Model Engine Maker

About MEM => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: MJM460 on December 07, 2016, 11:14:15 AM

Title: Another Aussie new member
Post by: MJM460 on December 07, 2016, 11:14:15 AM
Hello everyone,
I am a mechanical engineer, now retired after 40 years in the oil industry, on compressors, pressure vessels and piping, but the theoretical side from specification through to commissioning, rather than the practical side.  Now I can finally get my hands on the tools and try and build some of those fascinating little engines.
I am only a beginner on machining, but have built a single acting oscillator, double acting oscillator, a double acting slide valve mill engine and a diagonal slide valve engine with Joy valve gear as a trial of concept for a paddle steamer.  Also two small Meths fired boilers to run them.
I have chosen to go metric as far as possible in an attempt to minimise the number of drills, taps, dies etc to purchase so all my engines are basically my own design without castings, but based on the many designs already out there but mostly in imperial/ US dimensions.
I have already read many of the build logs, and am in awe of what so many of you are doing.  I look foreward to continuing to follow those in progress and to read those complete.  I know I will learn heaps and hope that in turn I will be able to make a small contribution where I can.
Next I see I have to learn to upload photos, but I may have to make them blurry so their deficiencies are not to obvious beside the amazing work so prominent on this site.
MJM
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: Jo on December 07, 2016, 12:05:42 PM
 :hi: MJM,

Sounds like you have been busy. Looking forward to seeing the pictures.

If you want metric drawings :NotWorthy: Julius provided us with a really nice set of Elmer's engines in metric recently: http://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,6616.0.html

Jo
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: /// on December 07, 2016, 12:53:39 PM
Welcome from a fellow Aussie!
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: Robert Hornby on December 07, 2016, 01:07:00 PM
welcome MJM, we need more Ausies, many more. I am looking forward to seeing some of your builds.
Robert
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: vcutajar on December 07, 2016, 02:00:31 PM
Hi and welcome to the group.

Vince
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: b.lindsey on December 07, 2016, 02:44:54 PM
Welcome to the forum MJM. It is a great bucnh of folks here, always willing to help out or answer questions so jump right in.

Bill
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: Kim on December 07, 2016, 03:37:01 PM
Hi MJM,
Welcome to the forum!
Kim
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: deltatango on December 07, 2016, 11:08:08 PM
Welcome to the forum MJM, from another Melbourne-based member. There is a bunch of very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful people in here.

There are threads on using MS OneDrive and Google for picture hosting.
DT
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: Brendon M on December 08, 2016, 12:24:20 AM
Hello MJM from another Aussie on this forum :)

I look forward to seeing what you can do.

Regarding your comment about theoretical vs practical -- for a while I was studying to be a mechanical engineer and was disappointed to discover that we would not be taught how to use a lathe or milling machine etc.

I eventually jumped ship and got a job as a computer programmer. Only now am I finally learning how to do metalworking, and put my mechanical engineering skills to use. It's great fun, and I have become hooked! :)
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: Tennessee Whiskey on December 08, 2016, 12:48:11 AM
MJM, welcome aboard.  Back in the day I was one of the ones at the end result of your types labor.  I set pumps and welded the pipe that attached to them.  Don't be bashful,  join in anytime.

Cletus
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: Graham G on December 08, 2016, 02:23:51 AM
Hi ya MJM,   :hi: and hi from the home of the All Blacks.
There are lots of very knowledgeable enthusiasts on this forum and as I have found out, there is no such thing as a Dumb question which means help is a plenty.
Graham
 :pics:
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: Don1966 on December 08, 2016, 03:09:44 AM
Hi MJM and welcome to the forum!

 :hi:
Don


Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: derekwarner on December 08, 2016, 04:53:24 AM
Welcome MJM......

1. you will certainly find a large family of very knowledgeable :old: [and younger] engine builders here

I do agree with your philosophy ‘in principal’ of going metric, however it is a mixed bag and certain compromises will be needed

From your background, you will not have an issue with metricating  :atcomputer: seven evenly spaced 6BA tapping's on a 1 3/4" PCD  ...

