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.
[ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ]