MetalworkingFun Forum

I have started the build of a Steam Engine that is built out of Bar Stock Steel & Brass. I found the plans on EBay in December. Before I started building I tracked down all the materials required for the build. I wanted a project that I could machine and try my best to hit the numbers on the plans. 

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The first part that I started with was the Flywheel. I have limited experience, so it was a challenge to build. But I’m very happy with the outcome of the flywheel. 

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I got to try a few operations on the flywheel that I have never done before. Ran into some small issues that I had to figure out along the way. And learned some lessons as well. I started out with way to much material. Which now I know wasn’t necessary. Waisted a lot of time removing the excess material instead of machining the part. Tom G gave me some great info that helped me produce a part I’m very happy with. 

More to come as the build progresses!

Trevor

Looking good!

Tom

Great work, the learning and figuring it out is a big part of the satisfaction of this hobby. That and watching your projects transformed from drawings into reality.

I finally finished the second part for the Bar Stock Steam Engine.
This is the Valve Body. It is machined out of 12L14.
Very happy with how it turned out.

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I tried making this part out of 4140 with no luck. I just couldn’t get a decent surface finish. But I’m very happy with how the part turned out once I got my hands onto some 12L14!!

Trevor

Nice work!

The sissy steels can't be heat treated or welded, but it sure is fun to work with. Looks like it solved your surface finish issues.

Tom

Looking good!

Very nice work.

Ed

Building this project is going to allow me to also build some of the tools and fixtures that I have wanted build build but haven’t gotten around to.
The next part of the steam engine that I’m going to machine is the cylinder. There is a portion of the machining that will require a lot of the material to stick out from the side of the milling machine vice. 
This gave me the perfect opportunity to make a set of Machinist Jacks. 
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They are nothing fancy. But they should work just fine. 
I would like to build a nicer set someday. Does anyone happen to have a set of plans for a nice set of machinist jacks?

Trevor

No plans shown but I do like the the 2-stage aspect on this one. Size and shape to taste.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDk-YAp9pLM