Certainly not a toy!

[funkychicken]

I'm gonna make a full size model of a four stroke engine, so I'm wondering if anyone's got any pics of pistons and such. I'll be trying to grab actual car parts to copy.
I'm also wondering whether I should make it with a SOHC and rockers or a DOHC. I think DOHC would be easier :think:

Any ideas on making the engine block?

[Yonnee]

Love the idea.

Just a thought... If you're planning on a complete revolving replica, maybe start on a simpler engine, like a four stroke lawn mower engine. The same basic idea, but only one or two of everything, not four to sixteen. You can pick up dud mowers from hard rubbish to pull apart and play with.

The only thing I can see being a drama made from wood, would be the valve springs...

Make sure you keep us updated with details and progress pics.

[Shutterbug]

Not a wooden engine. But here's a wooden car.

http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00439/RSNN2133A_682_439610a.jpg
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00439/RSNN2133B_682_439611a.jpg

Mike

[mick59wests]

where did that wooden car come from? What a beauty. I am working my way up froma 3 year old ride on car to an eloquent billy cart but not quite at that level :)

Mick

[Christopha]

maybe a step up from a mower engine... perhaps a motorcycle engine? Not too much "more" but probably a bit more interesting... maybe!

[Carry Pine]

Someone had a model of a 4 stroke engine at the Sydney WWW Show 2007. Others would know the maker. may even have plans.

Graham

[funkychicken]

I was thinking just the moving parts, like pistons, valves, crankshaft, camshafts and the engine block.

I may start with just one cylinder. Just to see If I can make it, then go from there.

As for valves springs, I reckon I could make them with a router lathe.

I also want to try other engines like a Wankel engine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wankel_engine) or steam engine

[joe greiner]

IIRC, the only meaningful springs in a Wankel engine are at the apex seals. A wooden version for demo won't need such seals. I'd be tempted to try that one first, because of less complex construction. The block and the piston could be laminated plywood or MDF cut on a bandsaw (outer edges) or scroll saw (inner). The crankshaft will be tricky to get proper motion (eccentric turning) and support; I'd advise a clear window of perspex to support the outboard end, while preserving visibility of the action. The planetary gears will need close attention to detail.

Joe

[keju]

Wow..... when I saw the works of the italian designer Livio De Marchi ( photos (http://www.liviodemarchi.com/ukmain3.htm)) .... he carves all sorts of fantastic things like yes... cars and stuff..... that his work was amazing..... would have never thought to find something like it right here in Australia..... I'm really impressed.....

Juvy

[funkychicken]

Good idea for making the engine block:2tsup:

[BernieP]

G'Day Andrew

This will give you some ideas, http://woodgears.ca/air_engine/index.html

Cheers
Bernie

[funkychicken]

Thanks for that link Bernie, there's some good stuff on that site:2tsup:

[joe greiner]

I forgot to mention yesterday, in response to Shutterbug's post, a wooden car that was built in the late 1950s or so. The steel frame was from a conventional 1930s roadster, with outboard sheet metal fenders like most hot rods of the day. The body, though, was carved from planks built-up like butcher blocks, somewhat streamlined, but so much as Shutterbug's first pic. It had an open cockpit with no roof, and I don't remember if the doors were operable.

Yep; Livio's work is awe-inspiring.

Joe

[Ozkaban]

If you want a real challenge, skip the wooden springs and go straight for the Desmodromic valve system - it's what they use on Ducati motorcycles. Basically, there's the valve lifter to open the valves and one to close them too - no springs, therefore no valve bounce. Revs like you wouldn't believe, though I doubt your model would be rated for 19,000 rpm :o

Animated demo:
http://www.ducatidesmo.com/valves.htm

Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmodromic

Cheers,
Dave

[Rhys Cooper]

is this still going ahead fc?

that lamborghini wooden car is insane, now my new desktop background :)

does the lamborghin actually drive, or is it all for show? also anymore pics? please:)

Rhys

[funkychicken]

is this still going ahead fc?

Rhys

Hopefully:-

I can probably get my mits on a dead chainsaw so I might make a model of that first :think:

[Papa]

I made a wooden B&S for my high school wood shop class.
I used real light metal springs for the valves and a clear plastic
for the head so you could see the moving stuff.

I used ply for the block, precut to save cutting all the insides out.
Then laminated the pieces. The crank is the hard part, as well
as the timing gears. You will also need some metal bushings
if you want it to turn. It will stick if left sitting without bushings.

[Billy]

grab an old car maintenance book from a markets or second hand book dealer, they usually have a complete breakdown of the engine with detailed measurements for the parts.Depending on what sort of motor you want just choose the appropriate car or bike. I saw a timber model of a Holden 6 cylinder engine years ago at a wreckers, it turned over and the non pushrod side of the block was cut away so you could see the crank, pistons etc moving. I think the block was made of laminated pine blocks, hard to remember now.

[funkychicken]

I made a wooden B&S for my high school wood shop class.
I used real light metal springs for the valves and a clear plastic
for the head so you could see the moving stuff.

I used ply for the block, precut to save cutting all the insides out.
Then laminated the pieces. The crank is the hard part, as well
as the timing gears. You will also need some metal bushings
if you want it to turn. It will stick if left sitting without bushings.

Ooh Ooh! Do you still have it? Do you have any pictures of it?

[Manuka Jock]

FC ,
check out this Engine (http://www.craftsmanshipmuseum.com/Manwaring.htm) .

Note the lathe he uses :2tsup: