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Hi Jim, Sorry about the slow reply. I've been working a ton and haven't had much time to keep up with the forum. Anyway, I bought all the fasteners from Cole's (www.colespowermodels.com). They have all the odd sizes, like 3-48 and 5-40. I bought some 2-56 nuts from another source that were...

Thank you again to everyone for the kind words. Jim, I'm thrilled that my work could inspire someone else to tackle Elmer's engine. Regarding the base, I used a 2-1/2" slitting saw, which gave the correct radius. I cut a slit, moved it over by a sawblade width, cut again, moved again, etc. If...

Congrats, Rob. It's certainly well-deserved. :bow: -- Dave

Ditto for what Notch and Rob said. What an honor. Thanks. Dave

Thanks to everyone for all the kind words. To answer a couple questions... No, I didn't do a build log. Perhaps next time. Regarding dimensions, I stuck pretty close to Elmer's dimensions. I only had to adjust a couple things to work with the raw materials I had on hand. -- Dave

Hi guys, It's taken a long time to get here, but I guess it's all about the journey. Anyway, I've finally completed phase 1 on my rendition of Elmer's Mill Engine ... namely, make it run. Phase 2 will be to make it pretty, but that's for another video. This is my third engine. My goal was to...

Hi Metal. It looks like you're really getting close. Congrats on the beautiful build. I flew RC planes competitively a few years ago. Starting sticks are ok, but the simplest method is to get about a 4 inch long piece of automotive heater hose. Get a size large enough to stick your finger in...

Way purty. Congrats. Dave

I'm another computer geek. About 2-1/2 years ago I started a company that helps businesses send invoices and get paid electronically. We're at www.transcepta.com. It's a hoot, but doesn't leave much time for making chips. Dave

I might have missed it, but I don't think anyone has mentioned feed rate. When I started, I was making the mistake of feeding too slowly and chatter was miserable. Back when Bog orignally posted his video, it inspired me to try turning up the speed on the lathe and feeding the tool more...

I use it a lot for quickly lining up to layout marks on my workpiece. I mark up the work piece with Dykem Blue and a surface gauge. Put the center finder in the chuck and push any handy edge against it, for example an edge of my vise or a scrap piece, while the machine is running at a few...

Thanks everyone, for both the kind words and the advise. Bogs, I feel silly that I didn't remember your issue with beadblasting your flywheels. I followed that post pretty carefully but I'd forgotten about your keeping-it-clean remarks. I was thinking that I would paint the base after blasting...

For myself, I have simply vowed that I will ALWAYS remove the drive belt when I plug in the handle. It only takes about 5 seconds to remove it. That makes it safe and has the added bonus of making the lathe turn easier. I've already affixed a big warning label to the handle to remind me to do it.

I've finally gotten far enough along that it's looking like it might be an engine someday. Also, I have a question... after I get it running, I want to try the sandblasting trick on the base to get that cast look. How fine should I get the finish before sandblasting? I don't want any tool marks...

Hi Marv, I finally got around to making mine. I added a couple pins to prevent the expanding plug from turning. It works like a charm and was a lot simpler to make than the contraption I was dreaming up. Now I can't wait for my next threading job... sort of. Here's the pins I added to the...

Yes, please on the step-by-step. I'm currently working on Elmer's mill engine, which at my pace will probably take months to finish. But Chucks engine is definitely the one after that.

Kactiguy, Thanks for the plans. But one question... does it have to be a soup can or do you think other cans will work? (I'm concerned about safety issues.) Seriously, congrats on the win. Well deserved. It's a great design.

Yeah, I had several favorites too. It was hard to pick one winner. John, thanks for doing this. It was great fun... both the building and also following the other amazing designs.

Kactiguy, now THAT is a great design. It's got me hungry ... err ... to make one like it.

Here's mine. Total time about 17 minutes. In case it doesn't come through well on the pictures, the flywheel is a round bar of soap with some of the coathanger wrapped around it. Raw Materials Under Construction Completed Engine - A View from the Cockpit Completed Engine - The Mechanicals...