Castings or plans, which to do first?

[Kaleb]

Being new to all this, I wonder whether to buy a set of castings (I would probably do a Stuart 10V or similar) or work from plans to start off with.

 

[cobra428]

Hi Kaleb,
I would start will a simple Osc engine from bar stock. If you make a mistake you can just do it over. If you make a mistake on a casting engine you'll have to buy a new part!

http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2343&category=1083187856

Tony

 

[Philjoe5]

I'm with Tony especially if you're just starting out. I've built several barstock engines and just completed (nearly) my first casting engine. The casting engine was from PM Research and I did end up ordering an extra part that I couldn't salvage from the kit. On the other hand I have a box of "extra" parts from my barstock engines, probably enough to make an engine ;D.

That said, many folks have started out with casting kits and had no problems. If you're the type of person who wears out a pencil that still has a full eraser then a casting engine might be right for you

In any event, good luck and success in your choice.

Cheers,
Phil