Model Engine Maker

Engines => From Plans => Topic started by: flopearedmule on November 03, 2018, 09:05:33 PM

Title: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on November 03, 2018, 09:05:33 PM
I started the Monitor build last weekend.  Finally have some time away from everyone.
I am scaling it up 25%
So far I got the frame done.  Taking a break to decide what part to build next.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: crueby on November 03, 2018, 09:11:32 PM
Nice start!

Glad to see another Monitor joining the family, looks to be a big-un!
 :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: b.lindsey on November 03, 2018, 09:30:49 PM
Great start!! Finding shop time is always good :)

Bill
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: Ratchap on November 22, 2018, 09:25:18 PM
i like your variation of  the frame detail  what are you building yours  from ?
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on November 25, 2018, 10:14:17 PM
i like your variation of  the frame detail  what are you building yours  from ?

sorry, I've been away for awhile.  I'm building most of the frame out of Aluminum.  Have lots of it and its easy to machine.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on November 25, 2018, 10:18:08 PM
Had a few hours this weekend to make more parts.
Next will be some brass bearings.  The build is taking longer, friends and family have me busy this year.
I guess that's ok, I shouldn't get burned out this way.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: b.lindsey on November 25, 2018, 10:41:47 PM
Nice looking frame and really nice finish on those parts!!

Bill
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: yogi on November 27, 2018, 09:34:12 PM
Beautiful looking frames!  :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp:
I’m looking forward to see the progress on this engine.  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on December 03, 2018, 02:44:27 AM
Beautiful looking frames!  :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp:
I’m looking forward to see the progress on this engine.  :popcorn:

Thanks Yogi

I didn't get anything done with the Monitor this weekend. 
I have to build a reloading machine for my kid.  Here is a link to what he wanted...…  http://www.fastbrass.us/
It cost $2,000.  Little out of my price range 
I told him it would be easy to build and I have a Nema 34 stepper motor left over from my last project.  This will be his Birthday/Christmas present. 
The little gears were $18 each (too much) and I need Qty 10 of them, so I am making them first.  The big gear that will go on the motor was $60.  So I will be making that next.  The little gears are done and a nice fit on the $6 ER 16 collet holders from China.  Oil lite bushings are only $1.5 on McMaster Carr, so I will buy those.


I'll try to make time this week and make the big gear, so I can get back to the Monitor


Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on December 06, 2018, 01:55:46 AM
I'm wondering if someone can help me out with gear cutters. DP 20
The 25 tooth gears I made in the previous post, I used a #5 cutter
tonight i cut a 58 tooth gear, and i screwed up and used the same #5 cutter. It was supposed to be a #2.
What will happen? Will I have more backlash in the gears?  Can i put the #2 cutter in and take a finish cut?

In the second picture, which one is the #1 cutter and which one is the #8 cutter?

Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: crueby on December 06, 2018, 02:36:45 AM
The higher numbered cutter takes a skinnier cut, so you should be able to use a lower numbered cutter over it as long as you can line up the centers acurately. The cutters should be stamped or etched with the number on the side.
The nbr 8 is the one on the right.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on December 06, 2018, 02:48:10 AM
The higher numbered cutter takes a skinnier cut, so you should be able to use a lower numbered cutter over it as long as you can line up the centers acurately. The cutters should be stamped or etched with the number on the side.
The nbr 8 is the one on the right.

I'm happy to hear that!  Thank you.  The cutters have numbers on them, i just wanted to make sure they were numbered the right way.
I left my setup on the mill, so I'll put the #2 cutter in and fix the 58 tooth gear.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: crueby on December 06, 2018, 12:50:27 PM
You may need to reset the depth of cut, I have noticed on my cutters that their diameter can vary slightly, probably depends on the brand.


 :cheers:
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on December 06, 2018, 01:22:15 PM
You may need to reset the depth of cut, I have noticed on my cutters that their diameter can vary slightly, probably depends on the brand.


 :cheers:

10-4
thanks crueby
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: Jeff Michel on December 06, 2018, 02:08:34 PM
A separate build thread for the brass prep tool would be really cool.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on December 07, 2018, 03:31:19 AM
A separate build thread for the brass prep tool would be really cool.

