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Re: Romulus build

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 6:15 pm
by Fred_V
Today I made 2 boiler check valves. I've made lots of these and they are quite easy to make.The second one is sitting on the steam chest below.

Re: Romulus build

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 7:14 pm
by Builder01
Awesome! (Reply to blower jet test)

David

Re: Romulus build

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2017 5:57 pm
by Fred_V
Today was the firedoor. Well, some of it yesterday. A bit of paint will blend it all together. I already drilled the 4 corner holes to mount it; just need to tap 4 holes in the backhead. DON'T GO TOO DEEP!

Re: Romulus build

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 7:10 pm
by Fred_V
Got the firedoor mounted today and started on the water gauge. Need to make the water valves and it will be done.

Re: Romulus build

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2017 7:37 pm
by Fred_V
Finished the water glass today.

Re: Romulus build

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2017 6:10 pm
by Fred_V
Today I finally got the throttle linkage worked out. The throttle rod came out of the back of the dome right in line with the manifold. This has worked well and is very smooth. The manifold will mount atop the 1/4" pipe or another suitable pipe.

Re: Romulus build

Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2017 11:44 am
by NP317
Creative solution to the clearance problem.
Go around it!
~RN

Re: Romulus build

Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2017 6:04 pm
by Fred_V
Today was manifold/valve day. I tried making the manifold into the valve body. The bonnet mounts to one side and the seat/outlet connection to the other side. To make this work a 3/8-32 hole is drilled/tapped straight through the manifold barstock. Another hole is drilled through the length of the manifold.

The bonnet and seat are each machined in one setting in the lathe. That insures that everything is concentric. The valve stem then lines up with the seat just like it does in a regular valve body assembly.

Since this build is a freelance design anything is possible and allows for some fun designs possibilities. There will be two of these valves (blower and a spare) plus a 1/8" pipe connection off the left end for a ball valve for injector steam. Other valves can be added to the manifold as needed such as a whistle valve.

I should have it all connected up tomorrow.

Re: Romulus build

Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2017 11:12 pm
by Builder01
Looks like a cool idea! Questions: are these parts machined from bronze or brass? Is the valve spindle fully captured?

Thanks,
David

Re: Romulus build

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2017 8:13 am
by Fred_V
Builder01 wrote:Looks like a cool idea! Questions: are these parts machined from bronze or brass? Is the valve spindle fully captured?

Thanks,
David
Brass parts, SS valve stem. I forgot the packing gland nut that screws over the right hand side to seal the stem.

Re: Romulus build

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2017 9:29 am
by Builder01
If the thread diameter of the valve spindle near the handle is the same as the spindle, it is not captured. Not a big deal, just don't unscrew it while under steam! Is concern of de-zincification of brass parts no longer an issue for boiler fittings?

David

Re: Romulus build

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2017 1:41 pm
by Fred_V
It would take 10 turns to unscrew it but it would be easy to turn the stem down and remake the nut.
I've never had a problem with brass fittings. i think the issue is if brass bits are inside the boiler in constant contact with the water.