playing with fireclay

[xlchainsaw]

thanks rob. i plan to experiment with different mixes now i have the mold made. im going to add graphite to one and i plan to grind up old wall tiles and give them a go. i also plan to make a small spin caster which will be fun. once im satified with a crucible mix i will make a ceramic crucible for the spin caster. so its busy busy busy here !

 

[tmuir]

I've just finished machining the large pulley and I'm pretty happy how its turned out.

Thanks for doing the castings Glen

 

[Powder keg]

So what's the story on the engine? Looks like something I'd like)

 

[tmuir]

So what's the story on the engine? Looks like something I'd like)

Don't want to hijack Xchainsaw's thread so will just post up a couple of links.
The first one is my website which gives some more photos and the History of the company 'Renown' that made them.
It was an Australian company that made toys from the end of WWII until the late 50s.
http://www.freewebs.com/ozsteam/renown.htm

The next link is a thread on another forum covering the restoration of the roller.
http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org/ftopic20387-0.php

 

[xlchainsaw]

thanks for posting tony.doing the brass casting for the renown roller was just about the "last straw" for my old furnace. which led to this post. im happy to report that i fired my furnace and have cast heaps of brass using my new crucibles and furnace.

here it is all fired up.

 

[tmuir]

Those brass wheels should turn up nicely.
It will certainly make the TE heavy.
I hope the little oscillator is up to the task of moving it all.

 

[xlchainsaw]

i think he plans to go bigger than 3/8 on the cylinder...i will be keeping a eye on his progress but at 76 ???? brass and copper is his colour scheme for his te.