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Hardware Store Steam Engine full instructions

by kcbford1 on February 19, 2011 Table of Contents Hardware Store Steam Engine full instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: Hardware Store Steam Engine full instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 1: Base and Flywheel Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 2: Flywheel and Crank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 3: Cylinder and Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 4: Piston and rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 4 5 7 9

Step 5: Valve Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Step 6: Pivot Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Step 7: Clean and Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Step 8: Trim base and Paint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Step 9: How i took my video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

Author:kcbford1
Hello my name is Kyle, I am 23 years old but still take things apart as I did at age 10. I work for Spirit AeroSystems as a team leader on the 787 41 section. I got married on October 9th 2010, and now have baby boy due in july 2011! My interests are: Electronics Auto work Bicycles (Mostly gas Powered) Woodworking Astronomy Science Technology My Favorite podcast: Skeptics Guide To The Universe Astronomy Cast Bad Astronomy NPR Programs MakeZine

Intro: Hardware Store Steam Engine full instructions

Hello, after uploading the following http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engines-no-machining-require/ .......... I was flooded with emails to make another and submit a full Instructable. So..here it is! This is a steam engine that requires no machining of parts, and everything you need you can buy at a hardware store. I made two of these about 2 years ago but I didnt take any pictures of the build. So this is my third one, I built it this morning. What you will need: brass test plug .625 O.D.(piston) http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/Rod-Stock-2ABJ4?Pid=search copper repair coupling 12 stick (cylinder and other components) copper pipe. copper cap 2 Qty copper line Wood for a base Epoxy 3/16 brass rod (connecting rod) 5/16 bolt and Nut to fit 3/16 steel rod Caster wheel (flywheel) Miscellaneous hardware as needed

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

Step 1: Base and Flywheel Stand

1) Cut out your base, leave it plenty big you can always trim it up later. 2) Now you need to pull the caster wheel out of its bracket assembly. you dont have to cut a relief in the base for the flywheel to sit beyond flush, I just like it because it keeps the center of gravity low. 3) Cut out two posts from the copper pipe for the fly wheel stand. Drill two pilot holes in the post (leave under size, will ream full size once post are cured to the base) 4) Drill two 5/8 holes in base for flywheel stand. 5) Mix two part epoxy and bond the post to the base, put a rod through the pilot holes and make sure rod is set perpendicular to the base as the epoxy cures.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

Step 2: Flywheel and Crank

1) After cured, ream flywheel post to 5/16, deburr 2) Cut your 5/16 bolt to length. Run nut down to the bolt shank, then cut off threads flush with nut. 3) Weld a length of steel rod thats bent to an L to the nut 4) Center flywheel, then drill a hole through the flywheel and bolt for the pin. 5) Slip bolt through first post, slip flywheel on bolt, push bolt in, set fly wheel pin, and thread on the nut (crank)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

Step 3: Cylinder and Stand

1) Cut the cylinder to 3 length ( repair pipe) 2) Cut the pivot pipe to the same length ( pipe) 3) On this engine you see that the pivot is closer to the flywheel, I didnt like how the engine was balanced after I was done, I suggest soldering it right in the middle of the cylinders length. 4) Solder the cap and the air line to the end of the cylinder 5) Cut 2 post for the cylinder pivot stand. 6) Solder a 3 length of repair pipe to the two stand posts.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

Step 4: Piston and rod

1) You can make your piston from 5/8 brass stock or find a solid brass test plug, 2) Drill a 3/16 hole through the center of the piston and insert the 3/16 brass rod, solder. 3) Cut to length and solder on a fitting (second photo) to connect to the crank shaft.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

Step 5: Valve Holes

1) With motor assembled rotate crank up and drill a 3/32 hole through both pipes, rotate all the way down and drill another hole about an 1.5 away to prevent air escapement. 2) Take apart and deburr. 3) Solder a length of tube over the holes you just drilled.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

Step 6: Pivot Cap

1) Plug the inner pivot pipe with a brass plug about .5 inches in. 2) Cut off excess, leave about an inch, slide cap on and drill hole,

Step 7: Clean and Run

1) Take it all apart and clean very well. 2) Oil up all moving parts 3) Apply air to one of the inlets. And get it a spin. If you apply air to the other inlet it will run in reverse.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

Step 8: Trim base and Paint

Now paint it and bring it in to the living room for decoration, your wife will apreciate it!!!

