Member postings for Blue Heeler

Mini traction engine and baker fan

Googling I've read that "these were designed by a Mr. A.D. Baker to test steam engines as they left the factory. A Baker Fan is a simple air-resistance device used run off an engine via a belt and the faster its turned, the harder it is to turn and puts a load on the engine"

Thanks for the link Jason

Thanks all, managed it finally, that camber is 1.5° -

Thanks for the link Michael.

Thanks Pete.

Posted by Michael Gilligan on 03/03/2021 23:42:12:

Posted by Blue Heeler on 03/03/2021 23:29:29:

I need a much easier method than that, I'm close to getting some files out.

.

You haven’t even mentioned what size the pulley is ... but the ball-turning tool need not be much more than temporary tool-post on a pivoted lever.

MichaelG.

Sorry Michael I should have been a lot more clearer mate.
I'm trying to make (in the end) a drive pulley out of brass approx 1" in diameter and 1" wide and bored for a 6mm shaft out of bar stock with just a gentle crown in the middle to take a small flat belt (its to drive a model steam accessory).
Chucked up the brass and thought it would be a super simple and quick job. Found out that it wasn't working out like that and stopped wasting brass and went to ali to try and work out how to do it.
Not sure if I'm just having a brain f**t here, but its got me stuffed.

Edited By JasonB on 04/03/2021 06:58:12

If I'm stuck on making a small crown and its kicking my **** to "produce a suitably dimensioned ball-turning tool" is probably going to kick my bruised **** out my shed door
I need a much easier method than that, I'm close to getting some files out.

Edited By JasonB on 04/03/2021 06:57:33

Edited By JasonB on 04/03/2021 06:58:34

Crowning a pulley for a flat belt, been trying on some ali before moving onto brass using the top slide set at 1° + and then set at 1° - and it ain't an easy exercise to achieve a simple crowned pulley!

Any hints on how to do this? I thought this was going to be really simple, its kicking my arse!

Thanks Jason.

One of these but sized for a model engine.

Anyone made an exhaust flapper for one of their models?

Do you have any photos you can share?

No unfortunately I didn't Simon.
Its been ridiculously hot since I finished this and have had only limited time in my shed. I did hook it up to a DIY genny and it lit a bank of globes very easily. There's a fair bit of internal centrifugal weight when its up and spinning, but it won't have the same grunt as a steam engine.

G'day all,

Would a Citric Acid Pickle solution in an open bucket be just the same as saltwater ie only the water will evaporate?

Thanks Simon, I forgot to take pics as I built it, just got too immersed.

Its pretty simple inside, I made the vanes out of quite thick copper sheet and they are very heavily silver brazed into place on the brass section to with stand the force on them. I think I might have to invest in one of those el cheapo digital tachometers on eBay as I would like to know the rpm's.
Hooked it up a little while ago to a small DIY genny and it lit up a gang of light bulbs without a problem.

First Test of a DIY Steam Turbine running off a 4" Copper MSM Boiler.

Huxtable Hot Air Engine running Gold Battery/Stamper

G'day Hopper....I have to admit that I am partial to the smell of burnt metho fumes

Hi Perko, there's no need for the blades (except for the slighest of breezes which is welcome in an Aussie summer ), though it keeps it as recognisable as a PC fan.

Jensen #20 live steam engine running a converted computer fan made into a generator, powers 9 LED bulbs.