Author Topic: What does it do? A concept.  (Read 16251 times)

Offline sshire

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What does it do? A concept.
« on: June 11, 2015, 02:34:54 PM »
As you all know, while showing our engines, we often hear, "What does it do?" "Well, it goes round and round, up and down." This is generally accompanied by, "Oh, that's nice." Also accompanied by sad or puzzled looks."

While working on the 1/4 horse, I've been thinking about actually having it do some work. Since it's not a scaled-down engine but, a reasonably accurate, full-size version of the Strelinger vertical, it should be able to do something.

I've seen the usual: turning a corn or coffee grinder, running a fan, operating a scale model machine shop. At Cabin Fever, a hit and miss was running a small compressor which supplied pressure to run an air/steam engine.

Somewhere I read, (don't remember where) that many Strelinger 1/4 horse verticals were used to power sewing machines in garment factories. The foot treadle was removed and a pulley attached to connect a leather belt to the steam engine.  Steam powered line shafts were also used but, the "one engine for one machine" concept was an improvement in productivity as each operator could vary the machine speed as needed.









Steam-powered sewing machine designed by C T Judkin of Manchester in use at Holloway & Co 's clothing factory, Stroud, Gloucestershire.




As a side note, the White Sewing Machine Company introduced the White Steam Car in 1900 but never made a steam sewing machine.







 Strangely, sewing machines had also been powered by dogs.

"Patents from the 19th century give us images of treadmills, carousels, and massive hamster wheels that enabled dogs to power sewing machines, mills, grindstones, lathes, butter churns, blacksmith's bellows, and water pumps. In England, a special breed of dog, the Turnspit Dog, was bred with a long body and short legs perfect for running a turnspit for roasting meat." Pay attention here, Cletus.






But, not wishing to incur the wrath of the SPCA, let's return to the steam-powered sewing machine.




After calling a friend who is retired after many years in the garment industry, I learned that the actual sewing machine is called the "head" and was mounted over the treadle base. Since the treadle wouldn't be used, I concentrated on the heads.

Now, I'm awaiting Ritchie to deliver this "correct to the period" head which was cheaper than a decent Center-cutting End Mill.



This will be the next project once the 1/4 horse is completed.

Now, all I have to do is convince Zee to use his spinning wheel to produce the hundreds of yards of thread I'll need.

Stay tuned.
Best,
Stan

Online Kim

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #1 on: June 11, 2015, 04:55:15 PM »
This is fascinating Stan.  Can't wait to see it all setup and working.  It will make quite a display at your next show.
Maybe you can make MEM T-shirts for everyone! :)
Kim

Offline tvoght

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #2 on: June 11, 2015, 05:03:47 PM »
Brilliant Stan, and true to the original Strelinger intent. If you'd wanted, you could have even justified using the kit-supplied hardware (slotted screws, etc.).

--Tim

Offline steamer

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #3 on: June 11, 2015, 06:01:25 PM »
After I built my first model steam engine, my Grandmother told me of an engine made by my Great grandfather.   He was a native Brit, but came here to the US around the turn of the last century.  He was a machinist.    While he was here building a nest egg to get the rest of the family over, he built a steam engine and boiler, and shipped it over to GB for a contest.  It won!

It came back, and ran my Great Grand mothers sewing machine for many years.   Then apparently, my Great Uncle sold it......but the picture you posted made me chuckle!

Dave
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Damned ijjit!

