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FE Power Forums => Non-FE Discussion Forum => Topic started by: jayb on March 21, 2026, 04:37:13 PM

Title: Update on Calliope Engine Project
Post by: jayb on March 21, 2026, 04:37:13 PM
It's been about two years since I've provided an update on this project.  Here's the start of it in case you want to read about the beginnings:

https://fepower.net/simplemachinesforum/index.php?topic=12024.0

Over the last couple years I've acquired a new, larger CNC machine, intended for another project but also useful for this one.  Finally got that installed last summer, and set up over the fall.  I had previously designed all the fixturing to hold the head, so about a month and a half ago I got the aluminum tooling and jig plate needed for this project.  It took me over a month, working in my spare time, to get the fixtures machined and bolted together but last weekend I finally got it assembled and installed on the machine.  At that point I couldn't wait, so I stuck the head on there and started the first machining operations.    Rather than go through all the details I made a video of the project so far, linked below.  This is a really cool project, and hopefully in a few months I will have a completed head to display...

https://youtu.be/9zh59laIu-k
Title: Re: Update on Calliope Engine Project
Post by: Stangman on March 21, 2026, 07:29:24 PM
Good luck Jay a lot of work just setting it up. You need 48 hour days.
Title: Re: Update on Calliope Engine Project
Post by: WConley on March 22, 2026, 01:43:37 PM
That is super cool Jay!  Man it's a ton of work to get those setups right.  A lot of people will never understand the hundreds of hours and decisions that will be inside that first machined head.
Title: Re: Update on Calliope Engine Project
Post by: 70tp on March 22, 2026, 05:16:44 PM
Good stuff happening there!
Title: Re: Update on Calliope Engine Project
Post by: FrozenMerc on March 24, 2026, 02:59:09 PM
Too Cool!