Author Topic: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!  (Read 14145 times)

simplyloco

  • Guest
Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« on: August 06, 2017, 12:32:32 AM »
I am waiting for the words and music from TEE Publishing on this one, but I have some drawings on the governor, so I'm making a start!
DSC00039 by inkaboat, on Flickr

I try and avoid machining if a simple cut can be made, and the cheeks are straight forward enough: 1/2" wide. My little guillotine does the trick!

DSC00040 by inkaboat, on Flickr

DSC00041 by inkaboat, on Flickr

It is surprising how accurate a little machine can be!
D
SC00045
by inkaboat, on Flickr

I didn't have enough detail on the cheeks to finish so I decided to have a go at the nice little curved bearing support- which is probably supplied as a casting. It turned out to be a pig, so this must be viewed as a practice piece and I will fabricate it as a silver soldered part!

DSC00056 by inkaboat, on Flickr

First off,  I needed a filing button, 1.2" diameter.
DSC00046 by inkaboat, on Flickr

After I'd marked it out and drilled the centre hole I used my jewellers' saw to get the shape prior to filing the outline.
DSC00050 by inkaboat, on Flickr

If you use the right files and emery you will land up with this!
DSC00051 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Put the piece in the vice with a 1/2" bar former and you might be lucky!

DSC00054 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Unfortunately, by the time I'd hacked the thing to get it to the required shape it was so rough that it wasn't acceptable, so I'll make it tomorrow as a 3 piece silver soldered fabrication!
John
« Last Edit: August 06, 2017, 04:35:52 PM by simplyloco »

simplyloco

  • Guest
A Complete Fabrication!
« Reply #1 on: August 06, 2017, 04:19:08 PM »
Today's job was to make another governor thingamejig. As I'm not building a Sherman tank I've reduced the thickness of the bendy bit to 0.050" instead of the 3/32" shown on the drawing.

Three pieces turned and filed to fit together.
DSC00060 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Slot for the support piece 0.050 wide and 3/8" long. Carbide PCB slot drill at 6000 rpm.
DSC00061 by inkaboat, on Flickr

I'd already silver soldered the bearing onto the support piece, and here I've used the same technique with the ring. Wet flux, silver solder wire shaped to the required joint profile, held down with 'Frogs'. Lots of quick heat otherwise the flux dries up and is rendered useless.
DSC00063 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Et Voila! Who needs castings anyway...and it will clean up!
DSC00065 by inkaboat, on Flickr


« Last Edit: August 06, 2017, 04:28:56 PM by simplyloco »

Offline Dave Otto

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4693
  • Boise, Idaho USA
    • Photo Bucket
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #2 on: August 06, 2017, 04:48:36 PM »
Looks like a nice start!

Dave

Offline Jim Nic

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 227
  • Buckingham, UK
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #3 on: August 06, 2017, 05:14:18 PM »
I are confused.  :-\  The title of the thread refers to a Stuart Beam but the drawings you seem to be working to are titled James Coombes. 
Whichever, that looks like a very neat bit of fabrication.
Jim
The person who never made a mistake never made anything.

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #4 on: August 06, 2017, 05:51:30 PM »
Hi Jim
Apparently one size fits all...
John

simplyloco

  • Guest
Governer Balls
« Reply #5 on: August 07, 2017, 03:12:08 PM »
The size decision rested on what was available, in this case 9/16". The form tool was made by drilling a slightly undersize hole in some 5/32" gauge plate, halving it, backing off the cutting faces to get an edge, hardening and tempering, and doing a test piece which worked OK.

Drill and tap 7BA, using the tailstock gadget.
WP_20170807_13_00_03_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Straight in and form the ball! The LH edge of the tool trails the  RH side otherwise it will part off without reaching full depth, leaving a flat. The ball was hack sawed off quite easily.

WP_20170807_13_04_50_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

WP_20170807_14_11_19_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Polish it in my secret weapon mounted on a 7BA screw. Everyone should have one of these lathes!