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #4 on: June 11, 2015, 06:13:07 PM »
Great story, Dave. Too bad it was sold.
Best,
Stan

Offline b.lindsey

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #5 on: June 11, 2015, 08:16:15 PM »
That was a nice find Stan at an incredible price!! Will certainly make for a bigger display than the Elmer's engines and even the RE, but at least people won't have to ask what the quarter hose does :)

Bill

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #6 on: June 11, 2015, 08:32:22 PM »
Space is an issue. Also, have to locate a 19th century seamstress.
I think I have just enough room in the car.
Best,
Stan

Offline b.lindsey

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #7 on: June 12, 2015, 12:00:19 AM »
Or a good excuse to get a bigger car :)

Bill

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #8 on: June 12, 2015, 12:02:32 AM »
Cheaper to rent a panel van.
Best,
Stan

Offline Robert Hornby

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #9 on: June 12, 2015, 12:24:00 AM »
Excellent topic Stan, I too pondered what I could drive with an engine I built many moons ago. I visit to a historic steam saw mill gave me the inspiration for the project. It does actually cut wood and amuses the children and adults at fairs where I display it.

Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #10 on: June 12, 2015, 12:44:50 AM »
Absolutely beautiful! I'm sure it gets plenty of lookers.
What is the belt material?
Best,
Stan

Offline Dave Otto

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #11 on: June 12, 2015, 01:29:06 AM »
Seamstress??

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #12 on: June 12, 2015, 01:30:39 AM »
That's the one! Should be a big hit at CF and NAMES
Best,
Stan

Offline vascon2196

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #13 on: June 12, 2015, 02:15:06 AM »
You guys are hilarious.

Great job with the research Stan...when your sewing machine is operating, hopefully nobody will ask "what it does" at that point!
Chris from Southeastern Massachusetts

"a good craftsman never blames his tools"

Offline Art K

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #14 on: June 12, 2015, 02:25:23 AM »
Yup, she'd be a big hit for all the guys. Wives now I'm thinking not so much.
Art
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Offline Robert Hornby

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #15 on: June 12, 2015, 05:38:01 AM »
Stan, the belt is composite fabric purchased from a haberdashery shop. I originally had made a leather belt (for originality reasons) at a shoe repairers but it was very susceptible to temperature variants and was problematic holding tension. I joined the belt with glue and stitching.
Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #16 on: June 12, 2015, 11:16:46 AM »
Thanks. Gathering ideas to use when I get to that point
Best,
Stan

Offline Robert Hornby

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #17 on: June 13, 2015, 02:23:04 AM »
This is the utube address for the drag saw running.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaBTscGnkjY" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaBTscGnkjY</a>

Robert
Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #18 on: June 13, 2015, 02:33:02 AM »
Love it! Amazing amount of motion. Beautiful.
Best,
Stan

Offline Ian S C

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #19 on: June 13, 2015, 12:53:18 PM »
On my little hot air engines, one has a water pump, there is a power hacksaw that may be run by the three larger motors, and all except the smallest can run a generator(that might happen yet), and I'v just got the flame licker driving a generator with enough power to run a large 6V radio, or 10 white LEDs, it might light more but I ran out of them.
Ian S C

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #20 on: July 10, 2015, 10:58:05 PM »
How to Over-bling a Sewing Machine 
An Instructional Guide
[/i]

Sometimes I just can't stop.

Ever since Richie delivered the Singer Model 66 (c.a. 1903) sewing machine head (no base, no treadle), I've been thinking about a base. The obvious answer is the actual portable base and wooden arch-top cover. Didn't need the cover but the originals that I saw were 3X the price of the machine. 










Next thought: build a duplicate of the original. Oak, closed box base, finger jointed.
Possible. Dovetailed box. Sure.

While I was cleaning 100 years of lint out of the bottom mechanism, I was intrigued by the action of the mechanism and thought that it would add another dimension to the movement of the engine and the sewing machine itself, if it were seen. 

The decision was made. Just an oak top with an opening for the machine. Four simple legs to elevate it enough to be able to see the bottom mechanism.

That's when the trouble began. Simple legs? Well, if I continued the look of the machine (black paint, gold decorative decals and brass) it would be better.

Hey! Let's make the legs fluted columns with form turned brass feet. 

Then there were the hinges that are recessed into the base.  Nothing much more than steel disks.



 I was going to copy them in brass, but...

So let's start with the top.
Oak. Hand planed dead flat and glued up to get the correct width.



