Let's Build A Model Steam Engine! Prep and Planning

This episode on Blondihacks, let's build a model steam engine (or start one anyway). Exclusive videos, drawings, models & plans available on Patreon!
/ quinndunki
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PM1 engine image copyright of PM Research, Inc. Used With Permission.

[@electrogrim]

There's a "Dimension Start Reference Point" on the drawings. Why wouldn't you use that rather than the crosshead rails, or does it mean something else that I don't understand? (Which is entirely possible)

[@Blondihacks]

This is a great question. The truth is I didn’t notice that until later. However I think it was in my favor to reference the crosshead slides because they are machined, and the suggested reference is a raw casting surface. I’m not 100% what they intend there.

[@ericpaul4575]

The cylinder body needs to mount to that start point and you need 3/4” from the center line to do that. That is why you need to start there. The main shaft can be centered on the 45deg mount by machining the surface to the correct depth.

[@iowapanner2223]

The "Dimension Start Reference Point" is given so that the machinist can know where the draftsman was going from when he drew it. This can be helpful when checking the accuracy of certain dimension, esp. angles that are given in degrees. I have encountered this type of problem on injection molding die parts I was asked to make. Most machinists, mold makers, etc have their preferred method of selecting a starting point for the actual machine work. Nothing wrong with using the "Dimension Start Reference Point", but you may find that some other point can work out better.

[@josephcitizen4195]

Can someone point out where in the video? thanks, really looking forward to this project. edit: 16:03 shows it. That's not really going to help in the initial machining. Like BH mentions, it's a cast surface. the bottom surface should have had a parallel GDT to the 'way slide' surface. I think you're going about it the right way BH.

[@Blondihacks]

@@resipsaloquitur13 This is my thought as well. It's all about minimizing misalignment that would cause binding along the main axis.

[@TheDagda1000]

Watching your video has given me a delightful feeling of nostalgia. I made a "Stuart D10" (vertical double cylinder) 43 years ago. Really enjoyed making it.

[@HanstheTraffer]

Let me make a prediction here: This series is going to prompt or inspire at least 20 budding hobby machinists to make their own steam engines. You have a way of making things look so appealing. I just wish I had the money, time, room, ability and youth to follow some of the ideas you relate. Thanks for sharing your love of this stuff.

[@davidowens8829]

She got me. My kit just arrived a few days ago

[@PatrickPoet]

Dave Richards talks a lot about what a bigger steam boiler is like and in one episode somewhere about the required inspections, how often you get inspected and the things they check during the inspection. For those who don't know, Dave is a semi-retired machinest that built a steam powered workshop next to his machine shop (same building). It has the wheels and leather overhead spinning and turning and a big steam engine running lathes and shapers and mills. Everything is 1925 or earlier so he has equipment running from the late 1800s. He does about sixty jobs in a year in there like boring and sleeving cylinder blocks, or repairing a cracked head and surfacing it, and repairing just about any damn thing. He's a master with a life time of experience. On KZbin just search for David Richards if you're interested. If you're interested in this channel you probably would be. He's a slightly mellower version of Blondihacks. He answers questions all of the time and encourages them. He likes to teach.

[@Blondihacks]

Anyone watching me should definitely be watching David. He’s terrific.

[@stringlesswonder]

This is the project I bought my moderately used 9 x 20 lathe for just about a year ago. A good six months worth of tear down and refurbish. My wife promptly asked me to make a little pen-like wooden sewing gizmo for her, so the last couple months have been spent setting it up for wood turning. I don't have a mill yet so this project may be beyond what i am prepared to tackle, but i will be keenly glued to the series. I built a steam engine in high school metal shop, but the instructor insisted (and rightfully so) on compressed air only. It is a surprise to many people that water under steam pressure in a boiler packs energy similar to dynamite. Stories of boiler explosions from the 1800's are amazing.

[@Blondihacks]

Indeed, compressed gasses are no joke. Luckily, at model scales, it’s easy to ridiculously overbuild them. Schedule K copper pipe (the body) is rated for almost 1300 psi, for example.

[@johnapel2856]

This is going to be neat! I've watched some Mr. Pete stuff on steam engines and really enjoyed them, so I am stoked. See what I did there? Stoked, steam engines? Ok. Nevermind. Thanks, and Meow to Sprocket.

[@Blondihacks]

😏😏😏

[@rennkafer13]

@John Verne he does seem pretty chuffed...

[@davidowens8829]

I've watched this series atleast 4 times now. This is now the first time that "we" are actually going to build it. My kit just arrived a few days ago.

[@Clough42]

Great project! I've been thinking about doing one someday. Having access to Future vision, you of course don't need my comment that machining those crankshaft bearing cap surfaces will lower the crank position, giving you more leeway on the cross head slide ways.

[@MikelNaUsaCom]

As a former boiler operator... in my previous life... I support this project. To me the boiler is much more interesting than the engine, however, it took many years of explosions to perfect all the safety measures, which are currently in place for production systems. Can't wait to see all the joy you get from the steam engine. =D

[@stevenanderson7623]

“Yak-shaving!” Awesome!

[@davfew]

I ordered the casting kit for a PMR #7 twin before I took delivery of my Sherline lathe and mill. It was my first time machining project - I learned a lot, and was a lot fun working with their excellent castings. It was great to know that when I stuffed a part beyond saving they would sell me a replacement. You will enjoy making this Quinn, as we will enjoy following.

[@vaalrus]

“Making tools to make tools, and before you know it, you’re out in the back yard chipping flint…” - Lorne Elliot

[@DavidLindes]

Sure, why not? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqbbqJV6qLWqqcU :D

[@Cooper_42]

Best crypto-Canadian reference ever.

[@zerocontent3171]

Hey chipping flint can be very therapeutic.

[@candicebeebe6688]

Red wine and Blondihacks best thing ever.

[@PatrickPoet]

So glad you switched to the dremel. I would use a flexshaft since I make jewelry but same thing. I'd used a diamond wheel in the flaxshaft to hog out the biggest part of the flashing.

[@jasonboren9951]

I'm really pumped to see the problems and your processes solving them. Really cool project. This is going to be fun

[@awizardalso]

I've loved railroad steam engines ever since I saw one pass by in 1957. I have been amazed at how complex they are.

[@timbroderick6250]

You might consider getting full size copies of the plans & keep the originals safe off of the bench. I look forward to this project of yours.

[@drahcirtmd3924]

So the other day I ran out of new or unwatched Blondihacks videos... only one thing for it. Do it again! Starting back in on the Steam Engine series. It brought me here and is my favourite series. ^_^

[@GaryT1952]

This is going to be fun Quinn! Love your thought process...anticipating problems, calculating outcomes and finding solutions. This is the kind of project that keeps you up at night and your brain working overtime.

[@marknerren402]

Ohhh, I'm going to love this one. I have had a PM-1 stored for years waiting on me. I also have one already built and I love the slow lope this engine will run.

[@gordon6029]

Can’t wait! This will answer a lot of questions I have such as how you cut your first surface (the bottom of the frame) and make it square. Yup, can’t wait :) Thanks Quinn.

[@marcmckenzie5110]

Quinn, I’m excited about this project, as I have no sense of how big such a project is. Watching you, beyond it being entertaining, will help many of us decide if and how big a steam project to tackle.

[@jerrydemas2020]

"a toaster in a bathtub" Quinn , I laughed so hard that I gave myself a headache. Love the commentary

[@elliotwitkowski6098]

6:01 - “This thing is essentially a toaster in a bathtub...” I went right to Groundhog Day. Btw you’re such a nerd! It’s amazing! Keep the videos coming!

[@gottfriedschuss5999]

@Blondihacks, "BTW, you're such a nerd!" Ditto. High praise, indeed! Be well & Best regards, Gottfried

[@danbreyfogle8486]

I am not a machinist (old woodworker here) but I am anxious to follow this project as it seems very interesting. I enjoy watching how machinists set up for an operation and in many cases it gives me ideas on my intricate woodworking projects. Unlike machinists that hold tolerances in the thousandths of an inch I try holding a 1/64" tolerance and many of the things I see you folks do help me meet my tolerances.

[@cricketthebeardie325]

yak shaving is my new favorite word!

[@jantimbramble7941]

Oh Yeah, I'm excited by this project! And I can't imagine anyone better suited to walk us though the process. Your channel just continues to get better and better.

[@Critical_Path]

So cool! I am super excited for this project series. Weird fixtures and creative tooling are some of my favorite things

[@bobvines00]

Quinn, I'm _really_ looking forward to this series. Very few other KZbin channels show "model engineering" (even if the Content Creator has stated that they enjoy it) and you give some of the best, easily understandable "beginners" explanations of what you're doing/what you're trying to do. I'm interested in making "models" _and_ in steam engines, so I won't miss an episode! ;)

[@edwardtaylor7047]

Nice choice, i built the same engine a year ago fabbed my own crank shaft with steel and 3/8ths drill rod..enlarged the holes for the crank and machined bronze bearings. A few tips: have a way to get oil into cylinder after steaming to prevent rust inside the bore...a silicone o-ring works better than the teflon piston rings provided.and a displacement lubricator is a must for steam runs...other than that have fun cant wait to see the finished product.