WP_20170807_13_44_53_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Finished balls with satin finish. As they are tapped right through I'll put in some ornamental plugs at the bottom. I tried a high polish but they didn't look old fashioned enough!'
WP_20170807_14_31_21_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

As I've now got the Beam drawings I might leave the governor and get on with the main event.

simplyloco

  • Guest
Beam Engine Column
« Reply #6 on: August 07, 2017, 06:20:05 PM »
Let me start by saying that I dislike working with castings, however  'wonderful' they purport to be! This column is no exception, as after centre drilling the ends to allow me to mount the thing in the lathe, I find that the column is not concentric with the ends.  These end dimensions have to be preserved, therefore the column runs out. Luckily, it won't show (much) in this piece.

Carbide tooling to get under the skin, and my home made live centre which allows the tool to access all of the work. The fat end has to be 0.5" thick, to accommodate the enblature thingies, and the overall length 6".

WP_20170807_16_45_58_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Jammed up hard against the four jaw to make sure the column was perpendicular.
WP_20170807_17_32_56_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Six inches (dead) high and level too. What more could I ask!

WP_20170807_17_43_47_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

I'll get all the 4 jaw stuff out of the way first. Now where's my mask...
John


Offline Ye-Ole Steam Dude

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1571
  • Deep East Texas on Sam Rayburn Lake
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #7 on: August 07, 2017, 08:18:52 PM »

Looking good John, I am enjoying following along.

Thomas
Thomas

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #8 on: August 07, 2017, 11:59:30 PM »
Hi Thomas, I'm glad to hear from you.
John

simplyloco

  • Guest
Stuart Beam: 'The Beam'
« Reply #9 on: August 08, 2017, 01:50:15 PM »
I part completed the beam yesterday, drilling and reaming the main bearing. I'll mill the faces and finish the outside edge on the linisher.

First superglue two HSS blanks to the underside of the beam...

WP_20170807_19_14_17_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Having found the centre and put a hefty centre pop on it, mount it between two of the jaws, using the blanks as parallels.

WP_20170807_19_20_26_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Drill 3/16" then 15/32" holes, then ream 1/2" - if you are lucky enough to have one!

WP_20170807_19_29_51_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

WP_20170807_19_32_41_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

WP_20170807_19_34_11_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Finished, but without any drama! It's possible to go over the top on fixtures...

Main cylinder next!
John

WP_20170807_19_41_41_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Offline Jo

  • Administrator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15294
  • Hampshire, england.
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #10 on: August 08, 2017, 01:53:19 PM »
On the Stuart beam engine I have the Apprentice drilled the beam pivot on the drill: I am not sure if he held one end down or clamped it down but the hole went through at an angle  ::)

Jo
Enjoyment is more important than achievement.

simplyloco

  • Guest
Stuart Beam 'Main Cylinder'
« Reply #11 on: August 08, 2017, 02:09:43 PM »
Many people would suggest this was the hardest part of the model, as everything must be square,  in-line and in proportion. I do not differ from that opinion!

The valve face was straightforward enough, nestling the cylinder in the grooves in the chuck to act as a vee block. As discussed in another place, I had to remove more than 'a light skim' to get the required finished size. I'll polish it on the surface plate later.

WP_20170808_10_19_07_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Turned through 90 degrees to do 'a light skim' at the exhaust flange. Note the precision shim on the valve face.

WP_20170808_10_27_26_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

This is the hardest part: mounting the piece on a faceplate so that it doesn't fall off or bounce the machine around when boring the thing! Balance is not critical, but at least pay homage to it! I used an HSS blank on the base to line it up vertically, but remembered to remove it before starting.

WP_20170808_12_26_44_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

If you have a bed stop it's a good idea to set it so that you don't run those angle plates into the cross slide!

WP_20170808_12_42_28_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Finished and tested. Dead to size but I'll run my automotive hone down it later. The piston will be made to fit. I'll turn it round and face the other end after lunch!
John
More 4 jaw work next.

WP_20170808_12_53_25_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

« Last Edit: August 08, 2017, 02:27:01 PM by simplyloco »

Offline J.L.

  • Rest In Peace
  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2113
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #12 on: August 08, 2017, 02:45:53 PM »
Hi John,

Excellent work and great set-ups!

John, everybody seems to want to mount the beam in a chuck and spin it. I was wondering if the whole job could not be done on a mill/drill? Once centre line was established, could not the table be just moved along to bore the holes?

