Brian builds a Corliss

[brian Rupnow]

So, what did I make today?---Not much really. Spent the morning going to doctors appointments---got a needle to prevent pneumonia, got a needle to prevent shingles, set up appointments to see other doctors. Came home, eat lunch, and then went down to my little shop and built an eccentric. You can't see it in the picture, but this is a very special two part eccentric that has the far side flange bolted on with three shcs. About half way thru the build of this eccentric, which was made two part so that I could make a one piece eccentric strap, I realized that it was a great idea but there wouldn't be any way to reach the grub screw to set the valve timing. Well POOP!!! Decided that since it was half finished, I might as well keep working and finish it, but will still have to build a two piece eccentric strap. You can see in the picture that I also finished the gland that screws into the rod end cylinder cap. I think the only things left to make are the eccentric strap and the valves. Wow!!! I won't make the wooden base until I'm sure that the engine runs.

[PStechPaul]

I think the eccentric and strap are just barely visible here:

[Richard P Wilson]

i built a locomotive model with 4 eccentrics on a crank axle, very congested, no room for bosses on the eccentrics, so the screws were in the sheave, and a hole drilled in the strap so you could poke an allen key through to tighten the screw.

[brian Rupnow]

There is an absolutely stupid amount of time required to make an eccentric strap. I worked from 9:00 this morning until 2:00 this afternoon making this one part. Maybe this afternoon I can see about making the valves.

[RB211]

There is an absolutely stupid amount of time required to make an eccentric strap. I worked from 9:00 this morning until 2:00 this afternoon making this one part. Maybe this afternoon I can see about making the valves.

That would take less than one hour on my CNC Taig. However that is an entirely different skill set. I appreciate the work that goes into doing it manually.
Well, you bought a TIG, is CNC in your future? Why do I ask questions to answers I already know?

[Ringo]

You mentioned CNC run that part <1hr.
How long does it take to write the CNC program?

[brian Rupnow]

Ringo--I have no CNC--All of my machines are manual.---Brian

[GordonL]

I know there are different opinions here but I much prefer to see something done with manual machines. CNC is too much just a computer programing exercise. Someone could program a CNC and not even know what a lathe or mill looks like. I miss the old craftsman builders who turned out quality pieces with even sub standard machines. Where is the next generation of craftsmen coming from. This is about a hobby, not meeting production goals.

As you can tell I am old.

YMMV

[brian Rupnow]

Gordon--I can see the financial benefit of programming a cnc, then letting your machine run and make a thousand parts, or to program your machine and hire some $8 an hour guy to load and unload parts. I can't see it for home hobby environments, but some here obviously do, and more power to them. Too each his own.---Brian

[lbender]

Someone could program a CNC and not even know what a lathe or mill looks like.

Not done much CNC programming, have you.

[oxford]

Gordon--I can see the financial benefit of programming a cnc, then letting your machine run and make a thousand parts, or to program your machine and hire some $8 an hour guy to load and unload parts. I can't see it for home hobby environments, but some here obviously do, and more power to them. Too each his own.---Brian

So you are on multiple model engine building forums and can see no benefit of what these guys are building with their home CNC?

You’re either not being honest about it or you never bother to look at what other people are building.

[sid pileski]

I know there are different opinions here but I much prefer to see something done with manual machines. CNC is too much just a computer programing exercise. Someone could program a CNC and not even know what a lathe or mill looks like. I miss the old craftsman builders who turned out quality pieces with even sub standard machines. Where is the next generation of craftsmen coming from. This is about a hobby, not meeting production goals.

As you can tell I am old.

YMMV

I’d just like to see this generation make quality pieces with decent quality machines. It’s not always about the machine.
You can make scrap parts on a CNC too!!

[GordonL]

I have no problem with however anyone wants to pursue their hobby. Do what makes you happy. I have friends who spend all day chasing a little white ball around a cow pasture. Not for me. Actually I am inconsistent also. I started out making drawings with a T square and triangles and now use CAD. I have DRO's on my machines instead of using the dials.

[brian Rupnow]

Oxford--Bite me!!---Brian

[oxford]

Oxford--Bite me!!---Brian

You’re right, I’m sorry. No benefit at all.

Okay, maybe it's time for some wheeling and dealing. Any of you CNC guys out there want to make me a couple of cams as shown?.----Brian