just speaking for myself ,I will never do any castings for anyone else ever again .

Rob

krv3000 · « **Reply #59 on:** July 23, 2012, 06:47:26 PM »

i hope you and john ant had a falling out

Rob.Wilson · « **Reply #60 on:** July 23, 2012, 06:50:47 PM »

Quote from: krv3000 on July 23, 2012, 06:47:26 PM

i hope you and john ant had a falling out

no Bob .

Its just not worth the hassle for anyone else .

Rob

doubleboost · « **Reply #61 on:** July 23, 2012, 06:55:55 PM »

I have to agree with Rob on this
A couple of years ago Rob spent countless hours on a casting job
His time and effort (not to mention the cost of gas and bronze) were not appriciated
John

krv3000 · « **Reply #62 on:** July 24, 2012, 04:32:02 PM »

thats ok i must say rob is a bit shy on the bacan buttys thow

RotarySMP · « **Reply #63 on:** September 25, 2012, 05:25:13 AM »

Lovely casting. Thanks for the photos.

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Author Topic: Steam Engine Base Pattern (Read 31551 times)

Rob.Wilson

Rob.Wilson

Rob.Wilson

Rob.Wilson

Rob.Wilson

Rob.Wilson

Rob.Wilson

Rob.Wilson

Rob.Wilson

Rob.Wilson

Rob.Wilson