Hello I am a college student at Des Moines Area Community College and I have a survey I need to be filled out for my CAD 254 design project in which I am designing my own fan powered by a model engine (attached). One of the requirements for my class is that I need to interview people with knowledge on certain subjects for my design and so I thought I would make and post a survey to these forums with general questions for the users on the forums here.
I've tried posting my google survey to these forums a couple of times but my posts keep getting deleted so instead I'll just upload a post with my questions in bulleted list form and hopefully you can respond in the replies:
- How many engines have you made?
- How much does it usually cost to make a model engine?
- When making engines do you usually prefer machining your own parts or getting purchased parts when applicable?
- Have you ever designed a model engine with an integrated electric start motor?
- What are some general considerations/tips for someone who is designing their first engine?
That's all my questions so hopefully this post gets accepted.
I will assume these are legitimate questions, and give my answers, as follows.
Opinions may vary greatly on these questions, so keep in mind this is just one set of opinions from one person.
1. How many engines have I made. Ans: One complete engine, and many ruined parts while learning to machine.
2. How much does it cost to make a model engine? Ans: A model engine can be made for perhaps $200.00 or less in material, depending on the complexity of the engine. This assumes one either has the machining equipment required, or has access to machine shop equipment.
3. Do I prefer to make my own parts, or purchase parts? Ans: I much prefer to make my own parts and castings, but some times I do purchase pre-machined parts such as small oilers, since these parts can be tiny, and making tiny intricate parts is both time consuming, and often outside of my skill level.
4. I have not designed a model with an integrated electric start motor, but I recall wishing some of my remote control airplane engines had electric start, especially when the engine would stop during mid-flight.
5. My recommendation for someone designing their first engine is to select a design that is simple enough to be relatively easily machined and assembled by someone with a beginner's skill level, and perhaps using less than perfect machine tools.
Choosing a complex engine to build can be very tempting, but can also lead to extreme frustration, and a prolonged and difficult building process.
Taking small steps in the learning process are in my opinion the best way to build up to more complex models over time, and the best way to build up confidence in your skills without being discouraged to the point of not wanting to continue building model engines.
I hope this helps.
Pat J
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