Recent content by wa8dof

I agree Mike. I would also like to obtain a copy of the original article. Many of the old magazines are "online" at places like americanradiohistory.com, but Science and Mechanics doesn't seem to be available. I will keep looking and if I run across a source (or a copy of the article) I will...

Thanks Jason. Those links work just fine and should be of sufficient detail. Now it must be time to order some stock. Thanks again and have a great day. Dave

Thanks for the ideas guys. Julius's engine appears to be exactly what I am looking for but for some reason I cannot download a readable copy of the plans, The plans are very small and when I enlarge them the print is too blurred to read. I will "endever to persevere" and see what I can do...

Hi Guys With another long, cold winter approaching (I live in Michigan's Upper Peninsula) I am planning my workshop activities and thought that it would be fun to machine a "rotary" style engine. By that I mean a steam (or compressed air) engine in which the crankshaft is fixed and the...

Thanks for the input Guys. I think I will just double the dimensions of the engine I mentioned and see where the journey leads. If nothing else, I may learn what doesn't work, which is a step towards learning what does. Since I am in the midst of a long cold winter here in Northern Michigan...

Thanks for the advice Steve. That was what I was hoping to hear. Davfe

Hi Guys I have built several simple engines (wobblers) but would like to build something a little more complex. I have been looking at Elmer's #6 Slider and feel that it would fit the bill, however I think it is a little too small for me to build comfortably. I do not have any # 3 taps or...

Thank you Johan That is exactly what I need. Sure do appreciate your efforts. Dave

Tom I would also like to build this engine. Where did you find a complete page three? Thank you Dave

Hi Guys, I thought that you might enjoy a chuckle today so I am posting a couple of pictures of my latest project. For some time now I have wanted to build a solenoid engine. I have watch several you tube videos and have always thought "how hard can it be?". While helping a friend clean...

Thanks for the info Don. I was wondering if the reflective surface would effect the reading and now I know. I was hoping the be able to read the melt temp without sticking a probe into the melt, but am now wondering if the thermometer will read the temperature of the melting pot, which should...

Thanks for the input and ideas, guys. I like the idea of using a "non-contact" device such as this to avoid sticking something into the molten aluminum. I guess if the readout is "repeatable" it would be OK, even if not totally accurate. By that I mean that once I found a pour temperature...

Hi Guys As the title says, I am wondering if a cheap infrared thermometer could be used to measure the temperature of a pot of molten aluminum. I have been casting aluminum for several years and have never had a pyrometer, but judged pouring temperature by color and fluidity of the melt. It...

Thank you for all the input guys. You have given me a lot to think about. I am also reevaluating my plans, and may go with a propane fired furnace with a hood and vent to remove the fumes from the workshop. So many options! I am also thinking about sand. I have been using some used foundry...