Author Topic: Hello from California  (Read 2193 times)

Offline mgramckow

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Hello from California
« on: October 08, 2017, 08:23:55 PM »
Hello to everyone,

My son (just turned 18) and I recently completed our third model engine.  Living on the farm, my son had showed an interest in old tractors and stationary engines since he was very little.  They no longer offer shop classes in our schools here, so I decided to build a small machine shop for he and I to spend time together.  My son started working on the mill and lathe at the age of 12 or so. 

I found this site looking for answers to questions regarding our recent build; a 5/16 scale 4hp horizontal Root Vandervort model engine.  I'll be posting my questions elsewhere on this site, but it is great to know there are others interested in this hobby as well.

Offline b.lindsey

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Re: Hello from California
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2017, 09:08:44 PM »
Hi and welcome to MEM  :hi: So happy you found us by whatever means. This is a great bunch of likeminded home shop machinists with interests in a wide range of engines of all types. Will look forward to your participation and hopefully your son will join in as well.

Bill

Offline Ye-Ole Steam Dude

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Re: Hello from California
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2017, 09:31:10 PM »
Welcome to you and your son.

Thomas
Thomas

Offline Kim

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Re: Hello from California
« Reply #3 on: October 08, 2017, 11:15:31 PM »
Welcome!
This is a great place to share what you're doing and to get help with it, that is for sure!
Looking forward to seeing your projects,
Kim

Offline Dave Otto

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Re: Hello from California
« Reply #4 on: October 09, 2017, 01:09:55 AM »
Welcome to MEM!

Dave

Offline Craig DeShong

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Re: Hello from California
« Reply #5 on: October 09, 2017, 01:17:37 AM »
Hi

Welcome to MEM; I'm a relative newbie here myself.

I'm currently working on Rocky's model engines 5/16th root and vandervoort vertical, is this the model you're building?

I started mine over a year ago but got sidetracked on another project.  Now I'm again sidetracked building a cradle for our first grandchild but I'll get back on the model again in about a month.

I have the case machined and the crankshaft finished.

Maybe we can collaborate ?   :ThumbsUp:
Craig
The destination motivates us toward excellence, the journey entertains us, and along the way we meet so many interesting people.

Offline Jasonb

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Re: Hello from California
« Reply #6 on: October 09, 2017, 07:38:45 AM »
Welcome to the forum, ask away about your engine. I have done the 1/2 scale horizontal and 5/16 Vertical as some parts are similar to yours so hopefully I can help.

J

Offline Roger B

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Re: Hello from California
« Reply #7 on: October 09, 2017, 02:50:32 PM »
Welcome to the Forum  :ThumbsUp:  :ThumbsUp:
Best regards

Roger

Offline Jim K 324

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Re: Hello from California
« Reply #8 on: October 10, 2017, 07:27:42 PM »



       Welcome to both you and your son to the forum !!


         Jim
It's not what you make,It's how you make it that
matters !!

Offline mgramckow

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Re: Hello from California
« Reply #9 on: November 06, 2017, 01:50:14 AM »
"...Maybe we can collaborate ?"   :ThumbsUp:

Hello Craig, 

Not sure how much help I'll be, but be happy to collaborate.  Our Vandevoort is the horizontal, and is essentially done, except for the piston.  I found that I had too much clearance and was unable to generate any power in the engine.  I'm in the process of machining a new piston and am planing on honing the cylinder to match the diameter.  I should be able get tighter tolerances that way.  Lets hope that works.

Are you getting anywhere on yours?

Martin

 

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