Step 9: How i took my video

Vise camera stand

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

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How to Sweat Solder a brass/copper pipe and couplings (video) by bmerritt5

Steam Powered Potato Pistol 1.0 by robbtoberfest

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Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 77 comments

nolte919 says:

Mar 16, 2011. 8:44 PM REPLY Regarding the hole between the 1/4" tubing and cylinder wall. Did you drill a hole in each and then line them up and solder the whole thing together? Or did you somehow solder it first and then drill through both at the same time? Mar 12, 2011. 9:13 AM REPLY whatever you do, don't go to ace for anything! that place sucks. the only helpful thing i could find is the castor(10 fricken dollars!) and a push button switch(7 dollars) for another project. i will never go there again!

myakka says:

itsthatsguy says:

Mar 12, 2011. 7:06 PM REPLY sounds like your ace sucks, mines pretty awesome they had every part i needed and there are 2 employees that help me out in particular (were freind now) and theyre always very helpful not just on the parts but with ideas too.

myakka says:
could you mold a piston from some epoxy and some pipe that matches the the power cylinder?

Mar 12, 2011. 6:36 AM REPLY

kcbford1 says:
Do you think it would hold up to the steam? Other than that I think it would work just fine!

Mar 12, 2011. 9:01 AM REPLY

harmonbill34 says:

Mar 10, 2011. 3:43 PM REPLY Where did you get that caster? I have been trying to find a similar one without much luck. I tried a 2 inch one and it was too small to keep the engine running

kcbford1 says:
At a local store "the big tool store"

Mar 10, 2011. 4:27 PM REPLY

medionlvr says:

Mar 9, 2011. 5:05 AM REPLY One change i will make. With the plug from granger i 1 ft long there is plenty left over to make 4 - 1/2 inch blanks to be soldered into the ends of the upright posts and then drill and thread so they can be bolted through the base. The reason I would do this is the idea that if the balance is off the the epoxy would eventually fail. Great Instructable!!

kcbford1 says:

Mar 4, 2011. 2:31 PM REPLY FYI, i had a busy week! i will be on sometime this weekend to answer some of the questions that were asked this week. Thanks!

BIGHAIRYDUDE says:
could you use 5/8" steel rod for piston?

Mar 3, 2011. 5:02 PM REPLY

reddnekk says:
Really enjoyed this, altho the oscillating valving is not clearly explained (but some of us know how it works).

Feb 27, 2011. 5:01 PM REPLY

As for a steam source, cheap, try one of the $89 steam cleaners now sold, or even one of the clothes steamers. As steam generators for small engines, they should work well (I am currently experimenting with one to power a steam calliope with PVC pipes). As for the Doble, I got to drive one around a couple of blocks in San Francisco back in 1949 when, just out of the AF, I moved there from Mather Field. I remember well its effortless acceleration up one of SF's steep hills.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

Keep up the good work--have gotten several ideas out of this "ible".

John-4 says:
How much does this cost?

Feb 27, 2011. 4:25 PM REPLY

chakra says:
an oscillating engine!! ever run this petite babe on steam? mind finding out how is the efficiency for this? way to go sir!!

Feb 27, 2011. 8:30 AM REPLY

jay oliver says:

Feb 26, 2011. 8:48 AM REPLY Please explain the purpose adn construction of the 1/4" tubing soldered to the side of the piston chamber. What does it doe and what is it attached to at each of its ends ? I think that this is a fine posting. Thank you jay oliver349

kcbford1 says:
it to route air/steam to the top of the cylinder, its noted in the last photo on step 3

Feb 26, 2011. 7:58 PM REPLY

harmonbill34 says:

Feb 26, 2011. 4:27 PM REPLY If you can't find 5/8 brass test plugs or don't have access to 5/8 brass bar stock. To make a piston try this. I took a 3/4 piece of the 1/2 copper pipe and filled it with an epoxy putty called Fix it Stick..It is available in the plumbing dept of Lowe's. It sets very fast and can be drilled. I have used this stuff to fix many things. It can be drilled and tapped too.. It has been holding the exhaust together on my car for over a year.

kcbford1 says:

Feb 26, 2011. 7:57 PM REPLY good thinking!!! i might just use that on my next one, to save $$ maybe instead of epoxy, solder two pennies at the top and bottom then trim flush...? thanks for the tip!!!

rtysantos says:

Feb 25, 2011. 6:13 AM REPLY Are these photos out of order? How does air flow through the air line (1/4" tubing?) into the cylinder? The air line looks to be pinched off and there's no point where a hole is opened between the cylinder and the air line...

kcbford1 says:
theres a photo with a blue line indicating air path. theres a small hole drilled through the tube and the cylinder wall.

