Working Steam Engine with Throttle and Reverse

thingiverse

I'm up for tackling that reversing throttle lever project, figuring it'll be more entertaining than running to the air compressor or wrestling with tubes. It works well; check out the videos! If you make one, be sure to post a picture! See the instructional video and operational video as well. Update (11/9/15): To use this engine to power accessories, print the power take off pulley and longer crankshaft. Position the pulley so its groove is farther from the crankshaft, allowing your rubberband to clear the pennies on the flywheel. You'll need one of each component. Update: 11/9/2015. Take a look at the new video I've posted! I've added longer crankshafts and power takeoff pulleys along with heavier grooved flywheels so you can drive other accessories or have engines powered as pumps. The new flywheel fits securely on the crankshaft with minimal slop. At 20 PSI, these engines will run at a pace of 180 rpm thanks to the heavier flywheels. The video shows this engine operating (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1107379) as a water pump! Print Settings: Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: I used 0.2mm for everything Infill: I used 35% Triangles for everything Notes: To print air handling parts that won't leak, use plenty of shells and top/bottom layers. I employed 8 top/bottom layers and 4 shells with PLA at 205C. Typically, I work at 200C but the increased heat helps seal surfaces from leaks. For the next build, I'll likely step it up to 210C while ramping up the cooling fans. Post-Printing: Important: To greatly reduce air leaks, remove the spring from the throttle pivot screw and use a shorter screw to secure it in place. This setup should work well with 3mm screws across the board.