Fish out of water

Sean, he got nearly a grand for it! Impressive stuff.

Martin

I seem to remember reading somewhere that it took many, many attempts to get a good cylinder/piston fit and arrangement - given the other challenges I see in this piece, I can well understand the price.
If people are interested, I'll happily post some videos and links around the subject of lampwork (that is, both scientific and artistic glasswork made at a bench or lathe), perhaps under a more appropriate heading? It's not really model engineering, so not exactly relevant, but I'm always keen to spread the word, as it were... what do you think?

Sean

Oops, Neil, I didn't see you post as the thread flipped on me.

Soda glass is much more difficult to work with than borosilicate - doesn't really get used in scientific work any more. Lots of use for 'pretty things' though - beads, marbles, sculpture, etc.

Yep, I'd happily write something for you - some idea of the common requirements for glasswork in model engineering would be useful, I have no idea how much detail you would need!

Sean

I would be quite interested. Having tried glass working (joining tubes etc) I would say it is a lot more difficult (for me) than it looks. Borosilicate is allegedly easier but more expensive kit needed and soda glass easily ends up a hopeless tangle - and then it cracks at the drop of a hat.

Currently working on a very simple glass lathe in an attempt to sidestep the difficulties of hand work. Think dual stepper motors and a sliding carriage plus leadscrew.

Sean

I have sent you a 'PM' look for a flashing 'envelope' near top right.

The best place to post/discuss glasswork will be under the 'related hobbies' topic - although it's your job

Neil

Roger - exactly what I'm here for! I'm hoping someone here will be able to help me with some very simple chucks for a pair of steppers - but I need to draw something before I make a proper begging post. For the rest I'm looking at a v-slot assembly similar to a camera slide.
Neil - will do, ta.

Sean

Roger & Sean

That sounds the start like a great collaborative project.

I look forward to seeing what you can come up with.

MichaelG.

I wonder what out boiler inspectors would make of that glass steam engine? I love the safety valve!
BobH

A couple of snaps of my attempt at a very simple glass lathe - in early stage.....

Bore is 1 inch - small but OK for my first try.

Looks very nice - mine doesn't need through chucks (I have my big lathe for that), I just need something to fit direct to the shaft of the stepper, which I can quickly clip tubing into and out of. I'll do a drawing nd stick it on a new thread in 'other hobbies'

Sean

On another forum I got into a mathematical discussion that touched on whether or not an item was actually inside a bag or not.

One poster reminded me of the Klein Bottle which looks fun to 3D print or even better - make in glass - is it something of a test piece?

Neil

Mercury switches were commonly used on transformer winding temperature controllers.

Andrew Williams

One of my clients makes these on occasion, but I prefer these as being slightly more practical.

Sean

I like the elegant ones, but I may try knitting a Klein Hat if my credibilty can take the strain

Neil