Each boss of the beam and the flanges could also be skimmed while the beam was fastened to the table.

Just wondering...  :thinking:

Offline Jasonb

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9466
  • Surrey, UK
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #13 on: August 08, 2017, 03:34:36 PM »
That's how I did mine but not having a mill at the time I mounted the mill/drill from my Unimat 3 onto the back of my Emcomat8.6 lathe. Also allows the holes to all be drilled and reamed in one setting and spaced out buy using the handwheel dials/DRO. Did the same for my Easton & Anderson.

Use of the faceplate dates back to the time when the lathe was the main machine in the workshop and few had a mill

« Last Edit: August 08, 2017, 03:38:01 PM by Jasonb »

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #14 on: August 08, 2017, 04:58:48 PM »
SNIP

Use of the faceplate dates back to the time when the lathe was the main machine in the workshop and few had a mill


Even though I have all the kit here I still tend to use the lathe for most operations. I once skimmed the 6 cylinder head of an army Bedford truck engine on a 6 foot dia. faceplate! It didn't quite fit on my Bridgeport mill...
John
« Last Edit: August 08, 2017, 05:06:20 PM by simplyloco »

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #15 on: August 08, 2017, 04:59:39 PM »
Hi John,

Excellent work and great set-ups!

John, everybody seems to want to mount the beam in a chuck and spin it. I was wondering if the whole job could not be done on a mill/drill? Once centre line was established, could not the table be just moved along to bore the holes?

Each boss of the beam and the flanges could also be skimmed while the beam was fastened to the table.

Just wondering...  :thinking:

Yes John, that's how I will finish the beam. The mill head is built on to the back of the bed and I couldn't be bothered to use it as I had the 4 jaw in the spindle!
John

EDIT: I forgot to mention that the main point of doing the centre hole was to have something to bolt through and hold it down on the milling bed!
« Last Edit: August 08, 2017, 07:14:51 PM by simplyloco »

simplyloco

  • Guest
Drilling, reaming and dressing the Beam
« Reply #16 on: August 11, 2017, 08:32:04 PM »
As suggested by K.L., the beam is set up on the milling table, on the centre line. My miller is attached to the lathe bed, which means I can use the whole bed length, and have power feeds in both directions. The head is 3 phase, run from a clever blue box giving me infinitely variable speeds.

The bed has a sliding stop, which means with the use of gauge blocks - very cheap to buy these days -, which can be seen in the lower left of the picture, I can make hole centres with toolroom accuracy, in this case 7" and 1.75".  I also machined the bosses to nominal 3/8" - actually less as the casting was all over the place!
WP_20170811_18_26_13_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

The linisher was used to dress the sides. I had to make a little fixture to accomodate the boss.
WP_20170811_19_16_08_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Finished beam. It is nice enough, but will need the odd spot of filler to make it perfect!
WP_20170811_19_37_35_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Oh, and here's the pedestal to go with it!
WP_20170808_16_03_29_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

BTW here's a Stuart Beam engine for sale on evilbay UK for £800: not a good example for that sort of money...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Live-Steam-Model-Stationary-Stuart-Beam-Engine/263124685747?_trksid=p2485497.m4902.l9144

John
« Last Edit: August 11, 2017, 09:11:35 PM by simplyloco »

simplyloco

  • Guest
Piston rings versus packing versus PTFE
« Reply #17 on: August 11, 2017, 09:23:01 PM »
Whilst making the 1" piston and toying with the idea of PTFE rings,  I suddenly remembered buying some cast iron piston rings long ago at a show.  I dug them out and found 10 x 1" x 1/8" precision rings, complete with stepped gaps! I think I paid one GBP  each for them. Stuart asks £18 EACH for theirs, so I have a bargain on my hands!
Anyway, my beam engine will have a piston ring, and if I break one, I've got some spares! They spring on without any trouble, so I don't have to make a built up piston to accommodate them. I'm also going to make high hex head stainless bolts everywhere, one or two sizes smaller, as to me they look much nicer!