Jeff, I wonder is the moderators would be ok with that.  its not a model engine.
Maybe I can just post my progress here on my Monitor build thread.
Thanks
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on December 07, 2018, 03:53:21 AM
The higher numbered cutter takes a skinnier cut, so you should be able to use a lower numbered cutter over it as long as you can line up the centers accurately. The cutters should be stamped or etched with the number on the side.
The nbr 8 is the one on the right.


Ok, I think my new cutters from China are labeled wrong.  I have a #7 cutter (32 DP) that I used for something along time ago (crankshaft for the 18 cylinder Hodgson Radial engine).   First picture is a picture comparing the #7  old cutter,  and a #7 from my new set from China.  The one on the left is Old #7, and one on the right is New #7 Chinese one.  The profiles are not the same curve, but they both are labeled #7. :Mad: :Mad: :Mad:  In the background first picture, there is a  8DP #1 cutter, and the edges are straight.  Hardly no curve at all.

I'm pretty sure in a set of involute cutters, the one that has the straight edges is supposed to cut a rack, and it should be labeled #1.

The second picture is a close up of the 58 tooth gear I just cut with my #2 Chinese cutter.  Notice the teeth come to a point.  I don't think that is right.  With my new Chinese cutters, I should have used the #7 cutter.


I guess the best thing i can do now is change my 58 tooth gear to a 53 tooth gear and set up all 10 of my 25 tooth gears and use the correct cutter. (In Chinese numbers that would be a #4 cutter------not a #5 cutter.   This will take me awhile to fix.

3rd picture is a picture out of Ivan Law's book that tells me the number of cutter to use for the number of teeth.  I have found on the internet a chart that says the opposite of this book.  Maybe the Chinese found the same chart on the internet and labeled the cutters wrong.
The good thing, If I ever make more gears in the future. I won't make this mistake again.  Starting to wish I would have just bought the $200 RCBS machine.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: derekwarner on December 07, 2018, 04:01:12 AM
It is naturally your call :headscratch:, however keeping all sub-subjects [jigs, manufacturing aids ets] in the same thread as the main build helps members viewing your build read, look at the progress, how you achieved the manufacturing of the parts etc, is by far the best

We have the Marion 91 Steam Shovel thread currently at 173 pages.........members can sort their views and flick from page to page easily.......if they want to go back .....the WEB site  :atcomputer: makes it so easy

Certainly my vote is keep everything relating to your build here in the one single  :happyreader: thread 

Derek :cheers:
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: crueby on December 07, 2018, 04:09:53 AM
Interesting to see the numbering differences. On all 3 of my sets, same chinese source, all the 12/13 tooth ones are nbr 1, the 135-up ones are nbr 8 - they are all labeled with the range and cutter nbr. Wonderful how standards are followed!   :shrug:    :ShakeHead:    :cussing:
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: Stuart on December 07, 2018, 09:20:30 AM
Yep I have some Far Eastern ones and they are indeed labled A about face  :mischief:

The draw in which they reside has a laminated chart to remind me of they impending errata
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on December 07, 2018, 05:26:43 PM
Interesting to see the numbering differences. On all 3 of my sets, same chinese source, all the 12/13 tooth ones are nbr 1, the 135-up ones are nbr 8 - they are all labeled with the range and cutter nbr. Wonderful how standards are followed!   :shrug:    :ShakeHead:    :cussing:

I suppose that's what we get for being cheap. :)
I would say you have the wrong numbers on your cutters.
I bought the whole set for $75, so I'm getting what I paid for. I sure would like to do this to the guy that put the numbers on them.   :Director: :Director: :Director: :Director: :Director:
This was a big lesson for me on what the profiles look like on the cutters.  (10 small gears and 1 big gear  :hammerbash: :'( ) I might screw up my next set of gears, but you can bet it won't be screwed up using the wrong cutter.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: Craig DeShong on December 07, 2018, 07:15:54 PM
Seems consistent; the involute cutters I get from china are numbered in reverse.  It's caused me to purchase extra cutters.  :'(
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: crueby on December 07, 2018, 07:18:00 PM
Guess I never noticed the numbering order since I always just looked at the nbr-teeth range stamped on the side of each cutter rather than picking them by the number.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on January 06, 2019, 01:53:40 AM
Hi everyone!  Hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year!

