Author Topic: Stuart Major Beam Engine  (Read 86972 times)

Offline Chipmaster

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Stuart Major Beam Engine
« on: March 22, 2014, 07:41:07 AM »
I started building this engine in November 2013.
My straightbed Chipmaster lathe couldn't accommodate the 14" flywheel so I used a friends Kerry lathe that has a gap bed for the job and another friend broached the keyway for me.
Andy
Castings







Offline Jo

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Re: Stuart Major Beam Engine
« Reply #1 on: March 22, 2014, 08:16:17 AM »
That's a big beastie  :naughty:

Can I suggest that every now and then you put some sort of item like a drinks can or a coffee mug in the photo to remind the members just how desirable this engine is.

Jo
Enjoyment is more important than achievement.

Offline Chipmaster

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Re: Stuart Major Beam Engine
« Reply #2 on: March 22, 2014, 08:18:19 AM »
The pulley was straightforward but we had an accident broaching the bevel gear too deep. However, as the hub was sufficient another keyway was broached. I didn't want to use Woodruff keys as per the plan so I enlarged the keyway in the bevel gear with the intention of using a feather key





The next job was to mark out and machine the base. my veteran Archdale milling machine was just big enough. The pads for the central column, cylinder and valve gear trunnion were at different heights.






Andy
« Last Edit: March 10, 2016, 07:35:36 AM by Chipmaster »

Offline b.lindsey

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Re: Stuart Major Beam Engine
« Reply #3 on: March 22, 2014, 01:45:36 PM »
Nice looking castings Andy and some good progress thus far as well. It is a big 'un but should make a fine model!!

Bill

Offline NickG

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Re: Stuart Major Beam Engine
« Reply #4 on: March 22, 2014, 02:59:32 PM »
Looks great this, nice to see a Stuart Major being built  :ThumbsUp:

Offline smfr

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Re: Stuart Major Beam Engine
« Reply #5 on: March 22, 2014, 03:29:35 PM »
Good to see this build here Andy  :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp: Progress looks excellent so far!

Simon
« Last Edit: March 22, 2014, 07:17:03 PM by smfr »

Offline Chipmaster

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Re: Stuart Major Beam Engine
« Reply #6 on: March 22, 2014, 05:13:42 PM »
Yes it will be rather heavy. The box of castings as delivered was almost too heavy so I hope I haven't overdone it this time and I will be able to move it about!  :old:
Andy

Offline rarach22

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Re: Stuart Major Beam Engine
« Reply #7 on: March 22, 2014, 06:51:50 PM »
hi , nice work :ThumbsUp:

Offline Roger B

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Re: Stuart Major Beam Engine
« Reply #8 on: March 22, 2014, 07:54:58 PM »
That's a pretty big engine, looking good  :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp:

How do you get on with the replaceable tip milling cutter on castings? I have always been concerned that a hard spot would chip a ~£5 tip (or 2 or 3)  :(
Best regards

Roger

Offline Chipmaster

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Re: Stuart Major Beam Engine
« Reply #9 on: March 22, 2014, 11:31:06 PM »
Hi Roger, thanks for your comments.
I haven't hit any hard spots  that damaged a carbide tip - yet, but I have chipped some points through silly  mistakes when I have been distracted. I bought the face mill you see in my pictures for facing hence square tips with 4 cutting points but it can't cut up to an edge as triangular tips can. Hopefully I will get more mileage out of each tip. I think they are well worth it for speed and a better finish.
Andy

Offline Chipmaster

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Re: Stuart Major Beam Engine
« Reply #10 on: March 28, 2014, 12:25:02 PM »
My next task was the central column which gave me an excuse to use my shaper. I wanted to prepare the base as my datum.



I enjoy using the shaper, produces a good finish and can be mesmerising.

url=https://flic.kr/p/mc6hfH][/url]

Then I fitted a plug in the top end of the column and set it up for turning using a four jaw independent chuck.



Andy



Offline Jo

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Re: Stuart Major Beam Engine
« Reply #11 on: March 28, 2014, 12:39:19 PM »
Using your shaper  :naughty:  :Love:

Jo
Enjoyment is more important than achievement.

Offline Chipmaster

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Re: Stuart Major Beam Engine
« Reply #12 on: March 28, 2014, 01:08:25 PM »
Followed by a taper turning attachment  :LickLips: :Love:

Offline Jo

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Re: Stuart Major Beam Engine
« Reply #13 on: March 28, 2014, 02:17:46 PM »
Snap!  ;D

Jo

P.S.  :headscratch: You seem to be missing a DRO 
Enjoyment is more important than achievement.

Offline b.lindsey

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Re: Stuart Major Beam Engine
« Reply #14 on: March 28, 2014, 03:51:30 PM »
Its looking good Andy!! Those are some sizeable hunks of cast iron there too!!!

Bill

 

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