WP_20170811_14_25_02_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr



Offline Nick_G

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 266
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #18 on: August 11, 2017, 10:24:55 PM »
.
Some nice machines you have there. - More importantly it seems you know also how to use them.!  :) :ThumbsUp:

Nick

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #19 on: August 11, 2017, 10:52:04 PM »
.
Some nice machines you have there. - More importantly it seems you know also how to use them.!  :) :ThumbsUp:

Nick

Thanks Nick for the compliment. I just want to pass on the knowledge before I pop off!
John

simplyloco

  • Guest
Entablature Slots
« Reply #20 on: August 12, 2017, 08:34:33 PM »
This afternoon's job was machining the slots for the horizontal beams. To ensure that the slots were parallel to the top I just clamped the column down on the table, the top  pressed against the silver steel bar which was placed against the two dowel pins set into the milling table. Not forgetting the 1/16" shim at the base to compensate for the difference in thickness between top and bottom!
Many people don't like to drill holes in their machines, but it doesn't bother me, and this mod makes setting up very easy. Additionally, my milling vice is machined on the back face parallel to the fixed jaw to take advantage of the pin location. Just whack it onto the table, clamp it down and we are off!

WP_20170812_15_48_12_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Spot on at 0.375"!
WP_20170812_16_10_24_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Now that's what I call a good fit! However, I can't leave those beams looking plain and just awful! Watch this space...

DSC00003 by inkaboat, on Flickr




« Last Edit: August 12, 2017, 09:05:55 PM by simplyloco »

Offline b.lindsey

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13860
  • Dallas, NC, USA
    • Workbench-Miniatures
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #21 on: August 12, 2017, 11:57:18 PM »
Making some good progress since I last checked in. The pictures are great too for showing the set-ups.  :popcorn:

Bill

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #22 on: August 22, 2017, 10:46:40 PM »
Making some good progress since I last checked in. The pictures are great too for showing the set-ups.  :popcorn:

Bill

Talking of progress!

Bearings bored and ready for shaping in the mill.
WP_20170822_17_06_22_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Flywheel was fixed to the faceplate but the clamping wasn't secure enough to support turning the OD. The faceplate was removed and setup was modified to include some packing under the wheel spokes and lifted the perimeter just off the faceplate to facilitate machining the thing tomorrow!

WP_20170822_19_22_09_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

« Last Edit: August 22, 2017, 11:17:13 PM by simplyloco »

Offline Jasonb

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9466
  • Surrey, UK
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #23 on: August 23, 2017, 08:12:19 AM »
Nice to see you have one of the old flywheels without those nasty lugs that the current ones have where the spoke joins the rim.

J

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #24 on: August 23, 2017, 08:35:00 AM »
Nice to see you have one of the old flywheels without those nasty lugs that the current ones have where the spoke joins the rim.

J

Agreed. I bought the casting set recently from a retired model engineer who bought them in 1993 and who never got around to opening the box!
John

simplyloco

  • Guest
Taking Shape
« Reply #25 on: August 24, 2017, 05:45:05 PM »
It's starting to look the part. A friend machined up the oak baseboard today. That's the boiler cap and chimney  sitting there ready for the as yet unmade gas fired boiler that will be underneath it!
I just have a small tray of castings to machine and a couple of sticks of mild steel to make conrods and I'm there!

Or so he thinks, ha ha!... :mischief:

DSC00083 by inkaboat, on Flickr

DSC00085 by inkaboat, on Flickr
« Last Edit: August 24, 2017, 05:48:52 PM by simplyloco »

simplyloco

  • Guest
Some 'Minor' improvements to the original!
« Reply #26 on: August 28, 2017, 05:31:52 PM »
Following along with John I decided to attempt to pretty up the basic machine. I didn't like the plain conrod very much, so I made a three piece rod in the style of the 'Major' as shown below. The paint is hammer finish and I'll try it out on the whole machine. The big end was also 'improved' with a couple of raised bosses and one size smaller bolt heads. The head bearings will have round cotter pins through the brass rings instead of those positively ghastly nuts!
I'm not happy with the beam casting as the bosses do not line up! I've centred the holes on one side and the other side is a disaster...
Nothing is assembled yet or finally polished but I'm making good progress!
John

DSC00020 by inkaboat, on Flickr

DSC00018 by inkaboat, on Flickr

DSC00009 by inkaboat, on Flickr
« Last Edit: August 28, 2017, 05:48:25 PM by simplyloco »

Offline Ye-Ole Steam Dude

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1571
  • Deep East Texas on Sam Rayburn Lake
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #27 on: August 28, 2017, 08:33:06 PM »

John that looks really good.

