Steam Spiral

Of all the engines I made, this one has been with me the longest. It utilizes a relatively simple type of engine whereas the cylinder oscillates with the rotation of the crank. The oscillation swings the ports in the cylinder to communicate with the input or the exhaust ports at the correct time to make the engine go. The engine exhausts out the whistles on each side of the spiral.

Prototype Steam Spiral

Here is an early version of the steam spiral. Since making this in 1993, I have rebuilt or replaced most everything on it.

Motor front 2 2 600

Here it is in its latest incarnation

Current energy source

In its current configuration, the steam spiral uses alcohol as its fuel source. The alcohol is burned in a packed whick fongue burner which can be replenished from the tank shown via the hand pump on the right.

Control Side

Miniature pressure gauge watergauge glass and water check valve

alcohol flame

When properly adjusted, the alcohol burns very hot.

20150827_190010

I have burned many different iyems in this piece over the years , Butane, peanuts, wood pellets, bits of hardwood scrap and denatured alcohol

Novelty stove

I did not nake the potbelly stove fire box. It was made in Taiwan as as a novelty item