Danni build - February 25: Steam chest and piston brazing

Matching the holes

The holes in the steam chest and cylinder have to line up so the air passages match. Here you can see the hole opening into the cylinder bore.

Close view into the cylinder bore showing the air passage that must align with the steam chest — Checking the alignment of the steam-chest and cylinder passages.

Brazing the steam chest

I had ordered some different soldering and brazing supplies alongside the kit. In the end it was successful, but this step felt a little more “scary”—you really need it to work!

The cylinder and steam chest on a firebrick during the joining work — Joining the steam chest to the cylinder.

The joined steam chest and cylinder beside the cover, with their pipe joints visible — The steam chest, cylinder and cover after the joining work.

Starting the flywheel

I also started on the flywheel. I used parallels to keep it slightly away from the chuck, leaving room to machine over the edge.

Parallels spacing the flywheel away from the lathe chuck during setup — Using parallels to leave clearance behind the flywheel during setup.

The connecting-rod bearing cover

I also needed to hone the connecting-rod bearing cover. The workholding here was perhaps not my finest “safety first” moment.

A small connecting-rod bearing cover held by hand beneath the honing tool — Honing the connecting-rod bearing cover.

Workshop video

Workshop footage from February 25, 2023.

← Build timeline · Previous diary · Next diary →