Thomas
Thomas

Offline wagnmkr

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 914
  • Lindsay, Ontario, Canada
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #28 on: August 28, 2017, 10:58:59 PM »
Yup, that adds a wee bit of snap to it John.

Tom
I was cut out to be rich ... but ... I was sewn up all wrong!

Offline b.lindsey

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13860
  • Dallas, NC, USA
    • Workbench-Miniatures
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #29 on: August 28, 2017, 11:46:19 PM »
Looking great John, and you are making rapid progress!!

Bill

Offline NickG

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1430
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #30 on: August 29, 2017, 08:31:13 PM »
Enjoying seeing one of these built. Did you turn the  main portion of the column or just dress it? I like how you have managed to maintain a lot of cast surfaces.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #31 on: August 29, 2017, 08:43:32 PM »
HI Nick. I just dressed the column in the lathe, but I still have to do some work on it as it is a bit wruff as cast! I also have a shot blast cabinet which helps maintain the illusion!
John
« Last Edit: August 29, 2017, 11:38:48 PM by simplyloco »

simplyloco

  • Guest
Stuart Beam Steam Chest
« Reply #32 on: August 29, 2017, 09:25:24 PM »
We went on a picnic this afternoon to the New Forest, and that meant I didn't get into the workshop until about 5.30. However, I cracked on with the steam chest and cover.

WP_20170829_20_36_43_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

It was a straightforward 4 jaw chuck job, but I thought I'd share my method of getting jobs to run true with the minimum of pfaffing about! Basically, I centre pop as accurately as possible where I think the centre ought to be, and using the wobbly pointer out of my centre finding kit and a DTI, I can get the job to run within a thou or so in a couple of minutes.
It works for me, providing the centre pop is accurately placed...

WP_20170829_18_54_13_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

By the way, the chest cover casting wasn't as square as it was purported to be, so into the 4 jaw it went!
WP_20170829_20_24_17_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

AND the cover wasn't flat, but it is now!
WP_20170829_20_21_07_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

I'll drill the holes and make the valve tomorrow, after I've been to the railway club and conducted the committee meeting!
How did we ever find time time to hold down a full time interesting job!
John

Offline NickG

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1430
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #33 on: September 02, 2017, 12:21:40 PM »
Thanks John, it is looking good.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

simplyloco

  • Guest
CYLINDER & STEAM CHEST COMPLETED
« Reply #34 on: September 04, 2017, 10:30:20 PM »
Cylinder cover held on an arbor to maintain concentricity

WP_20170904_18_05_48_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

The cylinder push fit on the cover lip is about as good as it gets!

WP_20170904_18_05_32_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

Not a good photo, but it all seems to be assembling OK!
WP_20170904_19_03_32_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr
John

Offline Steamer5

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1272
  • The "Naki" New Zealand
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #35 on: September 05, 2017, 01:39:18 AM »
Hi John,
 Looking good! Been following since the beginning.

Like the lathe :naughty:

Cheers Kerrin
Get excited and make something!

Offline J.L.

  • Rest In Peace
  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2113
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #36 on: September 05, 2017, 01:46:45 AM »
Nice work!  :ThumbsUp:
J.L.

simplyloco

  • Guest
Nearly done!
« Reply #37 on: October 28, 2017, 04:39:02 PM »
I've been away in France for a month, so there was some catching up to do this week. The eccentric and strap is just about the most fiddly part on the thing! When I made the strap I didn't notice the raised ring on the eccentric which keeps the strap in place. I had to remount the strap in the four jaw and machine the groove: it is too easy to  over tighten the strap body and distort it!

A few bits of valve gear to do, fettle the bearings, bolt it together and paint it and the job's done by Christmas! That's the theory anyway... :hellno:

DSC00094 by inkaboat, on Flickr

If you look closely you can see where the component flew out of the chuck when I was being heavy handed machining the eccentric! I fixxed it but its a little undersize now...

DSC00086 by inkaboat, on Flickr

DSC00092 by inkaboat, on Flickr

End view.