I got an inner ear infection that turned into an outer ear infection that lasted from the end of Nov. to middle of Dec.  Not much motivation to go work in my shop.  Seemed like I was walking around sideways all the time.  (I think I would rather have a broken rib, than have another ear infection).
Then I had a minor case of pneumonia that layed me up another week.

I finally got back to my shop this week and got my brass prep machine almost done.  I just need to get it wired, and get a program loaded up in the Arduino.
The ER collets I bought from China, were NOT my best purchase, even though they were not much $, I probably won't buy them again.  The OD was not consistant from collet to collet, and a couple of them had some taper in them.  They had hard spots in them when i tried to lap some of the OD to match closer.  I finally just lapped the bushings to match each collet.  It did turn out OK with a lot of patience.   I am posting a few pictures.

I really need to get back to building my Monitor.  I hope to get back to building parts for the monitor in the next couple weeks. 
I have been checking in on all the projects here a couple times a week. (I'm really liking the Frisco Standard, and the Muncaster Grasshopper)
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: Johnmcc69 on January 07, 2019, 02:02:26 PM
 :ThumbsUp:
Nice job on your brass prep machine! That's a nice compact setup.
 What will the Arduino control?

 John
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on January 07, 2019, 06:27:48 PM
:ThumbsUp:
Nice job on your brass prep machine! That's a nice compact setup.
 What will the Arduino control?

 John

Thanks John
Arduino will control the motor, speed, and direction.   it will have ON OFF ON switch for direction and a potentiometer  for speed.

Here is a project I completed last year to make stings for compound bows.  I am using an Arduino to control the motors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWyiAOYC3QI
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: Craig DeShong on January 07, 2019, 09:26:53 PM
These monitor builds intrigue me, so I'll be stopping by; verbally sometimes, silently others.  :popcorn: :popcorn:


I have been checking in on all the projects here a couple times a week. (I'm really liking the Frisco Standard, and the Muncaster Grasshopper)

I like the Frisco Standard too, more so when I'm not screwing up.  :Mad:
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on January 29, 2019, 12:42:43 AM
Finally got back to business last weekend, and some this weekend.
The crankshaft is almost complete, have to pin it and cut the center out.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on January 29, 2019, 12:47:51 AM
the arms are done, but maybe they would look better if I put them in the lathe and made the center round.????
I found a piece of scrap 3/4" aluminum, cut them out and milled to 5/8" then profiled in the mill.  They turned out really nice.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on January 29, 2019, 12:58:37 AM
I bought some oil-lite bushings instead of making my own.  The OD was .003 too big, so I had to make an arbor to get them right and cut to length.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on January 29, 2019, 01:06:25 AM
The shaft that holds the arms was next.  I had a piece of 7/8" aluminum, so I decided to bore out a Piece of polished tool steel to make the bearing surfaces.
a gob of green Loctite and they will never move.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on January 29, 2019, 01:13:39 AM
That's all for now.  Coming up next is probably the cylinder. I'm going to use Aluminum and sleeve it with a piece of smooth bore stainless I bought from McMaster Carr, and a piece of bronze to inlay for the steam ports.

Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: Johnmcc69 on January 29, 2019, 01:24:16 AM
Looking good! The arms look great!

 John
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 05, 2019, 01:29:12 AM
Looking good! The arms look great!

 John

Thanks John!


