First engine for a newbie to machining.

I Have basic tools, measuring and otherwise. Drilling tools I'm good, lathe tools I'm good but I need to get an indy 4 jaw, couple dial indicators, reamers, edge finders. end mills etc. prob have to get a 2 or 3" mic, depth gauge the list goes on of things I know Ill need. Looking forward to getting a mini mill asap. Milling on the Taig isn't fun. I spent 20 years as a mechanic, welding, fabricating etc. Been out of it for many years now, I also built many scale models of using different materials etc so Im used to long term projects. Machining has been an interest for 50 yrs since I used to pour over the Starrett catalog back in the early 70's as a kid. My father was a engineer so I've always been exposed to this kind of stuff. There's no time like the present to complete my bucket list.
 
This would be a nice first engine designed by Elmer Verberg. I have his book so I could send you a copy of the plans if you would like (not plagiarism due to the plans are in the public domain).

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Tony P said:
OK yes, I know nothing is easy but that's why we do things like this. Is that your blog ? very nice, Ill get into it deeper no doubt.
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No Tony, that was not my blog, 'twas just one of many links about the Webster. If you get interested in the Webster and have questions, I'll try to answer you.
Greg
 
I learned I don’t enjoy working on small models.
My equipment is large.
A PM Research #4 is more appealing to me than a small #7.
Just my experience.

I should add, these kits will make you a better machinist. Imho.
 
Tony P said:
Yes very nice. Size is going to have to be relative to my Taig lathe but it can handle some good sized stuff. I think medium size would be best for me.
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You can do quite a lot on small machines. Sometimes you'll need creative fixtures, but that's part of the fun!
 
I started my adventure on machining with a PM research engine. Just a few parts into the #3 engine. The castings are very nice. There was a bit of roughness on one part. Looked like sand maybe fell into the cavity before casting. They replaced it with no questions.

I can say I've screwed up everything I have done so far, but I have been able to correct my mistakes, except for the cross slide that I made undersized. Thankful I had a ***** of brass so I just made another one.

I am learning so much about fixturing, indicating and machining. My idea going into this was it will be an education. And the cost of the kit is less than a course at a community college. In the end I will either have 1) a working steam engine, or 2) a really pretty thing that looks like a steam engine but just sits on my bookshelf. Either way I will have learned a lot.
 
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