[@mikecurtin9831]

I've only been watching your stuff for about 10 months now, so I don't know if you have prior experience with this, but bring extra patience when dealing with machining iron and/or steel castings. Sometimes they don't extend as far as you need, sometimes there are unseen voids, and sometimes there are inclusions of sand and other interesting materials. In other words, every one is unique. Not usually undoable, just an extra challenge. I look forward to this series even more than usual, and thumbs up to crush a troll.

[@anthonythomas3231]

Hi Quinn, I’m really looking forward to this series. I’ve learned such a lot from you already, and this project looks like it will go to a whole new level.

[@leroyc179]

Blondihacks, I think we are all looking forward to this build with great anticipation :) Two thumbs up!!

[@leiferickson3183]

This is very exciting! I have always wanted to do something like this and it will be very instructive to see someone else make their first machine.

[@cilynx]

Very happy to see you coming full circle. Looking forward to more steam powered adventures.

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

This should be a very interesting series. Of course I have watched people all over the world build steam engines and each one has their own way.

[@danocronopolis]

oh HELL yeah i just picked up this kit a couple months ago, and have been wondering about a bunch of these exact issues looking forward to more installments, keep 'em coming! you're the best quinn

[@ShawnDon64]

Good video Quinn. Thank you. I first looked at PM Research castings years ago when I got my first lathe but have not had a lot of interest in model building. I am seeing now that building them might not result in usable product at the end, like many of your tool building videos which I have enjoyed, but the knowledge gained in building models(and tools built/acquired) is enormous. I may be ordering a PM kit afterall.

[@jamesdodson5554]

Awesome video! Thanks so much! Im selling my SMithy Midas right now and diving fully into my tool addiction and plan on grabbing a pm25 and a 1022 lathe, this will be one of the first projects I take up after doing so, cant wait to follow along.

[@davidschaer8974]

Wow, thanks for taking this on. I've always looked at the PM research kits and drooled.

[@harolddunn8395]

Very Cool! I just ordered a PM1 Kit so I can follow along with your build. Looking forward to the adventure and hope to learn a lot along the way...

[@DobleWhiteAndStabley]

You inspired me to make a full size steam generator plant because of your last videos on the DC dynamo. I've since been slamming down steam engine content from youtube and online as ai learn all the ins and outs of this frankly amazing old tech that is so incredibly. Useful and hardy. I will be putting a lot of my time and effort into building up the foundational tech and tools to build this. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@adrianharrison5208]

have been trying to watch this now for over a week.. Really looking forward to the rest of it

[@emrfixit]

An awesome video for my birthday! I am excited to see this series!

[@johnschiavi4154]

Awesome project Quinn. These are the types of things that peek my interest and my engineering/machining curiosity. Well Done.

[@sandersn4]

Quinn...the importance of the "Dimension Start Reference Point" is that it is a final surface point that is farthest from center dimension of the casting. By starting machining from there, you are guaranteeing that all of the other machined dimensions will land within the as-cast dimension of the piece. If you start from some other place you risk that some part of the casting will have a finished surface that is not within the cast iron piece you receive. All dimension then relate back to this point since no other as-cast surface is a true reference for the finished piece.

[@LastBastionLabs]

Love the direction you are headed! Please continue, very excited about this!

[@firebird8600]

Yay!! It's Blondihacks time!

[@TheFreshmanWIT]

I did a PM#3 a few months ago (perhaps an easier engine?), but I found that just using my DRO bolt circle tool on the mill did a fantastic job. They say to match-drill, but my DRO holes were perfect. Another thing to pay attention to: The distance between the crankshaft bore and the cylinder mount face is not SUPER important, but the squareness is. You might want to do those in a single OP if possible. I found that minimizing the setups for my base went a long way to getting things correct, doing a bunch of setups is the best way to mess up :)

[@Blondihacks]

Good tips, thank you!

[@larrysmall3521]

Rather than bore the crankshaft maybe think about drilling it and using a reamer to bring it to an exact size. The reamer should be long enough to go straight across and do both sides to the same size and give good alignment.

[@fepatton]

Yay! Can't wait for the rest of this series. I've been really curious about these kits. Your boiler IS beautiful, BTW - regardless of the soldering, I really like the layout and the way you engineered and mounted it. ("Self-important tea kettle". LOL!)

[@smellsofbikes]

I'm thrilled you're making a nice steam engine and totally looking forwards to watching this unfold.

