METALWORKING SKILLS

THE VIRTUAL MACHINE SHOP - FREE METALWORK LESSONS ON LINE

To find out how to purchase the engine plans click HERE

To build these engines you will need to have had some experience in using a lathe for turning, facing, 3 and 4-jaw work and turning between centres. No milling is needed and there are no castings needed either. You will be required to do some soft soldering, but this process is described fully in the plans and in the metalworking page.

You will need a pillar drill, preferably with a crossvice, and the ability to cut screwthreads accurately using taps and dies - (no actual forming of screwthreads on the lathe using lathe cutting tools is necessary).

I describe in the plans and have included on this website methods for accurate screwcutting which involve holding taps and dies in the lathe and pillar drill in order to start the thread correctly. The photograph above shows a simple tailstock dieholder I made for this purpose. Starting the threadcutting with a hand held tap or die is not precise enough for this job. Once the threads have been started accurately then cutting can be continued by hand in the vice in the usual manner. The engine uses only the metric threads sizes M6 coarse and M8 fine. The nearest sizes to these in other thread types would be acceptable.

If you have just bought your first lathe then the single cylinder engine TOSCA would be an ideal project. The plans are written to suit a first time engine builder with a basic knowledge of lathe work.

I have set up this website to promote my engines and encourage others to build them but I do not want to sell the plans to those who do not have a good chance of making them. If you are a complete novice then you should pospone buying the engine plans until you have learnt the basics of lathe work. To learn more about lathe turning click on the link above.

If you have reasonable turning skill and can make a fair job of the other areas of metalworking I have described then you have a very good chance of being able to build the engines.

I have included a sample page of the plans to help you judge if you would be able to make the engines. Try making the part shown, the piston rod, and if you can do this then your skill level should be sufficient. Webpages on accurate screwcutting methods, grinding and setting of lathe tools and reading measuring instruments have been included to help you.

The plans contain many useful hints and tips and describe exactly step by step how to make each component of the engines. They are fully illustrated with photographs and diagrams.

I wish you every success if you decide to try to build these engines. I would recommend trying to build Tosca" first. If you succeed then with the experience you will gain you should be able to build "Jessie".

You will then be able to show them off with a pride which is enhanced by knowing that you don’t just own these engines but you built them as well. It’s a good feeling - believe me I know!