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Standing by to hear the putt putt putt of a another running Rupnow engine!

As do I. However, Brian is doing the opposite, using a cam to hold the automobile style ignition points open until the firing part of the cycle. I'm not sure the points will close rapidly enough to make a spark even at modest RPMs regardless of the cam geometry. Seems far easier to do it the...

Wouldn't it be simpler to replace the auto ignition points (normally closed switch) with a simple normally-open reed switch for the cam to close for each firing of the plug? That's how it works on all the engines I have worked with. I've had a few full-size hit and miss engines that use buzz...

Very cool! I just upgraded my 1940s era Boice-Crane drill press from 1/2HP single phase motor to a 1/2HP 3 phase with VFD. I added a speed pot and start/stop switch to a front-mounted panel with a custom 3d printed cover to hold the pot, switch, e-stop and RPM display (tied to one of those...

Nice work, Ray. I really like the way this is going!

I really like your eased_shapes library. I am just starting to fiddle around with it to gain a fuller understanding of how it works, but it already provides me an easy way to generate beveled edges on cylinders and cubes without the usual fal-de-ral and farfulsnarf. Thanks for posting!

I went to the big hit and miss engine swap meet in Portland, IN back in 2008, and there was a guy selling US made files for $4/lb! I bought about $25 worth.

This one is the one I used to learn about importing OpenSCAD into FreeCAD: Import OpenSCAD Files In FreeCAD - OpenSCAD FreeCAD I can't remember which ones I used to learn about the TechDraw workbench anymore because it was so long ago, but this one covers the basics. Start at about 1:45 in...

If you like to draw using points, I highly recommend OpenSCAD. That's exactly how it works. 100% math and geometry based. I find it to be the easiest 3d modeling software I have used. It is completely intuitive to anyone who designs the way you described. The down side is you need to use...

That's a nice trick. I started buying prescription safety glasses and regular glasses online at Zenni optical. I can get single vision glasses in a very nice frame for about $40, and progressives for everyday wear for about $130. Safety glasses about the same, and I love them. This includes...

I found one thing to help with the clutter of old tools and multiples of tools and excess materials - many acquired at auctions and events like Cabin Fever. I'm naturally a pack rat, but started forcing myself to put some of them in a Rubbermaid tote every so often and taking them to the...

I'm terrible at this. I never saw a flat (or near flat) surface I couldn't put more stuff on. About once a year I do a major titivation and I'm both happy and satisfied with the result, but it only lasts at long as it takes to start the next project. Special things in special places is also...

I really miss the old live auction format. It just isn't the same, and now that every lot has to be organized and numbered, you don't have the chance of getting a "treasure" from the tables full of "stuff from somebody's garage" as they bunch some of the stuff together under the flag for a...

Brian, I am watching with great anticipation as things continue to come together. It is a beautiful machine and shows your skill and care! I'm looking forward to the running video!

Holy smokes! Brian, I am always amazed at how fast your models go from drawing board to workbench. This one is really cracking along! I'd still be fiddle-farting around with the cylinder, but you have this thing halfway finished already!

Excellent! Best of luck on the final few bits, Brian! We're all looking forward to seeing (and hearing!) it run!

Hot dawg! That thing runs like a scalded cat! Nice job, Brian! I guess the "squirt oiling" method will work, but you can probably still lower the oil level a little bit more and still get it to splash just off the influence of parts flinging around in there. Or you could add an oiler tube...

Great stuff! I'm really looking forward to seeing this run! Any further thoughts on making a "second half" to make it a V-4? -Dave

Man, that looks really sharp, Brian!

Engine is looking really good, Brian. I am always impressed with your casual skill in machining what you designed. Probably would have taken me three times as long and several "do-overs" on the way.