Good Fathers Day from Brooklyn...
Well, I left enough hints and my son came through
with a PM Research machined #7 Twin kit. Wow. A
real turn-on. Even with the drama of being cooped-up
with me I still count.
So, I expected a step-by-step instruction manual.
Well, I can manage without one, but....I'm sure someone
out there has already built this. The instructions start
with "Break any sharp edges and remove all burrs. Remove
any flash from castings". Sounds logical - but should I use
a fine file or some type of sandpaper? The timing is tricky,
but I've been there before. I'm mostly concerned with the
order the parts are assembled. Too bad I don't have a working
model in front of me to look at and measure this-n-that. Nice
looking kit. Not in a rush to start - best first step.
Lucky Father,
Wayne
Morning Wayne
A file or sand paper or even a Dremel,
The choice is yours depending on time and what you have on hand
Congrats, Wayne!
You should get a lot of enjoyment out of the build and then the engine!
Gil
PM Research could update it’s business practice to include some detailed PDF instructions and especially some web based instructional videos. They seem lacking in that regard. Otherwise PM does have a well established group of steam and Stirling kits.
I have not worked with your PM #7 steam kit , but did wrestle with a prior built PM #13. I found a Dremel was too fast and cut the base casting flash too quickly for my novice skills, so I used a simple medium-to-fine hand file as the “flash” was relatively soft. Other parts seemed to surrender burrs and too-tight fits to my cheapie Great Neck Swedish Steel 6 Piece Needle File Set example —>
https://www.qcsupply.com/greatneck-6piece-needle-file-set.html and some 000 or 0000 steel wool.
If I built a new PM kit I would put on some magnifying glasses, knock off the major flashing and bigger boogers. Put it together and “feel” all the parts that run together with each other. IF even the slightest grabbing , binding , or not-quite-right fit be ready to take it apart and micro file , or fit, or polish the offending part(s). Be careful not to over-tighten any screws, carefully pay attention to any washers or spacers. IMHO those PM kits are not novice level “almost ready to run” but take a bit of semi-skilled slight adjustments and fitting. They do seem to be quality machines that will reward the builder with a pretty darn good finished product , but it may take a few extra steps from the owner to get them to run like a striped arsed ape.
Happy Fathers Day to you ! Please post pics of your build as PM Research users sure could use them.
Good luck and keep us updated
Plenty of knowledge around here if you need any help
A fine Father's Day Gift and an excellent COVID Project.
Looking forward to updates on the build.