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Beginners’ projects

This topic has 9 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 1 August 2009 at 07:28 by David Clark 13.

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28 July 2009 at 14:38 #42533
Robert Mullan
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@robertmullan69263
Like many users of this website I am a newcomer to the world of model engineering, so I was pleased that you are running a series describing the construction of a Stuart 10H/10V for beginners. However the methods shown seem to take for granted access to a large lathe, a milling machine and no doubt other pieces of equipment, which I suspect many starting out don’t have.

I am currently using a Cowell’s 90ME lathe and a pillar drill as well as some hand tools. For the benefit of newbies would it be possible to show how it is done with such limited workshop facilities – just a small lathe and no mill, for example? What do other people think?
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28 July 2009 at 14:38 #4723
Robert Mullan
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@robertmullan69263
28 July 2009 at 16:51 #42534
Jim Whetren
Participant
@jimwhetren72358
Hello Robert,

The first steam model I made was a Stuart 10H.

At that time my only machine was a Cowells lathe; with some of the available accessories. If you give me some time to have a think, I will try to remember how I went about it.

I have certainly used the lathe for some ‘ridiculous’ projects, one for instance was a new lead screw nut for a Drummond lathe. This involved cutting an 8 TPI 1/8″ square left hand thread. The problem was that the workpiece had to be removed from the chuck to test the fit. It was however, a success.

Regards

Jim
28 July 2009 at 16:57 #42535
JasonB
Moderator
@jasonb
I made my 10V on a Unimat 3. If you are not sure of any setups I’ll try to think how I did it.

I did think the same when I first saw the articles that it would have been good to see it done on something like a 7×12 imported lathe which is in the sort of price bracket that a lot of beginners will be using.

Jason
28 July 2009 at 17:31 #42536
David Clark 13
Participant
@davidclark13
Hi There

Unfortunately I don’t have a small lathe, just a couple of Myfords.

The priciples are the same though.

regards david
29 July 2009 at 14:30 #42547
Funnyturn
Participant
@funnyturn
Where will I find this series? Is it on the website or in one of the mags? I have a 10V kit and would welcome the guidance…

Brian
29 July 2009 at 15:45 #42548
Robert Mullan
Participant
@robertmullan69263
David,

One of the things that got me thinking about this topic was your image showing the milling of the base casting. I can’t hold a piece that big in my chuck because it will not turn in the gap, let alone over the bed of the lathe. I got around this problem by mounting it horizontally on the vertical slide and using a fly cutter in the three jaw chuck. I have no idea whether this is really a good solution and I did find that the top slide was a bit wobbly at the ends of its travel. Nevertheless I got a reasonable result (after I worked out how to hold it securely).

The Stuart book says that all the castings can be prepared by filing, so perhaps you could show the best way to approach this as an alternative.

Cheers

Rob M
31 July 2009 at 17:17 #42578
Dave Jones 1
Participant
@davejones1
Brian

I have also made a stuart 10V using just a unimat 3, and a pillar drill. I didnt come across many problems if i remember correctly. There is a book called BUILDING A VERTICAL STEAM ENGINE FROM CASTINGS, which can be found on a well known book website (i dont think im allowed to mention any names!) but put it into google and it will find you some results for around £7. The only part I had problems machining was the base, so I did it by hand using a file and it turned out just fine. I think if I remember correctly. I also remember reading somewhere that someone made one using just hand tools, so it can be done!.

Dave
31 July 2009 at 22:58 #42584
Funnyturn
Participant
@funnyturn
Dave

Many thanks. I have this book and will take the plunge soon!

In fact I see this series of articles has just begun in latest issue of ME – must have missed it when I had a brouse!

Brian
1 August 2009 at 07:28 #42586
David Clark 13
Participant
@davidclark13
Hi There

Filing the 10H soleplate underside is covered in ME 4358 that went to press yesterday.

Subscribers will get it from next Saturday onwards and it will be in the newsagents n a fortnight.

Next I have to machine the trunk guide slot in the horizontal soleplate.

The postman has just delivered a Stuart Victoria to follow on from the 10’s.

regards David
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