[@billkellogg1403]

The boiler is so neat! The gage & the valves!

[@leec2106]

I am very impressed with your work. The steam is something I wanted build years ago but never got it done. My dad had a machine shop when I got out of the Navy as a boiler tech. Since then, I went on to get a degree in electronics, and really kind of forgot about the steam engine. Now that I am retired I am thinking about building one again. I just bought a tiny CNC router 300 by 180 by 45 mm. Not very big compared to your mill but it will let me make most of what I want. I will keep watching your progress. Later, Lee.

[@ralphf8951]

Very nice project, can't wait to see the rest of the work.

[@jdos2]

That looks like a fun project!

[@BenVonHandorf]

Very excited about this project. Steam and Stirling engines got me into machining years ago but I ran out of time, space and energy for it (I expect some respect for avoiding the "ran out of steam" joke). Oh no... this is going to result in me getting the steam and stirling books out of the attic... Please keep this series up so I can live vicariously through you rather than failing myself.

[@BenVonHandorf]

The order of operations on the base is exactly why I have an unfinished PM Research casting kit in the garage from years ago. Well, that and my machines are way more "hobby grade" than yours. If I recall correctly the swing of the Sherline lathe was the primary deciding factor in what kit I wound up with, as I recall. As always, thanks for the excellent work talking through your thought process. This is the part of any educational video that I find most helpful. Giving me the answer is far less useful than explaining why that is the answer, what the other possibilities are, etc.

[@leeackerson2579]

A machinist after my own heart. Way to go, look forward to this series!!!!

[@markmonroe7330]

I am very excited about this project.

[@mikewasowski1411]

Super cool. Very excited to see this progress!

[@michaelfach4922]

Yeah, a steam engine! Can't wait to watch you building it!

[@tasror]

Definitely looking forward to this.

[@yagwaw]

This is great news. I always kinda wondered where the steam engine builds are in the maker channel of such a steam engine fan! At the same time, I’m amazed that there is a large enough market for these kits. I watched Mark Preslings series on such a build (great option by the way for anybody who can’t wait for Quinn’s new episodes), and it is a lot of quite difficult work. Amazing that at least hundreds, if not thousands of people are doing this - else creating casting kits could wouldn’t make commercial sense, would it?

[@Blondihacks]

The kits are fairly expensive, which tells you a lot about the size of the market. I’m also guessing a lot more people buy them than ever finish them. 😀

[@cyberbadger]

Quinn, very cool. I built my own 24ft steamboat, but have not tackled machining my own engine yet. Machining a steam engine is definitely a feather in your cap if you want to get into the hobby of steamboating. The BTW the 1/4 HP rating on the largest PM engine is conservative, folks have already used it power a real steamboat.

[@joecolanjr.8149]

Awesome!! Can't wait to see your progress with this project. This is definitely one i will enjoy! Have also wanted to do this...i think i will see how you make out then decide which one i will attempt. Good luck and happy machining!!😊🙏

[@DavoShed]

I love steam engines I have always told the wife if I win the lottery I’m buying a steam engine and building a 3km track around the property. (With a bridge over the creek) I’ll be the crazy bloke with a steam train but everyone will secretly want a ride :) I’m looking forward to watching you build this one.

[@Blondihacks]

That is my dream also. 😅

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Looking forward to watching this project

[@JBFromOZ]

that's a fun project! glad to see a steam engine in the works, I plan to start my Quayle 2020 soon!

[@LCOOTS]

lady, you know your stuff. this is one of the most explanatory projects i have ever seen !!!!!! L.C,

[@kgee2111]

Looking forward to this series!

[@Corbald]

Oh _HELL YEAH!_ This is gonna be fun!

[@richardvanasse9287]

Hello Quinn. Have you ever considered making a video on how to build an end mill tool holder or other tool holder for the mill? PS, keep up the awesome vids. You're doing a great job.

[@KM6VV]

For my Sherline, I bought a tool holder blank, which I will machine to take a 1/2” endmill.

[@ewicander9045]

First time viewer here. I heard " its basically a self-important tea kettle" - Subscribed.

[@1620GarageAndFarm]

I just subbed you, GREAT content on milling and making. I just picked up a Grizzly G8688 and G8689 mill and lathe. Your videos will give me such a jump start. Thank you !!!!

[@ch34pskate16]

Liked as soon as the video started. I’m all in on this build.

[@KozmykJ]

“This thing is essentially a toaster in a bathtub...” Love it ...

[@keithspainhour9067]

I built one of these casting kits a while back. It was helpful to me to mount the base casting to a plate of 1/2" aluminum squared up to the base casting. Then most of the machining ops can be done by holding the plate.

[@bulletproofpepper2]

I think i saw someone build up the bottom slide guide with bar stock fitted because of bad porosity in the casting. I know your going to do your best and your very smart. The kit is a guide, not a jail, don’t lock your brain one way to do something. Very excited you are taking one live steam. Let the “yak shaving begin!” better then the cat (Socket) being shaved ! lol meow thanks for sharing.

[@NoOne-yt6yf]

Your videos have been really fun to watch. Thanks for your effort.

[@thehaze1972]

Interesting project, full steam ahead!

[@dogleg6669]

Look awesome can't wait.

[@paulmorrey733]

Looking forward to this build Thanks

[@kevinmurrell9779]

PM1 Kit bought and just arrived! Ready to work along with you!!

[@kevinmurrell9779]

The drawings are huge! If I opened them all up, they have a bigger footprint than my workshop! I am going to photo or scan the individual sections and work from those piece by piece.

[@Blondihacks]

That’s a good idea. I’m thinking of rigging up a way to hang them somewhere.

[@BEZmer2001]

hi mr Murrell I work at pm research and yes the drawings are huge lol and fun to fold. I hope your build goes well and hope you will contact us with any questions of concerns and hope to see the finish project. thanks

[@LCOOTS]

love tour video content. i like the way you explain things, do not ever think of stopping what you do.

[@garyhardman8369]

Can't wait for the rest of the project1

[@bobuk5722]

Hi Blodiehacks lady. Just spotted this series. It will be fascinating to follow and I and maybe your good self will learn a lot! Cheers. BobUK.

[@Blondihacks]

Thanks Bob man! 😉😀

[@ErnieNoa3]

I like your boiler. This is a nice first project and fun to make.

[@kreglamirand2637]

Had to google "Yak shaving"😂. It's exactly what I do every time I step into my 12x12' shop to make a part on my hobby lathe/mill. Fact, half the projects dieing for attention in my shop were cooked up in an attempt to finish an earlier one😂

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

The boiler is so cool!

[@AdeSwash]

Fabulous to see you starting a steam engine Quinn, looking forward to the progress vids, looks like a nice casting kit, btw, the best toast is made when you are in the bath-tub ;)

[@phildcrow]

Oh hell yes! This is gonna be awesome.

[@johnkuzma7066]

There are many makers of custom model boilers it can be cost prohibitive but it will be absolutely safe and tested.

[@richardtww]

Looking forward to this build

[@johnptc]

a knee or angle block on your mill table might be the ticket for holding the main casting vertically. allows drilling and drilling the bolt circle. depends on the clearance your have on your mill :) another great presentation !!

[@EllaBananas]

If you don't know what you are doing when you decided to start a new project that is how you know you chose the right project. A project you don't entirely understand from the start is one you are going to learn a lot doing.

[@sharkrivermachine]

Looking forward to it.

[@williamclark9743]

Wow. This video is absolutely awesome. I'm not really new to your channel, but I've got more time to watch your videos and I'm inspired to get into this kind of work. I really like how you break this stuff down so that someone as dangerous as me behind tools can understand this stuff. By the way, I like your "safety line" too.

[@paulcampbell5202]

Dear Quinn I'm really looking forward to following you as you work through this project. I have the casting kit for the PM Research #4 vertical engine that I plan on starting this winter once the garden has finished for the season (Blind River, Ontario). This too will be my first attempt at building a model engine from a casting kit. I got the "big" engine as I am lucky enough to have a 12 inch lathe (Standard Modern) and an Ex-cell-o mill, and friends who are much more advanced model engineers-home shop machinists than me recommended the bigger engine as it is actually less "fiddly" to machine etc. than the smaller ones. I have two smaller antique full sized vertical engines and volunteered as a fitter and engineer on the Huntsville and Lake of Bays Railway for 10 years,and given my observations in these areas, model engines look much more like miniature full sized machines if you make the cylinder and steam chest cover fixings as studs and nuts rather than slot head bolts/screws. By the way, a You Tube machinist named "Tinker John" has done several series on building PM Research engines, and Keith Appleton in the UK has a great channel on miniature steam engines and boilers (building, restoring and repairing). Keep the great (and from Canada too!) video's coming. Sincerely Paul Campbell

[@merlin357]

This one is definitely going to be interesting!

[@dlfabrications]

Great project!!!

[@AdventureswithJane]

Well, this will be interesting. Looking forward to following along. 😎 -Mark