Update 8-5-2008

Well, its sad to say that this will be the last update for a while. Completion of the free power kart project was a huge milestone for myself and for the DIY turbine community. The kart spent the last year touring many different events with an overwhelming positive response. Over the years, thousands of people have been able to experience the unique world of DIY gas turbines, and have been shown their abilities in powering a vehicle. 

The jet kart has changed ownership to a very fine gentleman who is a turbine enthusiast (both DIY and commercial). He will continue to build upon and improve the jet kart and keep it active at various events. I will continue to put up pictures as they come in.

The past few years have taught me many new things in the world of gas turbines. Though after thousands of hours of time invested its time to take a break from DIY gas turbines. I have started back to college to finish up my engineering degree and just don't have the time to give the jet projects that they need. I have many new ideas that I would like to build in the future, but for now, school needs the most attention. I would like to thank everyone for the advice, donations, and support that made the kart build possible. The turbinebuilder website will continue to stay up in hopes to inspire other DIY turbine enthusists out there, and to document future projects.

Update 5-15-2008

Another update has been posted. This update covers some changes to the kart, such as overhauling the fuel and oil systems. Click HERE to check it out.

Update 5-1-2008

Just wanted to post that I added the dates for events I plan on going to this year. I attended the first car show this year and it was a blast! Head over to the events page and check it out. I am also working on a couple new things that I will post a another update for when they are finished.

Update 2-25-2008

Just a quick update. I took another video of start up on air impingement. This one went very well and demonstrates how the air start system is supposed to work. The previous video was of the first run up, and there was quite a bit of tuning going on. Please go HERE to check out the new start up video! Make sure you turn up your speakers!

Update 2-24-2008

Another update in!. The engine is back on the kart now, with the air impingement hooked up. Check out some new pic's HERE, as well as a new video that is up HERE. The air impingement start up is a success! Check out the new video up. This was the first start, so keep in mind, the future starts will be much smoother now that I know the "right" fuel settings.

Update 2-8-2008

Sorry for the long delay in another update! Some new work is beginning again. This time around, development on a starter system has begun so that the engine can be started without a blower. Click HERE to check it out. A new way to view videos is also available. You can either download them (like before) or you can choose to watch them right on the page! I have created multiple video pages to help with load times for those with slower connections.

Update 11-24-2007

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Sorry its been a while without any updates. Some new ideas have been tossed around. I am currently working on a electric start for the turbine. This is posing some big challenges, but makes for a good winter project. I have also been working on getting the kart out for some straight runs so she can really be opened up. I posted a small update HERE regarding the oil tank.

Update 10-14-2007

A small update was added. Some changes were made to the oil and fuel system as well as a tear down of the engine. Click HERE to check it out!

Update 10-8-2007

Well, exciting news! The kart has made both its static test run and its maiden run under shaft power! Check out the videos now! The videos are located at the top of the multimedia page. Click HERE to go there now, then click on either static test or maiden run.

Update 9-17-2007

Another quick update. I did a bit of site maint. to help organize things a bit better. The succession pages were getting confusing, so I have added project logs. Just click on projects over at the left, or click HERE. This will take you to the logs, just click on the one you want and go from there. From here on out, updates will be listed under the project logs. Shortly I will also have a new multimedia page up where you can view all the pictures and videos.

Update 9-2-2007

Finally able to get another update up. Getting very close to making a first run! Click HERE to see what's been done!

Update 8-24-2007

More exciting details are in on the free power section, Click HERE to check it out!

Update 8-13-2007

A huge and exciting update is in. Click HERE to see!

Update 7-28-2007

More details of the power turbine are in. Check out details HERE

Update 7-23-2007

Whew! A very large update is in! The gas producer is nearly done with some small details to finish up. It has been decided that the kart will now for sure be free power. Details of the design and the power output will be released very soon, so stay tuned!

Update 7-16-2007

An extensive update has been added. The new engine is nearly done and is looking great! Soon testing will begin so that all the fine tuning can be completed. Check out the update now!

Update 6-23-2007

Another update has been posted. Some changes were made to the site such as the removal of our first project to help save some space. With the development of Jet Kart 2.0, the site was starting to get skimpy on space. As they say, out with the old and in with the new. Be sure to check out the Jet Kart site as more changes have happened since the last update. More to come soon!

Update 6-17-2007

Its been a while since our last update. Several things have happened since our last update. The most important was the birth of our new baby boy on May 8th 2007! So as you can imagine its been quite busy the last several months.

The kart had many successful appearances last year including our invitation to three car shows and a featured guest at McGonigals car bash!

After attending these events an inspection of the engine led to the discovery of engine damage believed to be from the faulty cast of the turbine wheel.  Unfortunately this turbine size and A/R is not available anymore for this core. This led to the redesign of a new engine with more power that is still under development. As soon as the engine is complete I will post more information about it as well as build pictures. Even though the failure of the original engine was disappointing, it led to new developments as well. In conjunction with the design of the new engine, the kart has made some major transformations as well.  Initially the kart was actually becoming street legal as a jet/gasoline hybrid, however, due to weight problems that had to be scratched. So instead, due to popular request, more changes have been made and the kart is undergoing many more developments to accommodate the new project.

 

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You are probably asking yourself, what is this site all about? TurbineBuilder.com started out in 1999 when two guys decided to build a home built gas turbine. This project taught us many things about the world of jet engines. Since being a kid I have always been fascinated with jet engines and jet's in general. This fascination quickly grew into a hobby that I enjoy sharing with friends, family and strangers.

TurbineBuilder.com is a place for us to document our projects, display our sponsors, and look for new ideas. We have taken our ideas to the next level so that we can share, and allow other people to enjoy the power of jet engines.

TurbineBuilder.com main focus is to display, discuss, and demonstrate the power and versatility of home built jet engines to the public through exciting displays and exhibits. Our sponsors help us accomplish this and in return, are rewarded with all types of advertising and referrals at the events we attend.

 

-Matt

 

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