Yes you will then find the centre distance for marking out is 19.947mm  :lolb:

Now 6BA is 2.8mm diameter x 0.53P…..so a good alternative is standard ISO M3 x 0.5P

These are just some of the simple tasks you will need to consider..........

Derek

Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: Roger B on December 08, 2016, 10:44:17 AM
Welcome to the Forum  :ThumbsUp:  :ThumbsUp:
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: MJM460 on December 08, 2016, 12:43:13 PM
Wow!  Thankyou everyone for the overwhelming welcome.  I had read some of the welcome threads before but it is only when it is addressed to oneself that it's full impact is appreciated.  Please keep up welcoming new members, it is amazing.  Thank you everyone.

I have noticed the requirement for pictures, I will get reading those threads on how.  There will either be pictures or questions.

The advantage of working up my own dimensions is that I can keep within my available tooling and skills, while lifting the bar as I see some of the amazing builds here.  I tend towards miniature engines than scale engines, it saves dealing with some awkward dimensions for now anyway.

It is very clear that so many of you bring amazing skills from your previous careers, I look forward to learning, and I hope sometimes even helping.

Thank you again everyone.
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: bruedney on December 08, 2016, 07:58:50 PM
Welcome MJM

I have found this forum to be one of the friendliest and imformative around.

You can pick up so great food tips too (esp once Zee is back on board)

Cheers

Bruce
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: metalmad on December 09, 2016, 12:35:34 AM
Welcome indeed MJM
Photos and more Photos That's the Ticket!
Pete from Queensland
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: Steamer5 on December 09, 2016, 11:32:49 AM
Hi MJM,
 Great to have more Southern Hemisphere types here, as others have said you will find just about any help you need here!

cheers Kerrin
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: gary.a.ayres on December 30, 2018, 06:02:19 PM

It is very clear that so many of you bring amazing skills from your previous careers


Yourself included, MJM. Great to have engineering knowledge and experience to bring into this field of activity. Maybe explains why your work doesn't look like that of a beginner, as you modestly describe yourself.

As a semi-retired psychotherapist I'm trying to figure out how I can make that work in my favour with making steam boilers and engines...  I can only think of something like 'attitude of mind', but I find I have a lot to learn in that respect too  :)

gary
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: Howard Swartz on December 30, 2018, 10:58:56 PM
Welcome,
We are a mixed breed from all walks of life but one thing for sure that we all have is love of these loveable little engines and the tools to build them.  Howard Swartz
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: gary.a.ayres on December 30, 2018, 11:03:19 PM
Yes indeed, Howard.

It's a passion!

 :ThumbsUp:
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: toolznthings on December 31, 2018, 01:03:01 AM
Welcome to the forum !   :)   :cartwheel:
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: steamer on December 31, 2018, 01:10:38 AM
Welcome!
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: Art K on December 31, 2018, 01:40:01 AM
MJM,
Welcome to the group! Sorry to be on the tail end of this welcome, my family Christmas celebration is finally done and I have finally had a chance to take a deep breath.
Art
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: MJM460 on December 31, 2018, 05:04:52 AM
Hi Gary,

You must have trawled back a long way to find that one.  Thank you, it’s good to see the old threads revisited as the content is basically timeless.  Amazing to be reminded that it is two years now since I joined this forum.  So glad I did, it’s a great place to be.  It is good to have a way to make contact with other like minded modellers, we are so spread out across the world, and this brings us all together.

Hi Howard, Brian and Steamer, thanks for your welcome messages also.  By now, I feel you are old friends but the messages always provide a little lift.

So now it’s time to wish all my friends on the forum and their families a Happy new year,  may it’s joy continue the whole year through.  Only eight hours to the start of those Sydney fireworks, and quite a display in Melbourne also, so soon time to get ready for dinner.   

These days I have to admit to being happy to watch the early (9:30) show and to be sound asleep long before midnight.  Of course the New Zealand shows start two hours before us, so must take the prize for being first.

MJM460
Title: Re: Another Aussie new member
Post by: gary.a.ayres on December 31, 2018, 02:12:45 PM
Happy New Year, MJM460!

Thank you for all the good advice you have given me.

 :cheers:

gary
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