Feb 26, 2011. 7:53 PM REPLY

kcbford1 says:
the photo is on step 3, last pic

Feb 26, 2011. 7:56 PM REPLY

justarunner says:

Feb 24, 2011. 8:07 PM REPLY What is the pipe that is soldered to the side of the cylinder and pinched shut at the end? I saw it in the photos but not noted in the assembly instructions.

kcbford1 says:
step 3 last photo ---> it routes the steam/air to the top of the cylinder.

Feb 26, 2011. 7:55 PM REPLY

kea says:
A great effort. The hardest part I have found to make is the BOILER.

Feb 24, 2011. 10:32 AM REPLY

The only way to go is a flash boiler, preferably like the DOBLE boiler. This uses flat coils. &7 or so turns per coil times 2 layers is enough to run a 3 HP steam engine. I have recently finished a Green steam engine & while easy to build I think it is overated. Running at say 300 rpm & geared up Running a smart drive Generator would be the way to go. GO TO IT; some-one. Cheers Kiwi John

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

yubasolar says:

Feb 25, 2011. 6:00 AM REPLY Wish I was young enough to build the Doble flash boiler, I went to the patent people and got the plans for the whole car about 20 years ago, ah well, perhaps in my next life.

kea says:

Feb 25, 2011. 10:09 AM REPLY Yep I have the Doble steam car book + set of plans. Have been unsuccessful in winding the flat coils, even though it has been explained. I need pics or seeing how its done. Cheers Kiwi John Feb 25, 2011. 4:22 AM REPLY

maxman says:
Great project! I too am wondering about what this previous poster asked:

"When drilling for the valve holes. What is the relationship of the crank to the piston? Do you drill the inlet with the crank in the 12 o'clock position and then the outlet with the crank in the 6 o'clock position?. If it was a vertical engine would it be crank at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock when you drill the holes? I was thinking you would drill the inlet when the piston is at top dead center and then the outlet when it is at bottom dead center. That is the only thing I am having a hard time understanding with this build." I have been wanting to make one of these for a long time. What are your thoughts on the valve holes?

jisgleas says:
muy bueno

Feb 25, 2011. 1:47 AM REPLY

kage_no_akiri says:

Feb 24, 2011. 6:46 PM REPLY ....but whadia power it with? -chuckles- sorry....couldnt help meself. seriously though.....im impressed with this....as a conversation piece. cus as far as im concerned....if it cant run a 6in line shaft....its a toy. im sure you could find *some* productive use for it. like a steampunk fish tank oxygenator? idk...... i think this would be a worthwhile project for someone whos getting into steam engine construction. kenkou ooku no seimi good health much life

kcbford1 says:

Feb 24, 2011. 6:53 PM REPLY To be honest with you Im really enjoying it as playing the role of a conversation piece on my TV stand!! lol.... I think steam engines are terribly inefficient to power anything on a small scale and a lot of maintinance. But you know what that means its time to start building sterling engines again!! Yessssssss.. Thanks for reminding me!

kage_no_akiri says:

Feb 24, 2011. 7:53 PM REPLY ohhhh im sure you are....-chuckles-. quite frankly....i think itd be pretty ace to have a working steam engine on *my* coffee table. i mentioned the line shaft cus im one for older technology (i have and use a hand crank drill press from the late 1800's) and im planing on powering a standard engine lathe and med sized milling machine on one. ill probably only use a 4in shaft though cus 6 would require more power to drive and woudl put out more power then i need. id actually have to consult my books on it for dai vs rpms as well as how wide of a belt id need. not to mention the size of the drive pulleys. kenkou ooku no seimi good health much life

earlyflyer says:
Thanks for sharing! This is great!

