Hi guys, well at last those workshop improvements have come to an end so I've been able to pick this up again. I have not yet had it tested officially but that should be the week after next.
I've been thinking about the burner and the need for a nice lump of brass to make the main body. I do have a good piece that's been continuously saved for something special (which will probably never occur
) but its rather large in diameter and would be a real waste to turn mainly into swarf. I was lucky enough to find a piece of bronze at Guildford for a fiver which looked as if it would do - even had a good hole in it - but alas it was just a tad too big (the hole). So needs must and I cut three discs from another piece of 1/4" sheet brass I've had for years and silver soldered them together after rough boring.....
The step in the ID's was to give the solder something to 'fillet' on and the centre pops were to help raise the plates apart sufficient to allow the solder to flow through. As you can see I got a bit carried away and did both sides of the outer one
A short length of 1.5 brazing wire kept them in line.
It turned up okay despite the annealing and produced a ring from which to continue
Next up was the mixing chamber which again was made from sheet brass (16 swg) and finally those GT Rolls, made oh so long ago, got to do their thing for real
First one came out slightly too large on diameter so an attempt to turn it was made. It quickly became apparent it was not running true moving in the chuck possibly so a decision was made to do another .....
This time - taking more care to true it in the chuck using a tool to 'mark' the high spot it suddenly picked up and deposited itself in the back of the lathe with a loud bang. After retrieving it and quickly coming to the conclusion that this too would not be suitable either it then went on a further journey through the open door faster than a Mig 25 Foxbat on full reheat. Why 'bless my soul' I thought (yeah you bet
) I'll be rather good at this rolling lark if this keeps up
Any way third time lucky and the makings were there..
.. and a few hours later it was ready to try
Now this is the first time I have had anything to do with a burner of this type so have no idea what it should actually burn like.
It's to Sandy's design throughout except the jet - Sandy suggests a .3 hole but I only had a .35. It burnt with a long soft yellow flame so I assume not enough primary air or too big a jet. Not having a smaller drill (some .2mm and .3mm now on order) I popped the jet in its collet, ran the lathe backwards and burnished the face closing the hole somewhat.
Though the size of this hole is now unknown the flame intensified - the ceramic began to get red on all the high points - and though still yellow the length of the yellow flame reduced considerably
As I'm completely in the dark on this type of burner any help anyone (Sandy?) can shed to improve this (if you feel it can or should be improved that is) would be appreciated.
My plan is to make new jets at .2mm and .3mm as soon as the drills arrive and test them before carrying out any mods to the primary air holes or rest of the burner.
Anyway this is the latest stage - fittings next
Hope this small step forwards is still of interest
Regards - Ramon
PS Robert - if you read this I have just realised I have forgotten to measure that hand pump for you - tomorrow I'm out for most of the day but will do it as soon as I can - I've even made a note so I don't forget again
.