LTI: Building a Steam Engine

When I started this internship, I had no idea how to design anything or use machine tools. My first designs were not very good and required plenty of revisions just to be usable. I started off with only hand drawings, and as I got better I started making 3D modelled designs. My mentor is better at hand drawings than 3D modelling because he is somewhat of an old fashioned engineer. Due to this, I ended up teaching myself to use 3D modelling software, specifically Fusion 360. I had to revise and redesign the engine several times, but eventually I decided on the final design. I ended up going for a 10cc double acting wobbler engine with a cast base. I learned how to use a manual lathe and milling machine to make the engine parts. I started off doing simple projects like making a scribe and making a T-nut. After that I began to build some of the more simple engine parts. I learned how to use a foundry and make patterns and castings so that I could make the cast engine base. When I made the boiler, I had to learn how to silver solder and form copper sheet. This project took me about two years to complete from start to finish.