Feb 24, 2011. 7:43 PM REPLY

Ayce says:

Feb 24, 2011. 1:12 PM REPLY I had to make one of these in my high school shop class many years ago. We had to plot it all out on a CAD program using win 3.1 (wow I think that may have been outdated even when I was in high school). Then we had to take chunks of metal and cut all the parts from scratch. It was probably the best project that we had that whole year. I've still got my engine there is no way I'd get rid of it. Very fun project to do.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

lucek says:
That's a Stirling engine. Still cool.

Feb 24, 2011. 5:33 PM REPLY

drawe21 says:

Feb 24, 2011. 2:28 PM REPLY They only had 2 computers in my school and they were black & white with tape drives (What's a hard drive). A full 16k (Yes I said 'K' of ram) State of the art all they way at my high school... >Very Early 80's<

Ayce says:
oops... I meant to say less. I've got 64k

Feb 24, 2011. 4:42 PM REPLY

Ayce says:

Feb 24, 2011. 4:41 PM REPLY Wow that's more RAM than I've got in my current computer. Well... my current old computer anyway. I do have a Tapedrive for it too. I love older computers, I would love to get an Apple IIe fully decked out.

kcbford1 says:
cool. we did projects like this in shop too! i miss those days where i had acsess to a full machine shop!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Feb 24, 2011. 1:29 PM REPLY

jj.inc says:

Feb 24, 2011. 2:18 PM REPLY I may have missed it, but why doesn't it just stay with the piston all the way out, what releases the air and starts/stops its flow?

ohforgodssake says:
This is great! What air pressure does it use?

Feb 24, 2011. 10:48 AM REPLY

kcbford1 says:
i cant say for sure, i didnt hook up a psi gauge. sorry!

Feb 24, 2011. 2:06 PM REPLY

jam BD says:
Really well put together. Simple yet effective, both the ible and the engine.

Feb 22, 2011. 12:19 AM REPLY

kcbford1 says:
thanks!

Feb 24, 2011. 11:36 AM REPLY

Ronyon says:

Feb 21, 2011. 11:25 PM REPLY How about a pressure cooker as a boiler? Should be safe, they even have a built in safety, a purposely created weak spot, just in case the place where the steam exits the cooker is jammed with food. Team this with a Rocket Stove ...

kcbford1 says:

Feb 24, 2011. 11:36 AM REPLY i dont see why that wouldnt work, i used to make small boilers out of tomato soup cans. take an unopend can and drill a small hole at the top, blow out all the soup. then you can solder on any type of brass or copper fittings you want.

Web_MST3K says:

Feb 24, 2011. 7:32 AM REPLY I'm thinking you could set something like this up with a boiler assembly, harness the engine to a small generator, and use a joule thief to charge a battery. The battery could provide power while the boiler is heating up. If you are really masochistic, you could use the whole mess as a power source for a steampunk robot. I think I had better go lie down before I get any more ideas.

twhaley says:
Good stuff, may have some cool steampunk application.

Feb 24, 2011. 7:10 AM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/

Re-design says:
Nice work!

Feb 24, 2011. 6:24 AM REPLY

harmonbill34 says:

Feb 23, 2011. 11:55 AM REPLY When drilling for the valve holes. What is the relationship of the crank to the piston? Do you drill the inlet with the crank in the 12 o'clock position and then the outlet with the crank in the 6 o'clock position?. If it was a vertical engine would it be crank at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock when you drill the holes? I was thinking you would drill the inlet when the piston is at top dead center and then the outlet when it is at bottom dead center. That is the only thing I am having a hard time understanding with this build. How do you keep solder from blocking the hole in the cap when you solder the 1/4 inch line for the air passage? It also looks like you have put a small piece of the repair coupling near the joint of the pivot pipe and the cylinder. Does this act as a stop to keep the pivot pipe from sliding too far in to the pivot? Thanks for the great ible. Your valve idea is brilliant and I want to make one of these and one of the ones you made with just and elbow joing the pivot pipe and the cylinder. Luckily I work for Lowe's so I can get my materials at a discount :) Feb 23, 2011. 4:00 AM REPLY Thank you for this instructable. I've always wanted to make a steam engine, but I didn't understand the principle. Now I inderstand it and when I have the materials, I can build one. Thanks! Feb 22, 2011. 2:59 PM REPLY

xander.marks says:

lloydrmc says:
It's more of an air engine, is it not? ;^) That makes for a far less snappy headline, I suppose. Seriously - nicely done!

view all 77 comments

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hardware-Store-Steam-Engine-full-instructions/