Opposed 4 Compressed Air

[Deanofid]

I sure like it, Chuck. Looking really good!

Dean

 

[cfellows]

Lookin good Chuck!

Are you going to make small 'bolt on' flanges for the tubing to be soldered to on the cylinder heads?

-MB

Thanks, MB. Yeah, I've already got the flanges made. They will be soldered onto the end of the tube going into the head.

 

[cfellows]

I sure like it, Chuck. Looking really good!

Dean

Thanks, Dean.

 

[cfellows]

I'm contemplating tapering the fins on the cylinders to make installing and removing the cylinder screws easier.

Like this:

 

[NickG]

Chuck, this is looking fantastic, I like the tapered fins idea. Can't wait to hear the sound of this thing!

Nick

 

[SAM in LA]

Chuck,

I really like the way you made the square cylinder with the fins.

I'm not so sure about the tapered look.

I can't wait to see the finished product.

SAM

 

[spuddevans]

I'm contemplating tapering the fins on the cylinders to make installing and removing the cylinder screws easier.

Have you thought about turning the taper on the lathe? The transition between the top square fin to a round bottom fin might look pretty neat, and would give that extra clearance for the cylinder screws.


Great build by the way, I always enjoy following your work.


Tim

 

[cfellows]

Thanks everyone for the appreciative comments. I'm putting the tapered fin idea on hold for now. At this point I'm getting pumped at the idea of making a steel, 4 bladed propeller, like this drawing...

It would be about 7 1/2" in diameter and I'm thinking of making it from steel. Haven't decided whether it would be made from one solid piece or built up, but would probably be built up to save material and make machining easier. I'm thinking this kind of prop would have good flywheel properties as well as being attractive.

Chuck

 

[ariz]

Chuck, I see great progress here, can't wait to see it running

 

[slick95]

Very Nice Chuck. I'm an airplane nut and your engine just has aviation written all over it. Keep those pics coming Please

Jeff

 

[gbritnell]

Hi Chuck, I like the idea of the tapered cylinders. I think it would give it more of an aircraft engine look. Kind of like a Continental flat four. I'm curious as to how you're going to create the prop out of steel.
gbritnell

 

[cfellows]

Very Nice Chuck. I'm an airplane nut and your engine just has aviation written all over it. Keep those pics coming Please

Jeff

Thanks, Jeff, got another picture coming in a minute!

Hi Chuck, I like the idea of the tapered cylinders. I think it would give it more of an aircraft engine look. Kind of like a Continental flat four. I'm curious as to how you're going to create the prop out of steel.
gbritnell

The vote is still out on the tapered cylinders. But I do agree that the straight sided cylinders make the engine look kind of blocky and heavy.

As far as the prop goes, I'm still noodling on how to do it. I've been experimenting with cutting a slightly angular slice out of a PVC tube to fashion each blade. This gives me a slight twist and the back side of the blade would be cupped. Of course, I would make the real thing from a steel tube, but so far I haven't found a shape that pleases me. I've also thought of making each blade from a piece of 3/16 x 1/2" steel and welding them together in the center with each blade rotated slightly then grinding the airfoil on the front. Just not sure, yet, how I'm going to do it. In the end it will probably be brute force grinding and lots of hand work including (shudder) filing.

If you have any ideas, I sure would welcome them!

Chuck

 

[cfellows]

Got the air tubes cut, bent and dry fitted today. Will probably solder them up tomorrow.

Or, I may decide to try loctite. Got a new bottle of 620 that I'm itching to try out.

Chuck

 

[SAM in LA]

Chuck,

Looks great.

I like the blocky look.

SAM

 

[stevehuckss396]

Looking good Chuck. Looking forward to seeing the 4 blade prop.

 

[Deanofid]

The air tubes look just great, Chuck. Very uniform.
It does look good with square cylinders. I think the tapered style would look even better.

You're the boss! Either way, it's a neat looking engine.

Dean

 

[NickG]

Yeah, it looks brilliant either way.

NIck

 

[zeeprogrammer]

Nice Chuck. Looking great.

 

[cfellows]

Thanks Zee, Nick, Dean, Steve, Sam.

Didn't have much time for the shop today, but did manage to get the air inlet manifold finished. Soldered up the assemblies, then drilled & tapped the heads and bolted it all up.

Heres a few pictures:

Gotta see what else I can squeeze in before the wife convinces me I need to get started on refacing the kitchen cabinets! :

Chuck

 

[Maryak]

Chuck,

I really like your engine. :bow: :bow:

The prop as a flywheel is a great idea. :bow:

Personally, I like the cylinders as they are.

Best Regards
Bob