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I finally got some air to this thing, in a rather half-@$$ fashion, but good enough to show it runs. John W

My wife and son are REALLY big on decorating for Halloween, so I’ve 3D printed several pieces for them. So far, I haven’t had an opportunity to machine anything in the way of decorative items, welded several wire frames, but nothing much. 30 years ago I welded up a wire frame fixture...

Nice work Andy, and thanks for the files! I’m currently on an Ender 3 V2 using Capricorn PTFE for my Bowden, and love the way it fits. I’ve run the Capricorn Bowden into the bottom of the hot end, and haven’t had a problem with any more clogs or failures since. Since doing that, I have...

Yep, I’ll have to give it a try to see how it works out. First step will be experimenting with the TPU and my Bowden tube! John W

Welcome to the insanity David! Once you start, you can’t very easily get out!!! Lots of REALLY talented folks here with tons of advice, so don’t be afraid to ask! Let us know where you’re from and what you’re interested in. John W

That looks great! I’m redrawing Elmer’s Geared engine with the thought that I’d print everything except a cylinder liner and piston (I’ll use a glass and graphite dash pot), and bearings. I’ve already drawn the ring and spur gears and will start on the rest in the next couple weeks. I’d like...

Not only a junk yard, but a recycling yard full of mill ends and other useful “trash”! The owner and I have become best buddies since I took a couple of my IC engines out and ran them for him. Scrap prices for “mystery metal” make my creations more affordable, and that’s something EVERY...

Hi Scott, thanks for the thoughts regarding the large displacement foot pump. As for the size, you should have no problem with any of the parts. The two largest parts are the flywheel (4 5/8”), and the base (5 1/4”), and your 6” print envelope should have plenty of room to handle them. John W

Now THAT is a unique solution to the air problem! Cheap too in that I have several lying about used for weed control around the acreage (a never ending task I’m afraid). Thanks for the tip Alan, I’ll give it a try! John W

Thanks, all sound advice for sure! I used a brake cylinder hone on the cylinders to smooth them (I use the same type of tool on my CI cylinders for my internal combustion engines), and lubricate with a small bit of olive oil. All of the movable joints are fastened with 4-40 screws, but the...

I’ve been considering a printed head gasket (and just gaskets in general) from TPU. The problem is that II don’t have a direct drive extruder/head for the TPU! Another option to ABS might be PETG since it has the same heat resistance/deformity properties as ABS without the poison fumes! If I...

I will look at the local Harbor Freight store for one of the large capacity air tanks commonly used to inflate car tires. I believe their pressure rating will be high enough, and with that volume and a small regulator left over from my cabinet shop days, I should be able to get quite a long run...

That’s a good idea Doug. I’ll have to cruise the local junk yard and see what’s lying around! John W

I gave one to my son awhile back, but it’s very noisy. The aquarium pumps are generally less than 40dB, and while still noisy, they’re easier to muffle. Thanks for the thought though! JohnW

Thanks, perhaps I’ll find some info on a pump that’s big enough to do the job, quiet enough to keep from overshadowing the engine itself, but still small enough to put in the base under the engine when on display. Time to keep looking! John W

Thanks! It runs great too, but I haven’t plumbed it so I can get a video. Currently it takes two hands to get air to it and hold it. All REAL credit belongs to the original poster, palexander609 for his design on Thingiverse.:) This is a relatively new venture for me, I’ve been working on CAD...

I recently completed a 3d printed double acting steam engine with my Creality printer. Other than a couple issues with tolerances (probably due to using mixed filament types, PETG and PLA+), I believe it turned out very well. Credit to the designer palexander609 distributed for free on...

Congratulations Pat, nice engine! John W

Congratulations Pat! Nailing down issues like those can make a man pull his hair out. You didn’t say what kind of rings you used, but if they’re cast iron, as you’ve probably guessed, will take a bit of running to seat them and establish enough compression. Tiny displacement engines are...

I know you’ve got extensive knowledge in mechanics, and maybe this is a foolish question, but is your spark plug wet after your attempts? Carburetion, valve seating, compression testing, etc., etc., etc., are so important in these small displacement engines. I had a devil of a time with my...