I love this version of the famous beam engine. I'm thinking of ordering the plans for it, but would like to have your input first. I'm thinking of building it with billet steel, brass and aluminum I have instead of using the castings. Do the plans show good enough detail so that I could machine the whole thing from scratch? I'm just concerned that the plans may be dependent on having the castings that come with them. I would assume the plans should show all dimensions regardless of base material, but would just like to hear from you what you think of the plans. By the way, I love your collection and the great care you put into building them. Well done! Sincerely, Bruce.
Hi Bruce, I see no reason that the beam engine could not be made from bar stock. It would be less expensive. The important dimensions are all on the plans. John
Hi John: I purchased the plans last fall and am spending my spare time building the engine. I'm having an extremely good time doing so! I'm getting ready to start on the piston and rod but the plans seem vague. I don't understand how each end of the piston rod is supposed to attach. I was thinking of just threading each end and attach that way but noticed a note at the crossbar about 1/32" clearance on a "flat cotter" (whatever that is). Is some 'slop' required to accommodate any errors in the "parallel motion" or building dimensions? This is my first build, so I'm not familiar with some of these terms and methods used.
G'day John I just stumbled across your vlog as I was trying to find a beam engine to build , the one you have built is the same drawings that I have ordered from Ben at Winters. You did a great job and If mine comes out half as good as yours I'll be delighted. Did you have any problems with either the drawings or the build? It's a really lovely looking engine and once again congratulations. Kind regards John Tasmania.
Mate, I cannot remember what I did yesterday, much less 5 years ago. But I think that the drawings were fine. I do remember that the base casting developed a bow as it was machined, and the more that I tried to machine out the bow, the more it bent. In the end I accepted the bow, and it flattened out when I bolted it to the base. There are some videos of the beam engine running on steam at johnsmachines.com. It always gets lots of attention at exhibitions. Enjoy the build!
Very good engine. We use to say: "With a good tool you well can do it".
nice engine mate , lot of machinery , keep it up greetings from the island of Malta
Beautiful engine
That is a work of art. Well done.
I love this version of the famous beam engine. I'm thinking of ordering the plans for it, but would like to have your input first. I'm thinking of building it with billet steel, brass and aluminum I have instead of using the castings.
Do the plans show good enough detail so that I could machine the whole thing from scratch? I'm just concerned that the plans may be dependent on having the castings that come with them. I would assume the plans should show all dimensions regardless of base material, but would just like to hear from you what you think of the plans.
By the way, I love your collection and the great care you put into building them. Well done!
Sincerely,
Bruce.
Hi Bruce, I see no reason that the beam engine could not be made from bar stock. It would be less expensive. The important dimensions are all on the plans. John
@@johnv341 ; Thanks for the reply. I feel better buying the plans knowing that you found them to be good quality.
Yours,
Bruce.
Hi John: I purchased the plans last fall and am spending my spare time building the engine. I'm having an extremely good time doing so! I'm getting ready to start on the piston and rod but the plans seem vague. I don't understand how each end of the piston rod is supposed to attach. I was thinking of just threading each end and attach that way but noticed a note at the crossbar about 1/32" clearance on a "flat cotter" (whatever that is). Is some 'slop' required to accommodate any errors in the "parallel motion" or building dimensions? This is my first build, so I'm not familiar with some of these terms and methods used.
G'day John I just stumbled across your vlog as I was trying to find a beam engine to build , the one you have built is the same drawings that I have ordered from Ben at Winters. You did a great job and If mine comes out half as good as yours I'll be delighted. Did you have any problems with either the drawings or the build? It's a really lovely looking engine and once again congratulations. Kind regards John Tasmania.
Mate, I cannot remember what I did yesterday, much less 5 years ago. But I think that the drawings were fine. I do remember that the base casting developed a bow as it was machined, and the more that I tried to machine out the bow, the more it bent. In the end I accepted the bow, and it flattened out when I bolted it to the base. There are some videos of the beam engine running on steam at johnsmachines.com. It always gets lots of attention at exhibitions. Enjoy the build!