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Read the original blog post
6:22 PM
I've been working on Jan Ridders' "Flame Eater" engine for over a year now. When I first started I didn't have a mill (nor a plan as to how I would complete the project without a mill) but I started on the engine anyway. Eventually I turned just about every piece that could be turned and then hit a wall. Without a mill I could go no further. So the project got shelved for months while I searched for, purchased, and restored and Atlas MFC mill. A few weeks ago I finished my mill restoration and it was time to get back to my little Flame Eater.
… Click the link below to read the original post. It's lengthy, so I didn't post the entire thing here on the forum.
8:58 AM
April 16, 2010
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Truly beautiful work, Tyler! Detailed instructions, hints, pics, and commentary… very nice work. How about a SIMPLE engine kit for those of us with mammoth hooves who aspire to such quality, but need practice with lesser projects???
- Don, BWM with BGT ['Big Wooly Mammoth with Big Green Tank' 
9:39 AM
January 9, 2009
Online
Don! You're back! I hadn't seen hide nor hair of ya in a few weeks so I was beginning to worry. I was about to send you an email to check on you.
I agree that the project seems complicated. There were several steps that made me nervous. But honestly it's not that bad. However, I'm always on the lookout for more beginner level projects. I'll see if I can find an easier engine and build a kit around it.
Good to have you back my friend. I hope all is well.
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7:06 PM
October 1, 2010
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A newbe here, I've been lurking for a couple weeks now. Here is a link to an air motor I built as my first project, http://npmccabe.tripod.com/45engine.htm I also started building the the same Flame Eater motor in the first post, I am curently without a mill and built what I could with a 1930ish Craftsman lathe. The project is currently on hold. I'm looking forward to learning from the members here and joining in the fun….
9:58 AM
January 9, 2009
Online
Hi Lampy, welcome to the site!
I did the exact same thing, I started the engine before I had a mill. If I can make a recommendation, build the gas tank first. You can make one from a round piece of material if you don't want to silver solder together the square tank in the plans. The reason I recommend making the tank first (or at least early on in the project) is because if you don't you'll end up with a fully assembled engine and no way to run it. It won't run off a small candle, lighter, or any other easily procurred flame. You really need a lamp wick running on alcohol.
But don't worry about the milling portions if you don't have a mill. Shelve the project like I did and come back to it when you have a mill.
It's a very fun project to build. You'll be very happy with it once you've finished.
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4:46 PM
December 23, 2010
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Hi all,
i am new here, i am Dutch like mr Jan Ridders, and i did get the plans from him, i whant to build the flame eater, but i have a question about
using “pearlitic cast iron” or stainless steel for the cylinder, piston, and valve.
Does nobody use brass for the cylinder, piston, and valve, its easier to turn, and it looks very nice when u polish it.
Please let me now iff there are problems using brass for the cylinder, valve, and piston.
Nice work, Tyler, it looks very nice for cast iron, look out for rust sensibility from the cast iron,that would be a pity, iff jou get rust on your parts.
Next week i whant to start my flame eater, i hope it can be in brass, if not i wil make it in stainless steel.
Only problem is that stainless steel is hard work for my small lathe ( Emco compact 8e).
Its indeed a very fun project to build.
Greetings to all here from the Netherlands.
11:46 AM
January 9, 2009
Online
Hi Bullseye, Happy Holidays!
You're correct, my cylinder is very prone to rust. If I had to do it over I'd make it out of stainless. I'm not sure I'd use brass because it might be too soft. Bronze maybe. Or maybe you could make the cylinder out of brass and sleeve it with bronze so it will wear a bit better. I'd also recommend trying graphite for the cylinders instead of steel. I haven't tried graphite yet, but I've heard its better than steel for the piston and valve.
Have fun, it's a great little engine. Anyway, welcome to the site!
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6:03 PM
December 14, 2010
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Where is part 2,3,4 . Looks great i just started to build mine. I hope it comes out as nice as yours.
Dane
6:28 PM
January 9, 2009
Online
Hi Dane, I haven't had time to post part 2, 3, or 4 yet. I had hoped I would be able to get to it quicker, but I work full time and now I'm also taking 10 credits this semester (I've decided to go back to college after 10 years in a career that I no longer enjoy).
If there's something specific that you have a question about feel free to ask. I'll try to post the other parts soon, but no promises. I hope you understand. 
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6:46 AM
December 14, 2010
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Tyler said:
Hi Dane, I haven't had time to post part 2, 3, or 4 yet. I had hoped I would be able to get to it quicker, but I work full time and now I'm also taking 10 credits this semester (I've decided to go back to college after 10 years in a career that I no longer enjoy).
If there's something specific that you have a question about feel free to ask. I'll try to post the other parts soon, but no promises. I hope you understand.
Hi Tyler , I just thought maybe the other steps were on here somewhere and i just wasn't finding them. Congrats on going back to school !! Wish i had the time. I dont really have a specific question yet, but im sure i will . Ive got the flywheel about done, just have to put it in the mill to finish it, ive started the cylinder and made the connecting rod. I only get to work on it a little at a time as im doing it at work when i have a little down time. Your pictures and steps are great ! I really like having pictures of a fine example like yours to study how it should look and operate . I hope to get some pictures up soon !
Dane
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