A straight line engine

This has just flagged up on my feed from Clickspring. My word, what a fascinating watch and an exquisite result, as always.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yyrILbqgMQ

Well worth the 8 minutes or so watching. Mesmerising.

I seem to recall someone recently asking for help with a straight lining machine, but can't find it, now. Probably a bit overkill for what they were after and what a challenge to design and build. Anyone up for it?

John

Edited By John Hinkley on 21/09/2021 12:16:08

There was one on the ornamental Turners stand at Sandown 2012.
Of course it doesn't have to be vertical so a temporary fitting for a manual shaper might be enough.

I posted a want to buy for a straight line machine recently. I have thought about building one, but having had discussions with Chris Manning about what it takes to have a successful machine I am reconsidering, hence looking for one.

Dave

Of course! I remember, now. Having seen the complexity of the one in the video, I can understand your reticence. Something to ponder in the long dark winter evenings, perhaps?

John

The complexity isn’t actually the most off putting thing.
It’s the total perfection required in the rigidity and guiding of both the tool and the workpiece.

Rose engines benefit somewhat from a mechanical reduction in the pattern to the work - especially at watch sizes.

That isn’t true for a straight line engine.
It’s a bit like how a cheap light surface grinder will make nice looking ground parts, but it takes a rigid heavy one to hit tiny tolerances and be flat to bugger all. The cut is smaller, but the rigidity and perfection to guide it is much higher.

Still one might turn up, or I might revise my build plans and make one.
still hoping for the simpler solution…

Dave