Making a Model Steam Engine Sight Glass.

Bending Glass Tube for a Model Steam Engine Sight Glass.
Many years ago my first ever employer asked me to do a scientific glassware working course so I could fix HPLC glass tubes and lab glassware. Little did I know it would prove useful in my steam engine restoration hobby over 30 years later.
Tips ...
1. Take your time, don't rush it.
2. Use a small flame
3. Let gravity do the work for you.
This video was the second attempt at making the sight glass for a Bing 130/111(?) vertical engine. The first sight glass was too long and couldn't be reshaped and went into the bin :-(
Remember... if you stuff it up, its nigh on impossible to fix it, so take a deep breath and start again.
Even this second attempt was close to going in the bin... but I just managed to tweak it enough to make it fit.

[@SteamEngines-Jim]

Geez Bob thats bloody clever mate

[@ozziebob08]

Thanks Jim. The sight glasses with both ends sealed are the tricky ones. If I had the real glass working torch I could blow the holes. See the other vid where I had to use a diamond tool on a Dremel.

[@travisdozier1357]

I have the same Bing steam engine. And I have the same problem. I keep robbing the sight glass out of the plank. May I ask what mm is that glass rod?

[@ozziebob08]

Hi Travis. I think its ~4-5mm but I'll measure it for you when I get home tonight. Remind me if I forget.

[@travisdozier1357]

Thank you so much. You gave me the confidence I needed to do this. I just need to order the right stuff.

[@ozziebob08]

@@travisdozier1357 Without taking the sightglass protector off, it appears to be 4mm. HTH

[@travisdozier1357]

10.4 thank you sir.