Before there were routers, there were moulding planes. Each plane cut a different profile so you needed a large collection., Then Stanley Tools developed the #45 and #55 molding planes which accepted many cutters with different profiles. Like a form tool for wood. The roman ogee edge was cut with this Stanley #45.



Next, the fluted columns.





Ready for powder coating



Done





The solution to the ugly hinges was to cover them with rosettes. Form tool, turned 6061. Powder coated.





All done…until I found this.







Now it’s finished.




Best,
Stan

Offline Don1966

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #21 on: July 11, 2015, 12:13:32 AM »
Cool Stan!


 8) Don

Offline mklotz

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #22 on: July 11, 2015, 12:22:14 AM »
Tres elegant, indeed.

I just knew that anybody with a Haimer taster had to have a Stanley No. 45.  I'm jealous as hell.

I think that as a follow on a miniature art nouveau apple peeler would be a worthy addition to your "what does it do" collection.
« Last Edit: July 11, 2015, 03:46:25 PM by mklotz »
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Offline cheepo45

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #23 on: July 11, 2015, 12:23:06 AM »
Nice work, Stan. You never fail to amaze me with your creativity.
cheepo45

Online Kim

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #24 on: July 11, 2015, 12:33:06 AM »
That's pretty amazing Stan!
You've outdone yourself here   :ThumbsUp:
Kim

Offline Dave Otto

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #25 on: July 11, 2015, 12:38:32 AM »
Yes very creative; nicely done!

Dave

Offline Alan Haisley

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #26 on: July 11, 2015, 01:28:12 AM »
Already a sight to behold. But just wait until it steams up!

Offline b.lindsey

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #27 on: July 11, 2015, 01:40:39 AM »
Well done Stan, just make sure it doesn't outshine the engine :)

Bill

Offline zeeprogrammer

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #28 on: July 11, 2015, 01:44:28 AM »
What kills me is the quality, looks, whatever, of earlier products and what they put into them.
1903 sewing machine. So cool looking. What has changed?
That machine looks quality (whether it is or isn't)...today's stuff...looks cheap unless you really really pay and even then...the quality isn't really that much better.

The same with earlier steam engines. Yes...practical counts...but wow...early machines are so much cooler. Why is that?

Cool job Stan.
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Zee-Another Thread Trasher.

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #29 on: July 11, 2015, 02:33:45 AM »
Thanks so much.

Zee
The Singer is beautifully made. The main body casting is HEAVY. The cover plate at the end is thick and elegantly patterned. The sliding bobbin cover is close to .125 thick and slides effortlessly.
Conversely, the contemporary Singer upstairs weighs very little in comparison. Primarily plastic. The metal parts are thin and stamped. Sure, it will do 75 stitch patterns, each with variable width and stitch length.
I think we've used two: straight stitch and zig-zag.
Interestingly, they both use the same needles.

Marv
Art nouveau apple peeler? Tell me more.
I really wanted a 55 but, this came up at an estate sale at a very good price. It has all three sets of cutters (complete) in the original wooden boxes. I'll have to do some pictures of it as the decoration on the castings, the finish, the rosewood handles and the included screwdriver are all beautifully made.
I've also got a mint 507 Stanley Bedrock. Like new.
At one time, Stanley made hundreds of different purpose planes. The only planes made today that are of that quality are Tom Lie-Nielsen's.
« Last Edit: July 11, 2015, 02:37:56 AM by sshire »
Best,
Stan

Offline philjoe5

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #30 on: July 11, 2015, 04:06:06 AM »
Stan,
Your craftsmanship is superb.  I hope to see this finished project at the Rough & Tumble reunion in August. :ThumbsUp:

Cheers,
Phil
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.  - Mark Twain

