Hi,
I've finally finished a project I started last year. It started off as an Elmer's Mill Engine but ended up something completely different.
I'm not a great fan of the plate type valve system so I decided to replace it with a valve spool type. Then I found that I just couldn't get the cross slide to operate without binding. It needs to be crack on in terms of alignment with the flywheel and piston if the shuttle is a close sliding fit. So, I decided to try running it without the cross slide. It worked fine. I also dispensed with the piston rod seal, and relied on a close sliding fit between the piston rod and a fairly beefy cylinder head. Again, that worked fine as well. The engine will run on less than 3psi air pressure.
I realised at the end that I had finished up with a double acting steam engine which was about as simple as you could make.
I have therefore done a set of drawings with accompanying notes which I hope will be of use to relative newcomers who are looking for a project to follow on from a single acting engine.
I know it's not the greatest looking engine, but it is about as simple as it's possible for a double acting machine to be.
Regards,
Alan C.
P.S. I've tried attaching the drawings and notes but no luck. I'll try again later.
I've finally finished a project I started last year. It started off as an Elmer's Mill Engine but ended up something completely different.
I'm not a great fan of the plate type valve system so I decided to replace it with a valve spool type. Then I found that I just couldn't get the cross slide to operate without binding. It needs to be crack on in terms of alignment with the flywheel and piston if the shuttle is a close sliding fit. So, I decided to try running it without the cross slide. It worked fine. I also dispensed with the piston rod seal, and relied on a close sliding fit between the piston rod and a fairly beefy cylinder head. Again, that worked fine as well. The engine will run on less than 3psi air pressure.
I realised at the end that I had finished up with a double acting steam engine which was about as simple as you could make.
I have therefore done a set of drawings with accompanying notes which I hope will be of use to relative newcomers who are looking for a project to follow on from a single acting engine.
I know it's not the greatest looking engine, but it is about as simple as it's possible for a double acting machine to be.
Regards,
Alan C.
P.S. I've tried attaching the drawings and notes but no luck. I'll try again later.
