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Author Topic: KJ Miller video - three videos of each version running - stitched into one  (Read 616 times)

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KJ Miller video - three videos of each version running - stitched into one
« on: October 24, 2022, 02:32:47 pm »
  Yes, it is a busy day....

  I recently ran my KJ Miller in three different configurations, made
three videos, stitched them together (first edit!), and put them on
youtube.

 

  This 'Three-Way' engine was a great idea that was never duplicated. 
I'm pleased and verrrry happy that the boiler keeps working without
leaking.  I also have the original box and set of instructions, one page,
front/back, for each version.  I hope you enjoy the viddy.

Wayne
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Re: KJ Miller video - three videos of each version running - stitched into one
« Reply #1 on: October 24, 2022, 03:19:34 pm »
Very Nice Wayne!

I wonder about two different things:

What is the intent of the foil wrap on the boiler?

What kind of water are you using in the boiler?

If you are using distilled water, or tap water that is rather soft, you won't get the amount of heating that the boiler is capable of providing. Try putting just the smallest pinch of salt in the boiler next time you run and see if that doesn't make for an improved steaming experience!
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Re: KJ Miller video - three videos of each version running - stitched into one
« Reply #2 on: October 24, 2022, 04:03:41 pm »
Thanks for the look.

  The foil is over heavy cord to act as an insulator.
Not that good but a bit better than nothing.

  I am using city tap water and I'm sure it is on the
soft side by intent.  I thought about adding a pinch
of salt, but engines do work so why push it.  Those carbon
blocks may be sensitive to salts and a bit too much may
doom them. 

Wayne
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Re: KJ Miller video - three videos of each version running - stitched into one
« Reply #3 on: October 24, 2022, 07:25:02 pm »
Well yes, you don't want to overdo with the salt, but in fact it's the water that acts as the heating element in that kind of a boiler (some steam irons work the same way), so unless there are ions to carry the current, the water doesn't heat very well.

Now that you mention it, I do see what looks like coiled cording under the foil, so it makes sense now. Thanks for clearing that one up.   ;c)
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"Information is not knowledge, Knowledge is not wisdom, Wisdom is not truth, Truth is not beauty, Beauty is not love, Love is not music: Music is THE BEST...   
Wisdom is the domain of the Wis (which is extinct). Beauty is a French phonetic corruption of a short cloth neck ornament currently in resurgence..."
F. Zappa ... by way of Mary, the girl from the bus.

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Re: KJ Miller video - three videos of each version running - stitched into one
« Reply #4 on: October 25, 2022, 09:41:06 pm »
    Thanks Wayne, I have one of these also, with all the parts and the "blueprints" that came with it for assembling all three versions, but I have never tried setting it up for the others (mine is set up as the beam engine). It works well as-is, but spits steam and water a bit, especially on initial start-up. One thing that I have noticed about these is that almost every one I have ever seen had suffered from a lot of paint loss on the base. Apparently the paint did not stand up to hot water very well. Fortunately, some previous owner had re-painted the base in a nice quality hunter green shade. Not original, but it was well-done and holds up well no matter how much steam and water drips on it.
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Re: KJ Miller video - three videos of each version running - stitched into one
« Reply #5 on: October 26, 2022, 10:10:23 am »
 Thanks for the look and comment.  Yes, these are wet runners, especially
early in the run.  You must try the other versions.  In my experience,
the boilers are the weak spot.  I have four, they all heat, but 3 have
cracked bottoms and leak.  Of those, one will create enough pressure to
run, but not too well.  I've also heard of troubles with the carbon blocks.
Seems to me that the designers could have been a bit less innovative and
gone with customary brass/copper boiler and heater.  I'm thankful every
time mine heats up with no leaks.

Of course, the fourth is the runner in the video.

Wayne
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