Had a few hours this weekend, worked on the Rods. 
Found a piece of bronze left over from something else.  I forgot to take pictures of the top half of the rod, but i got some of the bottom.
The high jaws I made 20 years ago come in handy sometimes.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 05, 2019, 01:40:50 AM
I'm not sure what you call these guys, but I got started on them after work today.
Hopefully I can finish them tomorrow.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: crueby on February 05, 2019, 01:49:08 AM
Yokes? Clevises? Y-thingies? Whatever they are called, look great!
 :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 05, 2019, 02:19:10 AM
Yokes? Clevises? Y-thingies? Whatever they are called, look great!
 :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:

I like it....Y-thingies    :cheers:
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 05, 2019, 02:24:44 AM
Not sure if Stew is one of my peeps??  Dad has pretty much finished Stew's design of the  overcrank engine.  I was home and helped him get it timed to run for the first time.
Question for you guys.  The valves on both cylinders start to open around 20 degrees past top dead center.  Do you guys think it would be ok to shave some off each side of the valve?  I'm thinking the ports need to open closer to top dead center, like maybe around 5 degrees past TDC?  It runs, but it takes a little more air than the rest of his steam engines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctClsPipzj0
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: crueby on February 05, 2019, 02:46:40 AM
If its opening 20 degrees late on both directions, then you should be able to shave off a bit on both ends. If its 20 at tdc and something else after bdc, then the timing needs to be adjusted first. It wont take much to change it, but it would help. Also check when the exhaust closes in each direction, too ealy and it will fight the piston, too late and you cant make the steam intake earlier.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: b.lindsey on February 05, 2019, 02:58:44 AM
Still following along as well and the y-thingies do look good!!
Bill
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 05, 2019, 03:04:44 AM
If its opening 20 degrees late on both directions, then you should be able to shave off a bit on both ends. If its 20 at tdc and something else after bdc, then the timing needs to be adjusted first. It wont take much to change it, but it would help. Also check when the exhaust closes in each direction, too ealy and it will fight the piston, too late and you cant make the steam intake earlier.

I never thought to check the exhaust ports.  I'll measure it up the next time I'm home.  thanks
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: steamer on February 05, 2019, 03:08:45 AM
Do make sure you have equal valve travel either side of the exhaust port.   then it's just timing.

I start with the lead.   I just crack the valve at TDC, That should be a good starting point for Angle of advance...

Dave
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 06, 2019, 03:02:03 AM
Got the Y-Thingies done tonight.  Next up is the cylinders.  Here's a picture of the smooth bore seamless stainless tube I will glue in with Loctite.
Maybe this weekend I can get started.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: crueby on February 06, 2019, 03:22:17 AM
Is that tube smooth and even enough to use as is, or will it still need boring or honing?
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 06, 2019, 03:36:03 AM
I didn't measure it yet, but I hope its good enough to use as is.  Stay tuned, I'll let you know.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 12, 2019, 02:17:01 AM
I didn't get much time this weekend, but a little is better than none.
the bronze rod end is done, and I got the cylinders started.
The Stainless tube I bought from McMaster Carr is really good!  I think the only thing I will do is hone the inside with a brake hone and I think it will be good. :cartwheel:
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 12, 2019, 02:22:23 AM
Any of you guys that have built this engine, what is the dimension of the center slot for the exhaust port?  I'm thinking maybe .188" ??
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 12, 2019, 02:35:30 AM
I'm wondering if you guys would help me out with the D valve dimensions?  I would like to make sure the math is good before I start cutting. 

I have all the parts here to make the valve operate, any help would be much appreciated.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: crueby on February 12, 2019, 02:42:20 AM
The center port would be twice the width of the side ports, 0.188", which gibes with the slider opening of .375", so the opening would just span the center port and one side port.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: vcutajar on February 12, 2019, 11:07:54 AM
That centre port dimension is also missing in the metric plans but according to a list of corrections it is showing as 4.5mm.

