Hit me - Miss me?

[joe d]

Bob

I've got some piston rings in my future, so many thanks for the tutorial! Nice to see you back at your engine, bet you're enjoying it.

Cheers, joe

 

[Deanofid]

Nice ring write up, Bob!

Dean

 

[ozzie46]

Thanks for that Bob, Sure is a lot easier than the other ways of doing it I've read about.

Ron

 

[putputman]

Bob, lot of good information on this thread. Thanks.

I am interested in your technique for making rings. I want to give it a try someday. That is one part of these engines that I never had the courage, or knowledge, to try.

Question: I have never heard the term "spun cast iron". Could you tell me a little about it and how it differs from just plain grey cast. Is it specified as spun cast iron when you purchase it.

 

[Maryak]

Tony, Joe, Dean and Ron,

Thanks Guys for you kind words and support. :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:

Ppm,

Thanks for your interest. :bow:

This is my understanding but if someone can give more detail, I know of at least 2 people who will appreciate it. Spun cast iron is cast iron which is poured into a rotating mold i.e. the mold spins the metal as it enters and centrifugal force ensures an even homogeneous mix with no occlusions etc. etc. A bit like the way they make concrete pipes. There is no hard outside skin as experienced with cast iron ingots and it is an absolute joy to machine. The result of having such an even mix is there are no hard or soft spots and all the properties of the metal are consistent throughout.

The last piece I bought was 4" diameter and 1ft long and cost $AU100 about 4 years ago. In Oz it is available from Surnam Metals in varying diameters and lengths. Quite often offcuts can be had but the prices from this company are always at the top of the range.

Hope this helps.

Best Regards
Bob

 

[gjn]

Bob is correct in all respects re the spun cast iron. I've also used the stuff from Surnam's and as he says it's good but not cheap. I've not been able to find another supplier in SA so for the moment that's all we've got.

It's good to see the project regaining momentum after the domestic hiatus.

 

[Maryak]

It's good to see the project regaining momentum after the domestic hiatus.

Gavin,

Thanks for your continued support and help. :bow:

I think with this project momentum is more like a moment.................per month....................um.

Not a lot to show but here are today's moments. ;D

Squaring up a piece of Aluminium for the conrod.

Marking off for splitting the big end.

Set up to drill the big end studs and split the bearing with a slitting saw.

Playing with my collets and other interruptions in the form of phone instructions from you know who meant this was a Necessary good place to stop.

Best Regards
Bob

 

[gjn]

Ah well, any progress is a good sign. Things will be easier when you relocate the workshop up into the hills.

Rgds - Gavin

 

[kustomkb]

Nice work Bob!

Glad to see the progress!

House is a beauty too!

 

[Deanofid]

Glad you got to see your shop again, Bob!

Dean

 

[steamer]

"Playing with my collets and other interruptions in the form of phone instructions from you know who meant this was a Necessary good place to stop."


Had similar interruptions during the boat build......hang in there!....looking great!


Dave

 

[Maryak]

Gavin, Kevin, Dean and Dave,

That's almost the 1st line of a poem but I better not otherwise Marv will think I'm beyond help. ;D

Anyway, thanks guys for your ongoing support.

SHOP TIME

The conrod is coming along quite nicely.

The holes in one end drilled prior to splitting for the big end.

The big end is slitted and splitted.

All joined up and ready to start some turning.

Checking the tailstock alignment with a test bar.

Roughed out and ready for reversing and tapering.

The completed turning .............next................ drilling the big end and gudgeon.

Enough excitement for one day - time to quit whilst I'm ahead.

Best Regards
Bob

 

[Deanofid]

Hey, there he is, and he found his way back to the shop!
I don't know how you do it, Bob. Being so far from your machines, I mean.
I'd get the shakes if mine weren't within walking distance.

Glad you got some more time at it. The crank is looking good!

Dean

 

[arnoldb]

Thats looking very good Bob :bow:

And I like all the home-made tools you're using; the lathe dog, tool bit "holders" and it looks like your slitting saw arbor is home-made as well Thm:

"The big end is slitted and splitted. " :big:

Kind regards, Arnold

 

[Maryak]

I don't know how you do it, Bob. Being so far from your machines, I mean.
I'd get the shakes if mine weren't within walking distance.

Dean,

I know what you mean. I'm think about the 3 "V's" VODKA, VALIUM and VIAGRA. That may stop one shake then again maybe I'll shake all the harder so to speak. : ;D

And I like all the home-made tools you're using; the lathe dog, tool bit "holders" and it looks like your slitting saw arbor is home-made as well.

Arnold,

Yes my tool holders, (except for the parting tool), lathe dogs etc. are Holme made including some of my milling arbors. The slitting saw and side and face cutter arbor has had a hard life and I'm thinking about a new one with an improved design and maybe a key and keyway. So many things to do and so little time to do them. I'm sort of working on the principle - If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Anyway, thanks to you both for your continued support. :bow: :bow:

I actually made it to the shop again today but managed to put 2 duff batteries in my camera. I have now put them, (the batteries), in the rubbish bin.

I drilled and reamed the conrod bearings and have taken one side down to size. Piccys next week.

Best Regards
Bob

 

[Maryak]

Hi Guys,

Got to the shop early this week as I had a bit of urgent business at that end, (the other end), of town. Good combo business and pleasure. I managed to finish off the machining of the conrod.

Last Friday's effort of one side of the rod.

Setup for mlling the big and gudgeon ends.

Test fit of the bigend and crankshaft.

Sizing the gudgeon end of the rod.

Milling the gudgeon end round to the guide, (machined off nut).

The finished machining - now for my worst part - BLING.

Best Regards
Bob

 

[gjn]

Looking good Bob, glad you are getting a bit of workshop time again after the upheaval of build Casa del Bob down south.

 

[Philjoe5]

That's one heck of a con rod Bob. Your photo documentation, as usual, is up to high standards. That's a lot of metal carving, setups, and it all came together - nicely orchestrated :bow:

Cheers,
Phil

 

[Jack B]

Hi Bob
We both seem to be following the same path but your work is a lot nicer than mine. Best of luck. Jack B

 

[Deanofid]

Shoot. Missed your whole last post on the con-rod, Bob. Looking great.
Hope you're able to put down the vodka and valium and make your way back to the shop soon.


Dean