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Hi everyone
My name is Justin. I am 15 years old. I have been studying machining and playing with a Harbor Freight mini lathe. Someday I want to get a mill and a bigger lathe. My current project (once I get materials that is) is a small wobbler style steam engine. Someday I would like to build a boiler and some bigger engines and maybe a hit and miss engine. All I know about machining I learned from youtube so I will be watching and learning.
 

GreenTwin

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Welcome Justin-

Good luck with your model building.

The secret to becoming a successful model builder is to stick with it, since it can take a bit of time to learn the process.

Its about reading and interpreting drawings, machining metal, learning various metal types and properties, tooling, and last but not least assembly into a functioning engine.

My first attempt at a wobbler build was pretty much an abject failure, and I could have thrown in the towel and never looked back at that point, but I decided to keep at it.

My next engine build turned out considerably better (see avatar).

Its a great hobby, and we definitely need the next generation to step in and learn the skills required to design and build engines.

Pat J
 
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awake

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Justin, I am delighted to welcome you to this hobby! I would have loved to have gotten into this when I was 15 ... instead of 45! But at any age (now 62 for me), it is a lot of fun. Do pay attention to safety, especially as you move into larger machines. (Sorry, had to show my age and give the safety warning!)
 

minh-thanh

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Hi Justin!
A 15 year old member , I have a piece of advice for you :
Online games are virtual games, homemade engines are real world games
Unlike in the virtual world , in the real world : every mistake has a price , sometimes the price is not cheap and may be ... a part of your body . So learn to stay safe first and be careful in machining...
Pick a part of the game that's simple and play with it, and it's a game of conquering challenges and setting goals that you have to work towards.
Again: Safety first !
That doesn't mean I'm a person who always keeps safety or is careful.. when processing, BUT For you, 15 years old must always remember: Safety first !
 

Kawka777

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Hi,
Awesome hobby to get into that can turn into guiding the rest of your life if you enjoy it.

I did the same thing as you; build a wobbler steam engine in high school shop class and that hooked me forever. Later, in college, I super got into jet engines and built one! Now I play with big machines in a steel mill at 27 years old lol.
 

krypto

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We actually have been going there for several years now, even before I got interested in machining.
I especially enjoyed it last year, since I understand more what goes into a model engine now.

Yes, after I've gotten a few models completed is when I really started to appreciate the workmanship involved in crafting the beautiful models on display at the show. These guys are really working at a high level.
 

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