DSC00095 by inkaboat, on Flickr
« Last Edit: October 28, 2017, 04:43:15 PM by simplyloco »

Offline J.L.

  • Rest In Peace
  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2113
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #38 on: October 28, 2017, 10:09:15 PM »
Hi John,

Lots of progress since your return.

The square connecting rod with recesses is a nice variation.

Cheers...John



Offline b.lindsey

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13860
  • Dallas, NC, USA
    • Workbench-Miniatures
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #39 on: October 28, 2017, 10:23:59 PM »
Coming together nicely John. Good to see an update and hope you enjoyed you time in France in the interim.

Bill

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #40 on: October 31, 2017, 06:54:16 PM »
John, you are quite right: it looks SO much better with a curved bit on the end and a machined channel shape! I'll fill the 1.6mm screw holes later when I paint it.
John
WP_20171031_18_33_33_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

I just happened to have a nice alloy billet lying under the bench!

WP_20171030_12_38_55_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

Drilling and Tapping little threads is always a bit on the wild side, but using the fish plate as a guide helped!

WP_20171031_17_51_12_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

WP_20171031_17_54_38_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr



« Last Edit: October 31, 2017, 07:25:13 PM by simplyloco »

Offline J.L.

  • Rest In Peace
  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2113
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #41 on: October 31, 2017, 08:13:15 PM »
Hi John,
Thanks John. Yes, I sent a photo of the beam ends with our rounded end as a suggestion to Stuart models.
J.L.



simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #42 on: November 05, 2017, 07:44:27 PM »
Cracking on a bit, I dressed up the cylinder cover with the Proxxon using a grinding stone and then emery, twirling the cover on top of the vice jaws. It only flew off a few times...

WP_20171104_17_37_00_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

I didn't like the idea of only four 5BA bolts holding the cover on - there are six holding the base cover! - so I've used six 7BA screws instead. I'll make some studs later. The components and their fixing are a bit 'chunky' for my taste, so I'm reducing as I see the opportunity. The bolt sizing plate is really useful here to obtain same size bits!

WP_20171104_19_30_49_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

Moving on to the valve gear, I had a go at the eight parallel motion links. Rather than filing from solid, I chose the fabrication route. Here is a tryout using some scrappy round bits, and it looks OK to me! They will be silver soldered, with nice fillets at the joints.

WP_20171105_18_50_20_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

The saddle was fixed in position and and end stop fitted in the toolpost. I use a push rod through a bush in the headstock spindle to nudge the bar into place.

WP_20171105_15_27_48_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

WP_20171105_16_36_51_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

Parting off using this method (usually) ensures consistent component thickness! I made 18 although only 16 are required.

WP_20171105_15_28_26_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

Drilling the bushes to accept the connecting rods. A simple end stop in the vice worked well.

WP_20171105_18_45_08_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

The rod end was turned to fit the hole in the bush,  and was thinned by eye with a parting tool and files, and finished with emery. The little bronze bush in the tailstock chuck worked a treat! Only eight to make in total...

WP_20171105_18_41_51_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

« Last Edit: November 05, 2017, 07:48:38 PM by simplyloco »

Offline J.L.

  • Rest In Peace
  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2113
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #43 on: November 06, 2017, 12:11:50 AM »
Most impressive work John.

And beautifully documented with superb photography.

J.L.

Offline b.lindsey

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13860
  • Dallas, NC, USA
    • Workbench-Miniatures
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #44 on: November 06, 2017, 12:39:29 AM »
Beautiful work John and as the other John said, nice pictures to document he work as well.

Bill

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #45 on: November 09, 2017, 06:10:32 PM »
Valve chest and cylinder completed, plummer blocks fettled, only the valve gear left to do, hopefully by Monday. I gave up on the fabrication route as it was a bit fiddly! I'm mounting it on some 1/4"  composite board. It is very stable and takes screws quite well!