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #31 on: July 13, 2015, 03:04:18 PM »
This morning I finally connected the PMR #4 (¼ horse) and the Singer Mod. 66.
The engine, under load, sucks my small Makita compressor dry pretty quickly, but the concept is proven. The "squeaky" noise is not lack of oil. Took me a while to figure out that at low RPM, the exhaust port is acting as a whistle. Side benefit?
When I get it to Rough&Tumble next month, I'm going to run this under steam. Given the size of the boiler that Phil is supervising, there should be plenty of volume to run this properly. I've got the displacement lubricator, a quart of steam oil and the various fittings and piping that Phil told me I'll need for the hookup.
Now, I've a few videos to watch to learn how to thread this machine, then we'll see if it actually sews.
More to come.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyaURsh7DR0" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyaURsh7DR0</a>
Best,
Stan

Offline b.lindsey

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #32 on: July 13, 2015, 03:14:36 PM »
How perfect is that!! Wonderful choice on the sewing machine as it pairs beautifully with the quarter horse. Is it your horizontal boiler you will be using with it Stan?

Bill

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #33 on: July 13, 2015, 03:43:01 PM »
According to PMR, the horizontal boiler will run this engine (barelly), but not under load.
The boiler at Rough and Tumble is larger than my shop.
It should also run under air at shows.
Not buying a 100 gallon Ingersol two stage compressor just to sew a hem. :lolb:
Best,
Stan

Online Kim

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #34 on: July 13, 2015, 04:34:33 PM »
That's just too cool Stan!  :)
Kim

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #35 on: July 13, 2015, 04:55:09 PM »
Thanks, guys!

After threading the machine and winding a bobbin, I've edited the video to include actual sewing.

It was a fun project and, after all, model engine-powered can crushers are so passé.
Besides, fine Scottish produce does not come in cans.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELKEJKO4w7g" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELKEJKO4w7g</a>


Best,
Stan

Offline mklotz

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #36 on: July 13, 2015, 05:08:34 PM »
"Seams OK" - Gad, you're worse than I.  I love it.

Maybe, for your first steam-powered sewing chore, you could make Cletus a Confederate flag with the correct number of stars.
Regards, Marv
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Offline Allen Smithee

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #37 on: July 13, 2015, 05:30:41 PM »
"Seams OK" - Gad, you're worse than I.  I love it.

A-hem. You had me in stitches...

AS
Quidquid latine dictum sit altum sonatur

Offline Alan Haisley

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #38 on: July 13, 2015, 05:53:34 PM »
Its always a challenge for me to get the bobbin tension and the upper tension in balance. It looks like that old machine is still perfect though.

Alan

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #39 on: July 13, 2015, 07:55:10 PM »
Alan
This was very helpful
http://treadleon.net/sewingmachineshop/tensionadjustment/tensionadjustment.html

Now, I promise, 100% guarantee that this is the final version of the video.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVhFshvsK84" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVhFshvsK84</a>
Best,
Stan

Offline Dave Otto

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #40 on: July 14, 2015, 12:59:43 AM »
Nice Stan!

Can't say I care for the exhaust whistle though; maybe it sounds better in person.
You might want to be careful; you just may get the sewing contract for the Douglas & Company uniform division. :lolb:

Best regards,
Dave

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #41 on: July 14, 2015, 01:30:28 AM »
Dave
I think when I plumb the exhaust to a water catch pan for the steam run, the whistle should disappear.
I spent way too much time trying to locate and oil the squeak before I figured it out.
Best,
Stan

Offline Don1966

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #42 on: July 14, 2015, 02:02:47 AM »
Stan that is just to cool buddy. I showed the video to my wife and she loved it. Awesome buddy just awesome. The music does the trick..........  :praise2:


Don  8)

Offline fumopuc

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #43 on: July 14, 2015, 05:41:12 AM »
Hi Stan, a very nice video of your well made arrangement.
Kind Regards
Achim