Vince
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 12, 2019, 06:24:22 PM
The center port would be twice the width of the side ports, 0.188", which gibes with the slider opening of .375", so the opening would just span the center port and one side port.
Crueby,
Thanks for your response.
Here is what I get when I draw it on my CAD
I have a .313 stroke with the valve moving back and forth.  The green lines are the valve nut and the red is the ports.
With the .313 stroke, I have .0165 from edge of valve nut to edge of hole on the port.  I don't know about how they used to design these valves, and it seems like this would work.   
I have it drawn with .094 outer ports and middle exhaust port is .188............and space between the middle exhaust port to outer ports it is .094

Thanks again for your help.  Maybe there is a book that would help me to know more about these numbers and design??
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: crueby on February 12, 2019, 07:35:10 PM
That looks like it should work fine - there are a lot of old d-valve design books out there, most on full size engines but some on the model versions, where the subtle points of the design can be a little different (the full size ones were trying to squeeze all the efficiency out they could, we just want our models to run evenly). Attached is a pdf file I got a while back, dont recall exactly where, that gives a good basic design that can be adapted to most models, I've used it a number of times. There is also a word doc, not sure if that one will come through right, that has some additional info from another source.
Hope these help!
Chris


Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 12, 2019, 11:19:51 PM
Thanks Chris
I just didn't want to do the same thing as the overcrank engine.  the valve was drawn 90 degrees wrong on the prints, and had to make it over.  Time is too valuable LOL  my job gets in the way.
thanks for the reading on the valves.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 26, 2019, 02:18:58 AM
back to work on the Monitor this weekend.
glue in the sleeves and milled a flat
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 26, 2019, 02:26:35 AM
made a brass bearing surface and used green lock-tite to glue it in.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 26, 2019, 02:32:35 AM
After my real job today, I went to the shop for a bit.  Milled down the brass plate and put the steam ports in.

The first one went great!  It turned out good.

The second one I put in,  forgot to dial in the X axis.  As you can see, I went down .020" before I realized it.... :cussing: :cussing: :cussing:
I will probably have to mill the pocket again, make another plate....start over, unless I can figure out how to save it.

Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: Kim on February 26, 2019, 05:35:03 AM
Ouch... that hurts :(   Sorry about the extra divot there.  That's never fun.  But it looks super besides that!

So, what's the deal with the brass bearing surface?  I've not seen that before.  It's new to me.  Wouldn't it be similar to just use a brass D-valve sliding on the steel cylinder?  I'd like to understand the reasoning for doing it this way.  It looks like some extra work.  Though it does look really cool! :)

Kim
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: vcutajar on February 26, 2019, 11:58:45 AM
How about filling it in with JBWeld?

Vince
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 26, 2019, 12:23:08 PM
Ouch... that hurts :(   Sorry about the extra divot there.  That's never fun.  But it looks super besides that!

So, what's the deal with the brass bearing surface?  I've not seen that before.  It's new to me.  Wouldn't it be similar to just use a brass D-valve sliding on the steel cylinder?  I'd like to understand the reasoning for doing it this way.  It looks like some extra work.  Though it does look really cool! :)

Kim


Kim,  The cylinder is Aluminum, not steel.
I had Aluminum on hand, and Aluminum is lighter and cheaper than brass.  I don't think Aluminum would have worked good for a bearing surface, so I inlay brass for the bearing surface. 

Mostly, I used aluminum because of weight.  I am building this scaled up 25%  and brass or steel is heavier. It did turn out looking pretty cool though. Thank You
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 26, 2019, 12:28:16 PM
How about filling it in with JBWeld?

Vince

I thought about that Vince, and I thought about heating the Loctite up to 500 degrees and releasing the brass, then braze in a filler and re-Loctite.  But I think that would be just as much work as milling this piece of brass out and start over.  I left it set up in the mill to think about it. 
I got in a hurry, it was getting late and the wife and kids were yelling at me to hurry in for supper.

Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on February 27, 2019, 12:37:03 AM
well, I started over on the one I messed up.  I'll machine the ports tomorrow.
It broke loose before I got half way around.  Loctite has very little shear strength, but its really powerful when you try to pull it apart.
After i see where the valve will be, I might just put some flat heads in to hold it extra.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: Zephyrin on February 27, 2019, 10:29:31 AM
For such repairs, I would have soft soldered a tiny brass insert in the "extra" steam port, followed by a shaving of the whole surface.
two countersunk brass screw in a place not swept by the valve would hold this piece, or maybe the inner sides of the valve chest could be made larger to maintain it.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on March 03, 2019, 02:44:28 AM
I have enough pieces made to assemble and feel good about the build so far :cartwheel: :pinkelephant: :cartwheel: :pinkelephant:
Sharing some pictures.
Next, is keep building parts to add on to the cylinders.

Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: vcutajar on March 03, 2019, 04:05:53 AM
Looking good.  Great family shots.

Vince
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on March 07, 2019, 02:53:29 AM
Hey guys.
what do you all think of making this rod arm round?  Hopefully better than the square one cause it will be hard to get it square again. :ROFL: :lolb:
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: crueby on March 07, 2019, 04:00:49 AM
Make the second one octagonal so you can tell them apart!   :Lol:


Looks great round!
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: yogi on March 07, 2019, 06:07:05 PM
+1 for round!  :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp:

 :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:

Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: cnr6400 on March 07, 2019, 06:29:25 PM
I think Mr Ericsson who designed the Monitor engine was a believer in strong but light engine components, for highest possible engine speed - so my vote would be round too, since rounding it will lighten it. The engine's looking great so far!  :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp:
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: Johnmcc69 on March 07, 2019, 08:12:07 PM
You're doing some really nice work there!

 ....round.  :ThumbsUp:

 John
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on March 07, 2019, 11:27:23 PM
Round it is :cheers:
Thanks!
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: cnr6400 on March 08, 2019, 12:03:38 AM
They look great! Top notch finish.  :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp:
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on June 08, 2019, 09:34:25 PM
Hi everyone!
It's been awhile.  Things have got busy for me, and not much time for steam engine fun.  I try to do a little every week, but building rifles, shooting archery, and events with the kids........and work:(
Just wanted to post a few updated pictures.  I got a few hours today and built my valves.
I can see the end coming, but still much needed time in the shop to complete.

Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: crueby on June 08, 2019, 10:12:07 PM
Really coming along well!


 :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on June 19, 2019, 02:35:30 AM
slowly getting back at it.
Here is more I worked on the last couple days.
When I profile a part, it works better and tools last longer if i drill holes around, then use the end mill to finish.  Fastest way to remove metal is with drill bit or band saw...Drill bits and band saw blades are cheaper than carbide endmills also.

I'm changing some things as i go, so you can see my cam had to get bigger with the bigger crankshaft.

Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on July 04, 2019, 04:47:04 PM
I found an old wheel that was used for a flat belt.  It was at my grandma's old homestead in an abandoned building.
I guess I could have bought something that might be little better, but I guess it turned out ok.
It could use a little more meat/weight on the diameter.  If i find a piece of pipe someday that has the right diamter, I can always add to it.

I'm going with an outside flywheel, I'm hoping it will maybe will run smoother.

I'm surprised how far off the spokes were to the edges on this old pulley.

First thing I clamped on the spokes and squared the edges.  Then i could go to the lathe and start making the taper lock.


Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on July 04, 2019, 04:48:54 PM
Here it is mounted on the crankshaft.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: crueby on July 04, 2019, 06:36:41 PM
That made a great looking flywheel!
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on July 04, 2019, 08:45:17 PM
Well, I had to make my cams a bit bigger because I made the crankshaft too big diameter.
I needed about a 2" piece to start with.  I didn't have that big, but Dad had a piece of bearing bronze that was 2"
I silver soldered a 1.5" brass in the 2" bronze.  You can see the different colors after I turned in the lathe.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on July 04, 2019, 09:08:48 PM
Next, back to my mill to profile the cams.
I made a fancy little fixture to hold the bearing surface while I shaped the other surfaces, and bored the .75" hole.

The design calls for an end cap.  At first, I was happy to see this.  I thought it would be quick and easy to make it this way instead of making the eccentric strap out of two pieces.  I think next time I will do it the traditional way, (eccentric strap in two pieces)

Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on July 04, 2019, 09:14:32 PM
I cut the shoulder off one of the cams so it would fit snug against the frame rail and I could use a straight connecting rod.  The other cam, I will have to put a bend in the connecting rod.  That should be fun (I hope I can get it to look nice).