WP_20171109_17_28_44_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr


« Last Edit: November 09, 2017, 06:14:30 PM by simplyloco »

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #46 on: November 15, 2017, 11:31:01 PM »
This little link for the cylinder valve was without doubt THE hardest thing so far, as it was all done by hand. I have another to make, and eight similar links for the parallel motion, so tomorrow I will devise a suitable machining fixture to make life a little easier...
John
WP_20171115_23_15_43_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #47 on: November 17, 2017, 05:14:05 PM »
We have parallel motion! The bearing blocks are a bit loose as they are waiting for posh studs, but I'm well pleased that it works. There won't be any ghastly nuts in sight: dummy cotter pins will rule OK!
Click on the picture for the action video!
John

00001 by inkaboat, on Flickr
« Last Edit: November 17, 2017, 05:17:18 PM by simplyloco »

Offline b.lindsey

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13860
  • Dallas, NC, USA
    • Workbench-Miniatures
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #48 on: November 17, 2017, 06:32:51 PM »
The parallel motion looks great John. So what kind of fixture did you come up with to help with all those links....fiddly work for sure!!!

Bill

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #49 on: November 17, 2017, 07:52:14 PM »
The parallel motion looks great John. So what kind of fixture did you come up with to help with all those links....fiddly work for sure!!!

Bill

Start with by drilling/reaming the ends and radiusing using buttons and place in fixture. I made my own needle roller revolving centre and some special cups to suit.
WP_20171116_16_08_58_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Turn, file and emery paper until you get  this:
WP_20171116_15_24_56_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Finish in the vice with the buttons, replace in the fixture to finish shaping/polishing.
John
« Last Edit: November 17, 2017, 09:06:00 PM by simplyloco »

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #50 on: November 20, 2017, 09:12:57 PM »
Nearly finished the machining: just the long connecting rod and links to make. The fiddly bits were the hardest parts for me. Next the fettling, filling, polishing, fitting and painting, which is the enjoyable part!
Yes, I'll shorten the 2mm grubscrews later!
John

WP_20171120_21_04_09_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr


Offline b.lindsey

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13860
  • Dallas, NC, USA
    • Workbench-Miniatures
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #51 on: November 21, 2017, 12:46:10 AM »
Really nice John. Almost a shame to pain over those nice finishes  ;)

Bill

simplyloco

  • Guest
Stuart Beam machining completed
« Reply #52 on: November 21, 2017, 06:59:17 PM »
Completed the machining today! Now all I have to do is bring it up the standard of another certain beam engine builder on here...
Short video clip just to prove it!.
John
00002 by inkaboat, on Flickr

Offline J.L.

  • Rest In Peace
  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2113
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #53 on: November 21, 2017, 08:05:43 PM »
Hi John,

Beatiful work! :ThumbsUp:

I look forward to seeing this machine in motion.

Well done!

John

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #54 on: November 26, 2017, 05:51:55 PM »
Why do components always look nice in grey primer, and then get ruined when we finish paint them!
WP_20171126_16_45_20_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

While waiting for the paint to dry I had a go at the cylinder cladding. I had a piece of mahogany, but it was pretty fat, so I used my new saw to make the 1/8" planks. I used a cut down 5/16" bandsaw blade, but even using that I soon encountered 'the drift' of the blade to the right, so I used the hold down edge against the blade to stop the deflection and keep everything straight. It works a treat, but I have some miniature bearings so I will make a 'bandsaw conversion' that sits on the hold down to keep the blade steady!

WP_20171126_15_44_31_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Home-made mitre block to ensure that I got 26 planks of the same length.
WP_20171126_15_51_47_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr

Here's the tryout with some of the planks, but the grain is bit too coarse for the scale, so, having proved the method I'll cut up some nice close grained Maple that's been kicking around looking for a reason for its existence! It'll make a nice contrast against the black cylinder. It also looks like I'll be cutting the angle on the plank edges as I'm not too happy with the circumferential gaps!

WP_20171126_16_42_39_Pro by inkaboat, on Flickr
« Last Edit: November 26, 2017, 05:56:21 PM by simplyloco »

Offline b.lindsey

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13860
  • Dallas, NC, USA
    • Workbench-Miniatures
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #55 on: November 26, 2017, 07:43:44 PM »
That cladding looks very nice John...a very vintage look to it as well which fits right in with the engine :)

Bill

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #56 on: December 02, 2017, 07:21:17 PM »
British Racing Green, brass studs and domed nuts! It'll be lovely when it's finished. I hope...
For the observant folks out there: I've yet to adjust the height of the studs to provide the regulation one and a half threads showing!
John

WP_20171202_19_03_15_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #57 on: December 04, 2017, 06:52:25 PM »
Studding made easy!
After mucking about attempting to get all the studs at the correct height I hit upon a short cut. I'm sure it's been done before, but I domed the nut and stud in the lathe, applied Loctite retaining compound, and turned the nut back one thread and waited for the resultant set. The result is shown below. The stud was screwed in making sure that there was sufficient bottom clearance. Simples!