Offline Tennessee Whiskey

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #44 on: July 14, 2015, 06:52:20 PM »
Vern, VERn, VERN, you has done out did yoself this time  :ThumbsUp: :cheers: :lolb:. BTW, 16 1/2" neck and 35 1/8" sleeves, tapered tail, monogrammed sleeves preferred, and I adore Sea Island cotton 2 ply. Make me feel special and lean towards the pastels :lolb: :lolb: :lolb:.  Before you start on the flag, find out which version Marv desires: the 7 star version from the breakaway states,  the 9 star version when Virginia and Arkansas came aboard, or the 11 star version when North Carolina and we Tennesseans joined up.  The 13 stars came when Kentucky and Missouri were represented in the " house" and joined "the cause"  ,  however,  due to the progression of the war and perhaps a software glitch or two,  were  never officially "admitted" . Ain't rocket science,  just plain old history, without predudice.  OK, so is the "speed" consistent,  or, are you controlling it by a  "belt slip" clutch setup. Never mind, I'll go back and watch the video; now that was a stupid question  :lolb: :lolb:. Anyhoo,  "DAMN GOOD JOB JOE" . So Tell everybody off up your way I said "how they doing?" and y'all be good, now ya hear

Cuzn Cletus

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #45 on: July 14, 2015, 07:07:43 PM »
Thanks Cuz Cletus
I'm pretty sure that Sea Island cotton got much more popular when Ian Fleming had James Bond in the shirts.

I'll hold off on the flag until a consensus is reached. :ROFL:

Not going to do much sewing with the 30 second run times with my compressor. That sucker drains the tank very quickly. But, it sews infinitely better than the new "Singer" upstairs. So much better, that I ordered a motor and foot pedal for it last night.

Vern

Best,
Stan

Offline Tennessee Whiskey

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #46 on: July 14, 2015, 11:52:32 PM »
Cuz, never was a big Bond fan, however, the shirts, with a light starch and a well pressed pair of Bill's khakis,  just make you feel like a sharp dressed man, like you've accomplished that extra little something  :lolb:. I'm kind of glad to know that it isn't just my engine that's an air hog. Mine will run on something like 8 psi, however,  it doesn't take long before my 60 gallon single stage with 150' of 3/4"  supply line kicks on. I thought I had something timed wrong or another problem  :shrug:. I'm anxious to see how yours runs on steam and if it's as hungry for it as it is for air. See ya,  Enco extended the 25% and free shipping, I got sh$t to buy :lolb: :lolb:..

Cuz

Offline Brian Rupnow

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #47 on: July 15, 2015, 01:47:25 AM »
Stan---I love it!!! Engines are so much more "meaningful" when the are actually powering something.--That sewing machine looks just like one my mom had when I was a kid. Her's had an ornate cast iron fame with foot treadle and a great big pulley wheel to drive the sewing machine. It seams to me (cough, cough) that her machine ran much faster than yours does under steam power, but it was long ago and my memory could be playing tricks. A really great job!!!---Brian

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #48 on: July 15, 2015, 02:13:05 AM »
Brian
My grandmother had a treadle machine with CI base.
A 12-15" pulley would speed this one up.
I really just wanted to see if i could do this. It should also be fun at shows.
Best,
Stan

Offline Steamer5

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #49 on: July 15, 2015, 08:17:13 AM »
Hi Stan,
 That's a beauty! Just showed R & she thought it was great as well, when I suggested that up grade her current machine to a down under version of yours.......well I guess I'll have more time to build my train! As to running it on steam, you might be surprised at how much of that lovely white fluffy stuff it uses, expansion of steam makes a big difference.

A friend of mine has the car attached to this....


Cheers Kerrin
Get excited and make something!

Offline sshire

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Re: What does it do? A concept.
« Reply #50 on: July 15, 2015, 01:59:04 PM »
Kerrin
It may have been her vision of lace fabric and an oil can on the same table that did your idea in.
Now, on the other hand,  a White Steamer is a wonderful thing to have.
I'll do another video at the Rough and Tumble Museum when it's under steam. The boiler is taller than I am so I should have sufficient steam to get a start on Cletus' Sea Isle cotton shirt. :ROFL:
Best,
Stan

 

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