I want to build----(We're talking models here)

[brian Rupnow]

Well, that's the question, isn't it. I don't really know WHAT I want to build. I've got engines out the ying yang, both air/steam and internal combustion. I have thought about a flame licker, but nahhh--that doesn't really do it for me. Really, I would rather build something else for my engines to drive. Its just that I'm running out of things that are interesting to watch and small enough to drive with a small engine. I've got the slinky machine, the pump, the nodding donkey oilfield pump, the pile driver, the bubble machine, the sawmill, the Jacobs ladder ball elevator, the clockwork mechanism, the multiple gearing mechanism, and the steam donkey winch with the twin engines on it. None of my engines are powerful enough to run a circular saw, which kind of lets out the possibility of a buzz saw. I don't want something that merely goes around like a Ferris wheel. I'm stuck for ideas. I prefer something that doesn't require human intervention---the sawmill is very interesting to watch, but it requires my involvement to rewind the carriage and set the saw over to cut another board.---I'm open for suggestions.---Brian

[TGriffin]

Why don't you build an electric motor? You could make it vintage design with the armature, field, windings and brushes (if used) exposed for the world to see. I have visions of polished brass and black enamel.

Tom

[bob_s]

How about combining a bunch of your devices ala Rube Goldberg?
West Edmonton mall, way back 30+ years ago used to have their ball machines, which were absolutely fascinating to watch (hyperactive 2year old could watch for the better part of half an hour)

[JCHannum]

The next step is a vehicle. Steam traction engine, steam roller, early gas powered vehicle or railroad engine.

[Toolguy]

Maybe a dynamo or electric generator powered by an engine.

[darryl]

How about a model of a calculating machine- surely those required a motor or engine of some kind.

[ahidley]

Well here is a thought. At least this is what I'm working on as time permits. Which hasent been very much in the last year or so.. Anyway. I built a jerry howell V2 engine and I had the same issue as you, what to power with it?. I heat a house with fire wood and have a 22ton 5.5 HP gas powered log splitter. So after talking to Jerry he said that his enigne puts out about 1 hp. So I designed a complete scaled down log splitter that will crush aluminum cans. Yea I know I could spend $3 and get a can crusher from harbor freight but what fun would that be?? Now I sized everything, the pump, valve, electric starter, etc based on the 1hp rateing. If it doesnt quite have enough power I'll add a turbo charger to it. Ahhh that would be cool and it also will require me to drink more beer to run it. Jerry also said that with all the shows that he has ever gone to he had never seen any hydraulic model powered things..... So that being said, power anything hydraulic. Perhaps a hydraulic nut cracker?

[vpt]

An air compressor?

[j king]

How's about a writing doll lol

[coalsmok]

Have you considered a oil/gas well drilling derick. That would keep you busy for awhile.

[vpt]

Pencil sharpener. Bench grinder for HSS bits.

[The Artful Bodger]

How about some gold fields or farm machinery. A stamping mill crunching up glass marbles and the chips passing into a ball mill to be every finely powdered maybe? Grain crusher? A miniature hay baler is always a great crowd pleaser, stationary of course.

[flylo]

Design & build an aircraft. You won't get bored with the engineering of airfoils, thrust/lift, weight vs strength, CGs, etc,etc. Then comes the day you strao in, start up & realize it's your *ss in the sling & flying is a most unforgiving sport.

[brian Rupnow]

Flylo---Funny story.--A few years ago I worked for a large engineering firm, designing Die-casting machines. I never believed in engineering things right to the limits of metal failure, and consequently the machines I designed had a heavy industrial look to them. They worked great, and I never had a machine failure in the field. The owner of the company came to me and asked why the machines I designed were so heavy and rugged looking. I told him that on any machine, the actual material was the cheapest part of the entire machine. The cost was in the engineering and controls, and replacing broken parts that failed in use from being designed too light in the first place. He looked at me and said "Well, its plain that you never designed any aircraft!!!" I said "Bill, I've worked here for 2 years and I've never seen you flying a casting machine around!!!" About two weeks later, he fired me.

[flylo]

That is funny! With your talent you could do well drsigning stealth drones. Think about it!