The last picture, the silver solder let loose right by the set screw.  I'll have to set it back up and make a flat spot there.  Bummer
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on July 04, 2019, 09:26:29 PM
That made a great looking flywheel!

Thanks!  I was kind of worried when I seen  how far off the spokes were and the wall thickness.  But it really did turn out ok, and I can find a piece of brass or pipe to add more mass to it later.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: b.lindsey on July 05, 2019, 02:51:07 PM
The flywheel and cams both turned out very well Dennis.  :ThumbsUp:

Bill
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on July 07, 2019, 02:53:24 AM
Well, I got all my pins made to connect all the linkage today.  Then I got the straight rod threaded and fitted to the valve.
I have to bend the other rod for the valve about .75 offset.  I tried with some 01 tool steel, but 01 don't bend very good.  I'll have to try again tomorrow with some cold rolled.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: crueby on July 07, 2019, 03:48:13 AM
The O1 would need to be heated to take a tight bend.


 :popcorn:
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on July 10, 2019, 11:39:20 PM
I got the shaft bent, and I think it turned out pretty good.  It only took me 4 tries. ;D ;D
Now I need to put some threads on the valve linkage shafts and I will almost be ready for a first time start up.
Then take apart and add in a few oil cups, and fix a few minor problems.

Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on August 03, 2019, 02:11:48 AM
More progress!
I had a helper with me a couple days ago, and I couldn't find my steel scale and my calculator.  I thought I was going crazy until I went over by the band saw and found that my 5 year old daughter needed some of my tools worse than I needed them.  She always comes out to the shop with me and plays over by the band saw.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on August 03, 2019, 02:16:44 AM
Next I was tapping some holes to mount some feet on the bottom and I knew the tap was starting to get dull.  I thought for sure it would make it through the aluminum. :hammerbash: :hammerbash:
spent the next hour trying to dig it out and then finally said screw it and drilled around the outside and put in a plug.  It turned out ok and nobody will ever see it.....except you guys.
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on August 03, 2019, 02:20:33 AM
Yesterday I had to figure out a way to get air into the steam chest.  I am using poly for the cover so everyone can see the valves working, so I had to come up with something other than what was on the print.  I drilled and tap one steam chest and then I drilled and reamed the other one.  It is working great!
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on August 03, 2019, 02:41:05 AM
Finally today!! :pinkelephant: :cartwheel:
I got this beast running for the first time.  It fired up as soon as the air was plugged in.  There is one spot were the crank slows down some because of the design.  I think adding some weight to the flywheel will smooth it out more.  Its running so good I hate to take it apart for painting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9Lpqwaq0N4
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: crueby on August 03, 2019, 03:20:41 AM
OutStanding!!!!


 :whoohoo:
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: Steamer5 on August 03, 2019, 04:32:30 AM
 Very nice!
Love that the valves are visible.

Cheers Kerrin
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: Jo on August 03, 2019, 06:30:07 AM
That runs smoothly  8)

Jo
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: Kim on August 03, 2019, 06:42:33 AM
Just beautiful!  You must feel pretty good about that!  :ThumbsUp: :popcorn:
Kim
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: b.lindsey on August 03, 2019, 12:40:24 PM
Well done, one to be very proud of!!   :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp:

Bill
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: Johnmcc69 on August 03, 2019, 03:07:37 PM
 :ThumbsUp:
Fantastic work! As mentioned, it runs very smoothly, a credit to your machining skills.

 John
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: vcutajar on August 03, 2019, 08:26:45 PM
Congratulations on a smooth running Monitor. :praise2:

Vince
Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: flopearedmule on August 04, 2019, 12:22:27 AM
Thanks everyone!  It was a fun and very straight forward build.  I would recommend to anyone the prints that Julius put together.
I hate the next part of taking apart and painting it.  Its going to wait a bit for that.  I'll have to work on making a wood base for it.

Title: Re: Monitor Build
Post by: Craig DeShong on August 22, 2019, 12:16:30 AM
Absolutely magnificent!  Runs beautifully.   :cartwheel:
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