Revised: 1/14/2013 Subject to Revision
Connecting Rods as Printed on 3D Printer
The connecting rods are larger than normal parts built in the past, about 6 inches long. Despite that the author chose to print them in a manner similar to the coupling rods that were built in the past, that is laying down on the side. The parts were designed and laid out so that a set could be built side-by-side on the same support structure. The above photo shows th result was good. The parts had good detail and came out quite straight unlike other long parts that had been attempted in the past .
Connecting Rod After Clean Up Ready to Install
as for other parts built in the past, the bottom side and residue of the support structure. the residue was removed using model knife, criminal tool with both the grinding wheel and the small cutter. the above photo shows a cleaned up connecting rod temporarily being fit checked with the exterior portion of the crosshead. The four small screws shown are used to attach the exterior to the interior portion of the crosshead still positioned on the guides.
Connecting Rod in Position Before Crosshead Cover Attachment
in the above photo the connecting rod is no placed on the third or main driver and the front is resting in position on the interior portion of the crosshead. the exterior portion of the crosshead and its attachment screws are located at the bottom alongside the torx screwdriver,
Connecting Rod After Installation
The above photo shows the completed installation of the connecting rod with the crosshead and third or main driver. The connecting rod as held in place using an eccentric crank that will be installed later, however the rod will not come off the main driver shaft unless also removed from the crosshead. The connecting rods moved freely as do the crossheads.
