Search found 132 matches

by TriangleTom
Sat Aug 17, 2019 10:13 pm
Forum: Technical - non Engines and Boilers
Topic: Electrical system for boat
Replies: 35
Views: 36069

Electrical system for boat

For those of you who have an electrical system, what are you using to charge it and how much battery capacity do you run? An automotive alternator seems like an option, but given the low speed and reversing nature of our engines, is this workable?
by TriangleTom
Sun Aug 11, 2019 11:35 pm
Forum: Technical - Engines and Boilers
Topic: Oil burner consumption
Replies: 30
Views: 25414

Re: Oil burner consumption

Quote: "On a related subject, how do we think that total boat weight is related to fuel consumption? My reflexive response is that is should be directly related." In my personal experience and observation, they are directly related, more work requires more fuel and water. You and I came at the prob...
by TriangleTom
Wed Jul 24, 2019 11:37 pm
Forum: General Steamboat stuff
Topic: Where Fred goes when he dies.
Replies: 4
Views: 4291

Re: Where Fred goes when he dies.

Interesting the different paddle configurations, some were mid-ships and some MUCH further forward, I suspect they would have had a bit more difficulty with that last manoeuvre. Nice one Mike! Speaking of different configurations, why is it that sidewheelers prevailed in Europe while sternwheelers ...
by TriangleTom
Thu Jul 18, 2019 2:48 am
Forum: Technical - Engines and Boilers
Topic: American Walking Beam Engine
Replies: 25
Views: 29312

Re: American Walking Beam Engine

A little off topic, but what are the advantages of using poppet valves in a walking beam engine?
by TriangleTom
Sun Jul 07, 2019 10:06 am
Forum: Technical - non Engines and Boilers
Topic: I'd need help with my lathe v-belt drive
Replies: 9
Views: 7784

Re: I'd need help with my lathe v-belt drive

Are there any rough spots when you turn the motor by hand? What comes to my mind is that when loaded with a sideways pulling force on the motor shaft, a bearing that may already be going bad is stopping the whole motor from turning.
by TriangleTom
Wed Jul 03, 2019 4:27 am
Forum: General Steamboat stuff
Topic: Modern History
Replies: 19
Views: 11999

Re: Modern History

Keep in mind that wood is most definitely not your only option. Ron has a beautiful tug built out of steel, and has an excellent website showing the process here: http://www.rogersmachine.net/steamboat8.html
by TriangleTom
Mon Jul 01, 2019 4:01 am
Forum: Technical - Engines and Boilers
Topic: Burning corn as fuel?
Replies: 8
Views: 7016

Re: Burning corn as fuel?

Most of the successful corn burners I have seen in my research have relied on either forced draft, or some sort of agitator, or have burned coked corn instead. While these are all interesting possibilities, there's a coal mine a day's drive from my home that's willing to sell by the ton, and that wi...
by TriangleTom
Mon Jul 01, 2019 3:00 am
Forum: Technical - Engines and Boilers
Topic: Burning corn as fuel?
Replies: 8
Views: 7016

Re: Burning corn as fuel?

I did some experiments with the idea over the weekend and the results were for the most part disappointing. I lit the fire with wood and slowly started to add the corn. At first it caught quite quickly and gave a lot of heat, however as the wood burned away the fire died down considerably. My best e...
by TriangleTom
Thu Jun 27, 2019 3:34 am
Forum: Technical - Engines and Boilers
Topic: Burning corn as fuel?
Replies: 8
Views: 7016

Burning corn as fuel?

Okay, I know it sounds ridiculous but corn has been used for a long time as fuel in pellet stoves. It doesn't burn as cleanly as wood, but it comes pre-pelletized, has ~7000 BTUs per lb, and, at least here in Oklahoma, can be had for abut 8-9¢ per pound at the moment, and is available throughout the...
by TriangleTom
Mon Apr 29, 2019 3:03 am
Forum: Technical - Engines and Boilers
Topic: Pressure Washer Pumps for Feedwater
Replies: 5
Views: 4879

Pressure Washer Pumps for Feedwater

Howdy

Has anyone had any experience using pressure washer pumps as a feedwater pump? It seems like an inexpensive solution, but I'd love to hear if anyone else has experimented with it.

Tom