Jerry's Original "Powerhouse"

"The 'PowerHouse' engine is a long stroke design for medium to low speed operation. By having a long stroke, it is capable driving a load such as a generator or pump at a leisurely pace. It is made from bar stock and was designed to be as easy to build as possible while retaining good looks. The frame and base plate is from aluminum alloy plate. The cylinder, piston and head are of cast iron bar stock; and the flywheel is of mild steel. The engine is air cooled by fan (belt driven or electric), although it will also operate without one. Spark advance/retard is adjustable while the engine is running. The carburetor is an easy to build type with adjustable speed control and an air cleaner. The engine will run an hour or so on 2 ounces of fuel." - Jerry Howell

Jerry's Original "Duplex" Stirling Cycle Engine

"This engine is not a 'vacuum' engine, it is a 'beta' type stirling engine. Beta means that the power piston and the displacer are both working in the same cylinder. This arrangement gives greater power output than the typical two cylinder engine. The reason for this is that the compression ratio can be higher due to less "dead" space inside the engine.

The Duplex Vacuum Company of Chicago, Illinois made this type of engine about 100 years ago. They were widely used in popcorn wagons and to operate dental drills among other applications due to their silent operation and reliability.

A unique feature of the Duplex engines is the oscillating shaft and linkage which produces an interesting motion in operating the displacer." - Jerry

Jerry's Original "Super Fan" (SUPERFAN)

"This fan was designed to be a real workhorse.  Every effort was made to reduce friction to an absolute minimum while at the same time making the unit extremely reliable, maintenance free, quiet and very long lived.  My fan has many hundreds of running hours on it while at shows and in my office during summer months with no maintenance, service or repairs of any kind done, or needed." - Jerry Howell

Jerry's Western Electric Telegraph Key & Sounder

The telegraph was the only long distance instant communication device until radio and other means came along. Railroads were always the largest users of the telegraph and utilized them for more than a century. The railroads would have had a very hard time operating safely and efficiently without them.

The full size plans will allow you to make an exact replica of the key and sounder. The photo above is the "real thing" antique originals. The originals were made in a time when quality was of prime importance and aesthetics ran a close second! These instruments were made of brass and steel, as were all manner of other types of instruments. You will want to make yours of these materials as well.

You can make an operating set, or as non-operating shelf models. Either way, you can make them full size or reduce the size for really neat items to put in your curio cabinet or as a unique desk ornament set.

Jerry's "Millers Falls" Miterbox Saw

This is a 1/6th scale model of a "Millers Falls" miterbox saw that was made in the 1950's. It was a beautifully designed and built tool. The saw frame was cast iron and other parts were machined from solid steel bar stock. Most of the hardware items were nickel plated. Tools with that kind of quality are not made anymore and never will be again.

The model saw frame is milled from solid brass. The saw blade is brass sheet and the rest of the saw is machined from miscellaneous brass bar stock. The saw handle and the material deck is walnut for a nice contrast to the brass.

This model almost looks like jewelry and will look great on your desk, the fireplace mantle or in your curio cabinet. I made this saw as a gift for a friend (George W. Neff) in 1977. How about you making one for that really special carpenter relative or friend of yours?

(Sorry, the pictures were duplicated from old slides from 1977 that are not very good.)

Specifications: Overall Width: 3-3/8", Blade Length: 4-1/8", Overall Height: 1-15/16"

Jerry's Original "Plunket Jr"

"Plunket Jr. is about a 1/2 scale model of the 1/2 H.P. Plunket Jr. engine manufactured by the J.E. Plunket Company of Chicago, Illinois around 1909. It was used to power washing machines, sewing machines and other household chores. It is shown on page 395 of 'American Gasoline Engines Since 1872' by C.H. Wendel." - Jerry Howell

Jerry's Original 4-In-1 Vacuum Engine (4IN1)

"The correct terminology is 'atmospheric engine'. But anyway, here is a 'flame eater' engine you can build any of four ways: (1) - Air Cooled Side Crank as shown, (2) - Water Cooled Side Crank, (3) - Air Cooled Center Crank or (4) - Water Cooled Center Crank!

The air cooled engines have an optional belt driven cooling fan which provides cooling for long running sessions. The engine runs fine without it. With the fan, the engine will run all day long and never get hot. But long runs or not, the fan also adds much interest to the engine.

All four versions use my oscillating (twisting) side shaft mechanism to operate the head valve. My unique valve seat is of self lubricating non-metallic material which greatly reduces valve sliding friction and virtually eliminates wear. The engine speed range is from 60 to 600 RPM or so." - Jerry