Difference between revisions of "Project:SteamRollerSkate"

From London Hackspace Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m
 
(9 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 8: Line 8:
 
** Furnace and boiler made of two tin cans brazed together.
 
** Furnace and boiler made of two tin cans brazed together.
 
** If possible, enclose assembly in a slightly larger can with rockwool nested between the two to protect the boot from the heat. If there's no room for a larger can, just stuff the boot with rockwool.
 
** If possible, enclose assembly in a slightly larger can with rockwool nested between the two to protect the boot from the heat. If there's no room for a larger can, just stuff the boot with rockwool.
 +
*** For combined thermal, protective and flame-retardant properties, nomex racing socks might be ideal (and cheap) insulation.
  
 
* Combine water inlet with close-fitted weighted cap as safety valve?
 
* Combine water inlet with close-fitted weighted cap as safety valve?
Line 18: Line 19:
  
 
* Back wheels would be fixed to a central shaft and driven by the mill.
 
* Back wheels would be fixed to a central shaft and driven by the mill.
 +
 +
* Add a whistle (such as [http://www.forest-classics.co.uk/std_whistle.htm this one]) which can be activated by pulling on laces?
  
 
==Progress==
 
==Progress==
  
I've ordered a pair of suitably victorianesque boots from eBay that I think will have enough room for a boiler/furnace based on two small Carnation condensed milk cans.
 
  
I've also picked a likely engine design: http://start-model-engineering.co.uk/category/elmers-32/ (only upside down)
 
  
Ordered a pair of (hopefully) suitable boots: [[File:boots.jpg]]
+
I've also picked a [http://start-model-engineering.co.uk/category/elmers-32/ likely engine design] (mounted upside down). The bulk of that is about 5" tall which is a good fit to the outside of the boot I ordered (I think).
 +
 
 +
The boots arrived, but the colour isn't as described and is a bit off-theme for what I have in mind. More importantly, while a bean tin *just* fits, it makes for a rather "fat ankle" and a bigger boot size would be better. However, the boot isn't essential at this stage and I think I should just proceed with making (most if not all of) an Elmer's #32 for now and keep an eye out for a cheap and suitable boot in the meantime.
 +
 
 +
==The Next Step...==
 +
 
 +
Pick up the necessary brass/steel/aluminium stock needed to build the engine, and start getting to grips with machining.
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Projects]]

Latest revision as of 00:53, 29 May 2013

A hybrid steam engine/steamroller/rollerskate built around a victorian style boot.

Features

  • Mill-style steam engine
    • Boiler and furnace live inside the boot, with a hinged grille on the heel providing access to the furnace.
    • Furnace fuelled by hexamine tablet
    • Furnace and boiler made of two tin cans brazed together.
    • If possible, enclose assembly in a slightly larger can with rockwool nested between the two to protect the boot from the heat. If there's no room for a larger can, just stuff the boot with rockwool.
      • For combined thermal, protective and flame-retardant properties, nomex racing socks might be ideal (and cheap) insulation.
  • Combine water inlet with close-fitted weighted cap as safety valve?
  • Moving parts live outside the boot.
  • Front wheel will be a single roller, connected by forks to the chassis.
    • Ideally would attach the fork to chassis with a skate-style "truck".
    • Failing that, allow the forks to turn freely and feed a central spoke through the upper of the boot to a steering wheel.
  • Back wheels would be fixed to a central shaft and driven by the mill.
  • Add a whistle (such as this one) which can be activated by pulling on laces?

Progress

I've also picked a likely engine design (mounted upside down). The bulk of that is about 5" tall which is a good fit to the outside of the boot I ordered (I think).

The boots arrived, but the colour isn't as described and is a bit off-theme for what I have in mind. More importantly, while a bean tin *just* fits, it makes for a rather "fat ankle" and a bigger boot size would be better. However, the boot isn't essential at this stage and I think I should just proceed with making (most if not all of) an Elmer's #32 for now and keep an eye out for a cheap and suitable boot in the meantime.

The Next Step...

Pick up the necessary brass/steel/aluminium stock needed to build the engine, and start getting to grips with machining.