Student Builds Small Engine in Class

When Thomas Castelan entered Black River Technical College’s Machine Tool Technology program he never imagined by the end he would have built a small engine from scratch however that’s just what he has done.

“When we started class we are told our big class project would be to build something such as a cannon or a small engine.  I thought the idea of building an engine was really neat,” relayed Castelan.  The engine Castelan built is an Odds ‘n Ends Hit ‘n Miss Engine.  It is a water cooled four-cycle engine.

“I gathered and melted brass gauges to form the wheels, carburetor and assorted small parts.  I used the mill and lathe to get the basic form of the parts,” explained Castelan.  It has taken 2 semesters and all of his free time to complete but the end result is worth it.

To learn more about BRTC’s Machine Tool Technology program call (870)248-4000 or visit the website at www.blackrivertech.org.