MAKE Flick photo pool member Svofski built a steam engine without needing the usual expensive tools… – “I’ve been long fascinated with steam power. Using some spare time I’d been lucky to have, I started building my model. There are plenty of succesful examples of homebuilt steam models on the net, however all of them require a lathe to build. I only have a makeshift micro drill/mill press so I had to invent something a little bit different.
This machine is built from parts obtainable in hardware stores and computer junkyards. This particular construction requires 20x6mm aluminum bar, 15x2mm brass bar, 10mm brass rod, 12mm OD straight copper pipe, dead computer hard drive, some hardware/scrap metal parts/plywood and at least a small drill press.” [via] – Link.
Related:
Steam powered archives – Link.
6 thoughts on “Svo’s oscillating steam engine”
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Can anyone enlighten me as to how that manifold works (or in general)? I’m new to steam and for some reason the resources I’ve found seem to overlook this design detail (other than saying you want steam to enter at specific times).
@trebuchet: this page explains how an oscillating engine works http://www.keveney.com/oscillatingSteam.html
The pushrod pushes/pulls the crankpin, the flywheel rotates, this causes the cylinder to oscillate and match different holes on different phases.
Ahh, I understand now – for some reason I thought the cylinder was stationary (slap to forehead)…