I have two older mountain bikes, a Schwinn Mirada and a Huffy Snake Rock. I'd like to motorize one of them, mainly as an assist for going up hills. I've been leaning towards steam, partly because steam engines interest me, and partly because of the flexibility of fuel choices. As a machinist, I also know how to use a lathe and mill (I own a small mill, and would like to build a simple non-screwcutting lathe later this summer).
However, I am on a VERY tight budget. Is there any way to do this fairly inexpensively (whether scratch-built engine or converted gas engine/air compressor), while still retaining a decent margin of safety and reliability?
Would a simple "wobbler" type steam engine (possibly rigged to be double-acting) work?
I'm new to steam engines, although I have built high-pressure mechanical devices before (like an air rifle that incorporates an air reservoir tested to 1200 PSI, firing .45 caliber lead balls; the reservoir is 2mm sheet steel that was rolled, rivetted, brazed, then hydro-tested).
Can anybody help me out with this - plans, designs, experience, etc.? Due to cost, I'd prefer to not have to buy castings; plans, I can handle, as well as bar and sheet stock.
Thanks!
Rich K.
However, I am on a VERY tight budget. Is there any way to do this fairly inexpensively (whether scratch-built engine or converted gas engine/air compressor), while still retaining a decent margin of safety and reliability?
Would a simple "wobbler" type steam engine (possibly rigged to be double-acting) work?
I'm new to steam engines, although I have built high-pressure mechanical devices before (like an air rifle that incorporates an air reservoir tested to 1200 PSI, firing .45 caliber lead balls; the reservoir is 2mm sheet steel that was rolled, rivetted, brazed, then hydro-tested).
Can anybody help me out with this - plans, designs, experience, etc.? Due to cost, I'd prefer to not have to buy castings; plans, I can handle, as well as bar and sheet stock.
Thanks!
Rich K.
