First Engine Elmer's #29

Brian Rupnow · Nov 7, 2012

110samec said:
Why is aluminium a bad choice for pistons? I always thought it was OK to use

Aluminum is fine for pistons if you are only running the engine on air. However, aluminum expands at a much higher rate than steel or cast iron when heated, so if you plan on using the engine with steam, there is a risk of the piston "growing" from thermal expansion and sizing in the bore.-----Brian

RCGUY · Nov 20, 2012

I started the steam chest. After it was completed I found the 1/16 hole I drilled went way off center at the bottom. So I decided to try and save it.

1. I milled the bottom boss off. Then I used a 1/8 2F mill to drill out the 1/16 off center hole.
2. I silver soldered a 1/8 brass rod in the hole then milled it flush.
3. I used a 1/16 2F mill to drill the new centered hole.
4. I turned a new boss with a short 1/16 extension on it to fit in the new hole then I silver soldered it to the steam chest.
5. I then used a 1/16 drill bit to drill down into the bottom boss to the correct depth.

Ed

dreeves · Nov 20, 2012

We Have all been there. Nice save on the part.

Dave

RCGUY · Nov 21, 2012

Dave,

If your still watching. What would be the best way to drill the 1/16 hole so it would not drift off center?

Ed

Tin Falcon · Nov 21, 2012

My 29 is still a work in progress but when I drilled that part I did it in the lathe and drilled before i did the cutout. You may want to read the instructions for an earlier engine that gives Elmer,s suggestion for making that part or possibly the appendix. he gave lots of detail but did not repeat all the details for every build . he assumed people would start at the beginning of the book.
Tin

dreeves · Nov 21, 2012

Ed. I do like the others do peck. I built both the Scoty and the standby with 1/16 holes an inch or more deep with no problems. Proper motor speed with lots of tap magic for aluminum is how I did mine.

Dave

RCGUY · Nov 22, 2012

Thanks for the replies.

Ed

RCGUY · Dec 5, 2012

To make the valve I milled some brass stock to the correct height and width but an 1.250" long in case I made a mistake. Well I made a mistake when I cut the recess on the bottom (and I even measured twice). So I flipped it to the other end to make a new one.

Ed

Brian Rupnow · Dec 5, 2012

Gotta love a guy that uses layout dye the same way I do. Everything I build gets painted red or blue at some stage of my progress.!!!----Brian

RCGUY · Jul 13, 2013

I finally finished building the steam engine. I made the crosshead guide and the connecting rod assembly. I have failed to take pictures of the parts I need to complete the build. But here is the completed engine. I found it to be quite easy to time the engine. The only deviation I made to the plans was to use nuts on the valve crossbar and rocker arms instead of wire to retain the links. I used 1-72 stainless steel nuts and drilled them out to 1/16 and slipped them on the 1/16 shaft and secured them with a dab of super glue. To remove them I just need to touch it with a soldering iron. The steam engine will cycle very slow. Not sure what the PSI is. I will get a small pressure regulator and take another video after I paint and polish it.

Here is a short video of it running.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N64ZWbf_0ks&feature=youtu.be

Ed

Troutsqueezer · Jul 16, 2013

Nice work Ed. The brass and aluminum look fantastic together.

Dennis

RCGUY · Jul 16, 2013

Dennis,

Thanks for the kind words. Can you point me to a reputable supplier that has the small air regulators that I see on this web site. I need one that will adjust down to 5 pounds or less.

Thanks,
Ed

Philjoe5 · Jul 16, 2013

Ed,

Nice finish work and a nice runner, congratulations

Cheers,
Phil

RCGUY · Jul 19, 2013

Hi Phil,

Your build of Elmer's #29 was an inspiration for me. I looked at your blog and found out you built 3 of Elmer's #29. Wow that is impressive.

Ed

Smithers · Jul 19, 2013

Hi Ed, beautiful workmanship and excellent pics, well done.

Andrew

thayer · Jul 19, 2013

Ed, that is a wonderful job, well done! I have not done anything on my #33 lately, as I have too many other commitments right now. I am keeping the parts visible in the shop so that it doesn't get forgotten though. Seeing your #29 is definitely inspiring. In fact when I started my #33 I made a second cylinder blank for a #29.

Thayer

RCGUY · Jul 20, 2013

To Everybody,

Thanks for the nice comments and help.

Thayer,

I really enjoyed making Elmer's #29. I had no clue how a steam engine worked when I started. I was able to complete this engine with the help from the people on this forum and viewing all the set up pictures on how to machine the parts. A picture really is worth a thousand words. If I find the time I would like to build Elmer's #33 also.

Ed

RCGUY · Jul 20, 2013

Just picked up a pressure gauge and did another test run. It runs steady on 4 pounds of air.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VSyZ5wgbfs&feature=youtu.be

Ed

vascon2196 · Jul 27, 2013

Great looking #29....keep on building those Elmer's engines!

Inky Engines · Jul 28, 2013

Ed

Great result - as Chris says "keep on building those Elmer's engines!"

#33 Mill Engine is an excellent choice, but have a look at #41 Factory Engine - its almost as easy to build them both together!

Kind regards

Geoff at Inky Engines

First Engine Elmer's #29

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