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The Regular Stuff: Chat, Buy, Sell, Off Topic, etc. => General Discussion - Model & Toy Steam Engines – Stirling Cycle – Flame Lickers – Small Antique Originals => Topic started by: ShadetreeMotorcycle on March 27, 2021, 11:45:20 pm

Title: Re: Dime size-ish steam pressure gauge?
Post by: eifion on April 10, 2021, 12:12:27 pm
https://youtu.be/nACN3gyEYk8
Title: Re: Dime size-ish steam pressure gauge?
Post by: St Paul Steam on March 28, 2021, 07:39:50 pm
I hear you Tom
I have found another supplier for the 0-30 psi gauges & they also are threaded internally 6/32 tpi. They are rear mount & I have used many in my latest video's. I contacted the EBay seller and shaved a few dollars off each by buying in bulk. These aren't really good to be on top of open flamed boilers , but with enough distance , they work out fine.
copy & paste " 1/8" MNPT Mini Micro Air Pressure Gauge 0-30 PSI 1" Face CBM Center Back Mount  "in eBay & it should come up from compressor source, these are the best value I've found in awhile. I lightly chuck them up in my lathe with a cardstock wrapping around the plastic lenses, & shave the threads off & use & 3/16" brass pipe threaded the proper tpi.for the internal use threads.
Title: Re: Dime size-ish steam pressure gauge?
Post by: Woe is me on March 28, 2021, 11:21:46 am
Hey Ben, I'm using your post because I would like a couple for my TE's as well. Bruce, if you're
listening, you used to make and sell a stand off for Jensen boilers that had a nice little gauge
on them. Could do it again with the Wilesco thread and no opening on top for a safety valve?
See picks, that is a nickel I'm holding next to the gauge.




[attach=1][attach=2]
Title: Re: Dime size-ish steam pressure gauge?
Post by: ShadetreeMotorcycle on March 28, 2021, 10:58:04 am
 I found the company that appears to supply the gauge for Allchin engine. They make a 3/4" dial face that reads 0-30 lb.
   They also make 1/2" dial face but reads 0-80 lb.
   They mention they can make custom range gauges but we are well past low cost now!

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Dime size-ish steam pressure gauge?
Post by: classixs on March 28, 2021, 10:12:02 am
If itīs the Bourdon tube type, i donīt think it matters much if it sees a bit of moisture.
However, i think itīll be just as hard to hunt down such a small air-gauge, especially within those narrow and low pressure parameters.
The only ones with a fitting size iīve seen, are the small gauges for fire extinguishers and scuba tanks, but they all seem to be around 250-300bar...which might be a slight overkill for our needs.
Title: Re: Dime size-ish steam pressure gauge?
Post by: ShadetreeMotorcycle on March 28, 2021, 09:38:54 am
Quote from: classixs on March 28, 2021, 06:23:33 am
Ben, assume youīre considering using that on a Wilesco TE?

If so, do remember that the Wilesco blows at approx. 22psi, so there wouldnīt be much visual indication on such a small 100psi gauge.

I aim for a 1" gauge here, but am holding back, as i am still to decide the final layout. Donīt know if iīm best served, by getting one connecting beneath or on the back.
A 1" gauge is about the same prize, but much easier to read than the 3/4" versions, while still being significantly smaller than a Wilesco gauge, which is 1 1/4" diameter.

Thanks Bruce and Jan. I am indeed shopping for an attractive upgrade for my Wilesco TE build. I was so focused on size and appearance that I had forgotten the Allchin can go much higher steam pressure. A 0-100 gauge does me no good. I find that I enjoy making the minimum steam pressure that I can IF I am just running the D405 after dinner and just want to hear it chuff...I don't mind building a big head of steam if I have something to load the engine. I will have quite a bit of fine control (I think) with the BIX TE burner I have on order. So my steam gauge should maybe read 0-30 lb (or less) and be nice looker to....its a tall order I know. I wonder if a premium grade air pressure gauge could be made to work? Getting wet and very hot would likely kill most compressed air gauges....
Title: Re: Dime size-ish steam pressure gauge?
Post by: classixs on March 28, 2021, 06:23:33 am
Ben, assume youīre considering using that on a Wilesco TE?

If so, do remember that the Wilesco blows at approx. 22psi, so there wouldnīt be much visual indication on such a small 100psi gauge.

I aim for a 1" gauge here, but am holding back, as i am still to decide the final layout. Donīt know if iīm best served, by getting one connecting beneath or on the back.
A 1" gauge is about the same prize, but much easier to read than the 3/4" versions, while still being significantly smaller than a Wilesco gauge, which is 1 1/4" diameter.
Title: Re: Dime size-ish steam pressure gauge?
Post by: St Paul Steam on March 28, 2021, 03:50:15 am
Ben , Re:pressure gauge's ...I've never seen small guage's  be cheap , quite the opposite in fact by the $54.00 price tag of the PMR gauge.I think the gauge on the Alchin  is a bit bigger than you think , probably quarter size.
Title: Re: Dime size-ish steam pressure gauge?
Post by: Mi Steam on March 28, 2021, 01:40:14 am
PM Research sells what you need.


https://www.pmmodelengines.com/shop/steam/steam-accessories/pressure-gauge-with-syphon/
Title: Dime size-ish steam pressure gauge?
Post by: ShadetreeMotorcycle on March 27, 2021, 11:45:20 pm
Anyone know where I may source a smallish steam pressure gauge at reasonable cost?
  The one pictured is on a 3/4 inch scale Allchin engine... I estimate it may be dime size but I have never seen one of these in person.

[attachimg=1]