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I've looked for a Stuart centrifugal pump for a number of years. They always seem to bring a higher price than I am willing to pay. So, I bought this casting kit at the last Cabin Fever show for $20 That was much more in my price range, and I don't mind building it, or so I thought. For something that is made by a company that has been in the model engine business for many, many decades, this little pump had the worst blueprints I've ever had to work from.
To begin with, all of the measurements were in fractions, so they all had to be converted to decimals before beginning work. For an English company, I was surprised that the measurements weren't metric. However, they did use BA threads in some places, but also threw in a quarter/26 thread for the grease fitting. On top of that, all the measurements where there had to be some kind of "fit," did not show any tolerances. So, I guess you get to decide for yourself if it is slip fit or a press fit, including the clearance for the pump fins on the impeller, which has to affect the pump pressure. None of these measurements are included in the blueprints. I would not recommend this build to anyone, unless you are willing to draw up your own set of blueprints before starting.
But finally, it has been completed, and now I need only to find the proper steam engine to run it. I'm thinking a Stuart #4 or a #7 vertical might be just the right one for the job.
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https://youtu.be/edIN2KRrQ7w -
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English use metric.
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Nice work on the pump, Doug.
Have a look here, my pump is an older version and the engine is a very old No 7 with a disc flywheel for speed but should give you ideas an food for thought.
https://www.officeofsteamforum.com/collections-pictures/stuart-engine-and-water-pump/msg20153/#msg20153 -
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English use metric.
Yes, meant to say they "weren't" in metric.
crazydoug -
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Nice work on the pump, Doug.
It really does pump well! I think i will try a belt drive set-up with an early stuart #4 I have. Will have to find a suitable tank. Thanks for the link to your video.
Have a look here, my pump is an older version and the engine is a very old No 7 with a disc flywheel for speed but should give you ideas an food for thought.
https://www.officeofsteamforum.com/collections-pictures/stuart-engine-and-water-pump/msg20153/#msg20153
crazydoug -
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Nice work on the pump Doug, its goo that you have the skills/knowledge to overcome the blueprint flaws. it looks good though.
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Nice work Doug.
Looking forward to seeing it running. -
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Nice work Doug .
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Nice work and well done .
I know all about Incomplete and misleading blueprints .
To say they are a little bit frustrating would be an understatement.
Cheers
Dennis -
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Doug, for a centrifugal pump you need a Stuart two cylinder engine like a Sun, Star, or Sirius. They will give you the high speed needed for a centrifugal pump for a better pump curve. A single cylinder will do the job, but pressure & flow will constantly fluctuate (pulsate) with every cycle. Nice work on the pump
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I discovered that neither my Stuart #4 or 7 had a long enough crankshaft to install a drive pulley, and I don't want to put a crown into the flywheel. Since the pump is bronze, I decided that this PM Research early bronze engine would be a good fit for the pump. I belted it up, and it seems like it should run quite well, but only hooking it up to water will really tell.
I considered different tanks for the water, but settled on this bucket, mostly because I had it and because it will be easy to install. As soon as I can find a suitable base, and do a little plumbing, I should have a video, hopefully something this weekend.
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Doug, for a centrifugal pump you need a Stuart two cylinder engine like a Sun, Star, or Sirius. They will give you the high speed needed for a centrifugal pump for a better pump curve. A single cylinder will do the job, but pressure & flow will constantly fluctuate (pulsate) with every cycle. Nice work on the pump
Thanks,
I will have to experiment a little. I do have a stuart sun or sirius (i can't remember which at the moment)
crazydoug -
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Nice work Doug, i've often admired the Stuart centrifugal pumps and it is a shame they no longer offer the castings with updated drawings.
I have to say i really like the pairing of your bronze PMR & that pump. If i ever get a MSM Mildura i'd like to pair it with a nice bronze pump too.
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