Hey guys thought I would share a little project I have been pecking away at on the side (way on the side )
Its a model of a Pratt radial engine.
It will be model out of cardboard, foam, and balsa and used as a showpiece for the Phlatbooth
It will be a slow turning working model that will show case the abilities of the Phlatprinter and hopefully appeal to the guys at the shows
I will post the plans in the free plans section as soon as I complete it and I know that its working well. Until then I will be posting progress here
Mark
Here is the 3D PDF that I am using for study

I have to say I did not even know there was such a thing as a 3D PDF but its one for the coolest things going! You can even open the model structure tree and hide sections to study the inter-workings.

Some pics


Where the model is so far


Test cuts

Attached files Radial_Engine.pdf (1.1 MB)Â

 

...but if you crank it up to a respectable speed, I bet you could start a FIRE with it!

Very cool, Mark. I can picture it now, and I expect it will draw a LOT of attention.

 

LOL Thanks Mike I think it will get peoples attention.
When the Balsa Buddy comes out I will have one in plexi as well. That would be cool to see the positions in action!
Mark

 

Pretty cool Mark!
I didn't know that about PDF's either. That PDF model you posted is awesome.

 

Great idea Mark! Now if you can get it to sound just right it should really draw attention.

I swear your brain is just gonna pop one of these days.

 

It really is, I think I may have found a plug in that will allow us to create 3d pdfs from sketchup files. Here http://wiki.renderplus.com/index.php?title=Main_Page
We could make our own! there is a trial version
Thanks guys
Mark

 

Wow great finds Kwok!
Thank you for sharing, I have some reading to do
Mark

 

Ok guys took some pics from last nights build
Material is 3mm depron
I have to say I am really happy with the way this project is turning out. It may just work!
I love this little thing Attached files

 

That engine is looking SWEEET!
Nice work Mark!

 

Thanks brother Its been a lot of work but now its rewarding!
Mark

 

Moving right along!
Well I have the first prototype complete and its working!!!
I could not believe it when I turned the wheel it really does what it suppose to :mrgreen:
I will get some video up when I can.
The pistons are a little too tight they are almost air tight, you can even hear the sucking sounds when they are being pulled in!
There are a few little changes in the design but other than that its working great!!
Made entirely of foam and glue sticks
Mark Attached files

 

I can't wait to see the plane you build for it! <hint, hint>

 

That is sharp Mark!

 

looks very cool mark....be cool to stick a barbecue motor in it or some kind of low rpm motor for a working display model. have some red led's going also, to really draw some attention. now i know why your so interested in pouring metal, lols. great job. randy.

 

:mrgreen: Thanks guys, I have to tell you I am happy with this one and I am hoping that with a few changes it will work even better. I like the idea of casting this out of metal and making it air powered I tried a little silicone on one of the pistons and it slowly dissolved the foam So I have to stay away from that. But maybe something like Vaseline or vegetable oil would help
Thanks again guys, I am just as amazed as you.
Let me see if I can get Trish to hold the cam so I can film the turning motion. I am really happy that all the reaches worked out on the first try.
Mark

 

Good point Kwok. I think the first thing is to re-size them by 1/16" so they can move freely and then if we need to we can try your powder idea. I like that idea best so far.
Mark

 

Tim that would be great! was trying to figure a way to turn this but keep the motor hidden.
If I can work it into the design like you say it would be perfect!
Thank you Tim
Mark