WP_20171204_18_30_13_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

Stud Heaven: all exactly the same height! :whoohoo:

WP_20171204_18_04_17_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr
« Last Edit: December 04, 2017, 06:55:44 PM by simplyloco »

Offline Admiral_dk

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3752
  • Søften - Denmark
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #58 on: December 04, 2017, 09:14:03 PM »
Nice "cheat"  :ThumbsUp:

Though I'm nut not into studs as such, I must admit that you have reached a very nice looking engine with paint, studs, nuts, finish and all  :praise2:

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #59 on: December 04, 2017, 11:53:58 PM »
Nice "cheat"  :ThumbsUp:

Though I'm nut not into studs as such, I must admit that you have reached a very nice looking engine with paint, studs, nuts, finish and all  :praise2:

Thanks for that: I try to get it right!

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #60 on: December 07, 2017, 11:57:31 PM »
Nearly there!

WP_20171207_23_02_22_Pro[1] by inkaboat, on Flickr

Offline Dave Otto

  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4693
  • Boise, Idaho USA
    • Photo Bucket
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #61 on: December 08, 2017, 01:03:22 AM »
Wow, that is looking very nice!

Dave

Offline Gas_mantle

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1365
  • North Yorks - UK.
    • My Youtube channel
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #62 on: December 08, 2017, 02:02:21 AM »
Looks great - can't wait to see it running  :)

Are you intending to run it on steam ? If so I'm wondering what sort of adhesive you used for the cylinder cladding and how well it copes with the heat ?

Thanks

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #63 on: December 08, 2017, 09:13:55 AM »
Thanks for the kind comments. The maple strips are held temporarily with high viscosity superglue, but I have some SS banding to secure them if and when I steam it. Right now I'm going the JL route and electrifying it!
BTW the banding comes from the interior of discarded automobile wiper blades: absolutely perfect for the job!
« Last Edit: December 08, 2017, 05:03:31 PM by simplyloco »

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #64 on: December 08, 2017, 05:29:56 PM »
It runs on 6 volts!

I'm using a cheap 6v servo converted to continuous rotation directly from a R/C rechargeable battery from my IOM racer. It's a bit noisy but I can live with that! I'll make a mock generator cover for the servo labelled 'High Voltage'!
The links are missing as I'm not happy with the ones that I made. Something a little more fancy is required!
Quite pleased...

Click on picture to see it run.
Thanks for looking.
John

00004 by inkaboat, on Flickr
« Last Edit: December 08, 2017, 05:32:57 PM by simplyloco »

Offline NickG

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1430
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #65 on: December 09, 2017, 08:15:03 PM »
Looking great John.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

simplyloco

  • Guest
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #66 on: December 10, 2017, 06:07:20 PM »
We're heading off to sunny Spain in a couple of weeks, and we won't be back until late May, so the engine completion will have to wait until then. However, I couldn't resist assembling it with the sub standard links and spindles! Looks quite nice really...
BTW the servo drive arrangement wasn't positive enough to run the thing!


DSC00107 by inkaboat, on Flickr

DSC00109 by inkaboat, on Flickr




« Last Edit: December 10, 2017, 06:12:04 PM by simplyloco »

Offline b.lindsey

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13860
  • Dallas, NC, USA
    • Workbench-Miniatures
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #67 on: December 10, 2017, 06:32:41 PM »
Will still be looking forward to seeing it run John, but meanwhile, enjoy your time away  :D

Bill

Offline J.L.

  • Rest In Peace
  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2113
Re: Stuart Beam 'Again' but in the UK!
« Reply #68 on: December 10, 2017, 07:16:08 PM »
All the best for a wonderful time in Spain John.

Your beam engine will happily await your return!  :)

Cheers...John



 

SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal