My Big Boiler Build

[Raygers]

As mentioned I am constructing a sizable 6"x12" boiler. I have several photographs that I will share, and I will endeavor to present them in chronological order.

The first one I have is shown to emphasize just how much of a struggle I have with my puny machine. But there is always a way to get around limitations like this. I turned wooden discs for each end and was able to chuck tyhe disc with the hole in it and use a centre in the other, not shown here.

 

[Raygers]

Here you can see a similar setup for cutting the ends of the firebox. I used a paring tool so I could get the required travel needed.
Both the outer body and the firebox are both 1/8" thick copper.

 

[Raygers]

Here I am drilling holes for the bushings. Another puny machine, I can't count the number of time I stalled the mill.

 

[Raygers]

Test fitting the outer tube into a brass angle ring, this ring holds the boiler to the base.
Bending the brass angle was a difficult process for me. I posted my concerns in an earlier post and received some ideas for making it a different way. I already had the ring started and being a rather stubborn old coot I persevered for many days and was successful in producing a respectable item.
One thing to mention, the faceplate I made myself a while ago and was rather pleased with it. This was the start of many drilled and or tapped holes, someone once said not to revere the faceplate as a holy object and use it to get the job done.

 

[Raygers]

The outer shell fitted to the brass ring and mouted on the base. I'm planning on firing the boiler with coal or the like and the front of the base is open to accept an ash pan. I have yet to make the pan.

 

[James Brumley]

Wow, that's looking promising and an inspiration for me to get up off my backside and back to work on my own. A smaller version, perhaps a third of what you've got showing there; so thanks so much for sharing. I look forward to seeing how your project unfolds. Have you an engine completed or in the works also?

 

[plipoma]

The outer shell fitted to the brass ring and mouted on the base. I'm planning on firing the boiler with coal or the like and the front of the base is open to accept an ash pan. I have yet to make the pan.


View attachment 164858

Very nice! Attached are photos of a very similar boiler I made years ago. It has a 6" Dia. shell by about 7" long with 40 each 1/2" fire tubes up the center.
It has FiberFax between the shell and the redwood lagging. It has a propane burner with a 12V solenoid valve controlled by a pressure sensor. There is a gas pilot light tube that bypasses the solenoid valve. The coil of tubing on the top is for pre-heating feed water. A very good project!

 

[Raygers]

Wow, that's looking promising and an inspiration for me to get up off my backside and back to work on my own. A smaller version, perhaps a third of what you've got showing there; so thanks so much for sharing. I look forward to seeing how your project unfolds. Have you an engine completed or in the works also?

Wow, that's looking promising and an inspiration for me to get up off my backside and back to work on my own. A smaller version, perhaps a third of what you've got showing there; so thanks so much for sharing. I look forward to seeing how your project unfolds. Have you an engine completed or in the works also?

This is my big baby; I started out making a small casting kit and was bitten by the bug. I saw Quinn (Blondiehacks) building this engine and knew that was for me, I love a challenge.

 

[Steamchick]

That boiler looks superb!
Well done sir.
K2