1sts post, 1st engine

[wolvertone]

ok. First, hello! Second....

I have experience working with bike engines, and welding bike frames and that kind of stuff.

I have a 10" Atlas Lathe a Cheap manual mill and a 12" Sheldon shaper. I also have wood working tools (thick planer, jointer). I can use all at amateur levels. I am self-teaching myself how to use these pieces of machinery.

In an effort to do that, I would like to attempt to make a miniature engine. I think if I can make a small engine, I can eventually graduate to larger things.

I would like suggestions on the best (easiest?) engine to start with. The flame "sniffer?" type look cool, but would build an engine powered by air if recommended.

I would need plans that are easy to follow, and with a bit of margin for error. This is so I can lean, but not be discouraged.

Yes, I searched the forum, but found myself more confused by the choices after doing so.

Any suggestions from someone who has been there, done that?

 

[cobra428]

Hey Wolvertone,
Welcome. I would start out with a simple bar stock osc steam engine. Flame eaters and stirlings are notorious for being hard to get running engines.
Look at these and it will be up to you on how brave you feel!

http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2594&category=386435363

Cheap too!
http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_category.php?category=386435363

Plans
http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2343&category=-1650262225
Good Luck in your decision
Tony

 

[90LX_Notch]

wolvertone

Welcome. Like cobra428 stated a bar stock oscillator / wobbler is the way to go. The first engine I built was NickG's http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/index.php?topic=3810.0 The second was Elmer's Tiny. This link has plans for Elmer's engines http://www.john-tom.com/html/ElmersEngines.html

 

[Maryak]

wolvertone,

Welcome to our forum.

Best Regards
Bob

 

[rake60]

Welcome to HMEM wolvertone.

Rick

 

[Barthez]

Hi wolvertone,
I made my first engine last year http://www.john-tom.com/MiscrPlans/WobblerEJS.pdf A simple wobbler. It was my first foray into proper metal work. It was a learning curve and came out quite well, it ran first time on air, I made a few mistakes but thats the fun of it I suppose.

I plan to build a more complex engine when I complete my other projects.
have fun
Bart

 

[b.lindsey]

Welcome wolvertone. Many of Elmer's Engines (as noted already) are good for a first project. Please keep us posted on your choice and progress. Lots of pics are always welcome.

Bill