Hello from Missouri

[justafurnaceman]

Hello everyone! I decided that I probably should an introduction before I start asking questions or posting in the other forums. A little about myself; I'm very new to machining and model engines. I enjoy working with my hands and anything mechanical. After six years working in the HVAC field I joined the Army. I don't work with my hands enough during the day so I picked up working on motorcycles and anything else in my spare time. I have a local machinist who graciously allows me to hang out in his shop and ask questions. It helps that I bring him bread and other goodies that my wife makes. I also sweep his floor while I'm there.
I'm really fascinated with the physic properties of the various engines that you guys have built, especially the ones that use heat to move the pistons. I have some scrap metal that I've been eyeing to see what I can make out of it. I also am trying to find an engine that would be a good build to learn some basic machining skills.

 

[steamer]

Welcome justafurnaceman!


Jump on in the water is fine!

I would suggest a wobbler for a first effort. If you check our threads and probably our download section, I'm sure a set of plans for one will pop up.

Welcome aboard!

Dave "steamer"

 

[dalem9]

Welcome .Dream on .and see what you can build .Dale

 

[Maryak]

justafurnaceman,

Welcome to our forum "Hot Damn." wEc1

Best Regards
Bob

 

[Blue_Rock]

Hi Justafurnaceman

Welcome to the forum!

 

[gld]

Welcome to the forum

Gary in Tarkio, Mo

 

[compspecial]

Welcome just a furnaceman you will find plenty to interest you here! BTW semple steam engines are made down your way somewhere.
cheers Stew..

 

[justafurnaceman]

Thanks for the welcome guys! I have seen copies of the wobbler engine and I think that it'll be a great first choice.

-Stew, thanks for the info. I'll defiantly try to get up their and check it out.

 

[lazylathe]

Welcome to the forum!!!!

Like you i am also interested in the "Hot air" engines also known as Stirling engines.
They come in many shapes and sizes, something to suit everyone.

A fun first project could also be a Laminar Flow engine.
I have just completed one and it runs pretty well!

Hope to see some of your work soon!!!

Andrew

 

[dalem9]

Hi Could you turn the heat on up here it's only 42 here in mich.Thanks a bunch Dale

 

[Tin Falcon]

After six years working in the HVAC field I joined the Army.

First of all thank you for serving in the military . 6 years army guard Communications then 18 air guard inducing machining welding and aircraft sheet metal.for me . I think you will find this a great place to chill ;D Thanks for the intro.

I have a local machinist who graciously allows me to hang out in his shop and ask questions.

great for both of you.

I also am trying to find an engine that would be a good build to learn some basic machining skills.

while Stirling engines are great projects and totally fascinating they can be quite a challenge to get running.
I would suggest you download a copy of army tc 9-524 Fundamentals of machine tools.
here are the two engines I usually recommend for first engines.
http://littlemachineshop.com/Products/Drawings/2593OscillatingEngineAssembly.pdf
http://npmccabe.tripod.com/mccaberunner.htm

I also recommend reading the "Getting Started in Model engineering " Thread found here.
http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/index.php?topic=9413.0
Welcome to the board.
Tin

 

[justafurnaceman]

Dale - I don't miss the cold North at all! I'll try to send some heat your way but I don't think that it's going to make it. ;D I'm originally from Maine so I understand.

Tin - Your "Getting started in model engineering" was one of the first articles that I read when I found this site. What kept me coming back was seeing how friendly everyone was and the tremendous stuff that was being done. Thanks for the recommendations, those look like great engines to start out on. Also, thank you for YOUR service. I've only done 5 so I haven't done nearly as much as you.

 

[Tin Falcon]

LMS does have a Stirling kit with pre- made cylinder and piston sets.
http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2203&category=386435363
also they have a materials kit for the LMS oscillator. saves time trying to source out the pieces needed.
http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2594&category=386435363
Tin

 

[justafurnaceman]

Thanks Tin! What a great website. My wish list just doubled in length. :big: I'll just start slowly picking things up.