u/AleksandrLiutov

In 2018, while working at Megalit, I took part in building a large-format CNC router for processing plastic sheets.

The project included frame fabrication, mechanical assembly, electrical installation, commissioning and troubleshooting. During the first startup we encountered several technical challenges, which led to upgrades of the Z-axis drive system and further improvements to the machine.

The router was later used for real commercial projects and underwent several upgrades over the years.

The most satisfying part is that the machine is still operating in 2026.

For me, this project demonstrates that engineering is not only about technical knowledge, but also about finding practical solutions and turning ideas into working machines.

​Technical Highlights:

​Vacuum System: High-capacity dual vacuum tanks powered by a heavy-duty two-stage Soviet forevacuum pump with a three-phase motor, monitored via a prominent pressure gauge.

​Motion System: Pneumatic/mechanical table interaction (upper and lower tables).

​Heating Array: Four-zone radiant heat element matrix, optimized with precise PID temperature control utilizing solid-state relays (SSRs).

​HMI: Fully illuminated, custom-programmed touchscreen interface for precise control.

​Operation: Demonstrated production sequence including material heating, forming pull, and rapid cooling via mist spray.

Here is a close-up look at the turbine rotor assembly from a rare Soviet TS-20B (ТС-20Б) gasoline-powered turbo-starter (APU).

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In the video, you can clearly see the turbine blades spinning and get a great view of the "dovetail" (ласточкин хвост) root design used to secure the blades to the disk.

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Unlike many modern or common starters, the TS-20B is a pretty unique piece of Soviet engineering because it runs on gasoline rather than standard jet fuel or compressed air. It was designed to bring large main aircraft engines up to starting RPM.

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Here is a close-up look at the turbine rotor assembly from a rare Soviet TS-20B (ТС-20Б) gasoline-powered turbo-starter.

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In the video, you can clearly see the turbine blades spinning and get a great view of the "dovetail" root design used to secure the blades to the disk.

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Unlike most common starters, the TS-20B is a unique piece of engineering because it runs on gasoline. It was specifically designed to crank up the legendary Kuznetsov NK-12 (НК-12) turboprop engines—the most powerful turboprop engines in naval and aviation history (generating up to 15,000 hp).

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For those wondering where this specific starter was used, it was installed on:

* **Tupolev Tu-95 "Bear"** (Strategic bomber and missile platform)

* **Tupolev Tu-142** (Maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine aircraft)

* **Antonov An-22 "Antei"** (The world's largest turboprop transport aircraft)

* **Tupolev Tu-114** (Long-range Soviet airliner)

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It's a beautiful piece of mechanical history, still holding up perfectly.

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WARNING: All actions in this video were performed by professionals in a controlled workshop environment using personal protective equipment. Do not attempt to recreate or replicate any of the activities demonstrated in this video.

Testing our custom hydrogen peroxide unimoto right inside the workshop. The plan was simple: start the engine, prop it up on the stand, and pin the throttle to the max to measure the exact runtime on a single tank.

​Everything was going smoothly until the chain snapped at peak RPM. Turns out, it was a simple mistake — an improperly installed master link. The chain broke and sent sparks flying right by my feet. Enjoy the video and learn from our mistakes!

Testing the homemade turbo engine under 15 atmospheres of boost pressure. Watch how the system handles the load during these first field trials!

This is not a rocket bike.

The engine uses concentrated hydrogen peroxide decomposed in a chemical reactor to generate high-pressure steam and oxygen, which drive a homemade turbine connected to the wheel.

What started as homemade Unimoto ice racing eventually evolved into one of the strangest machines I have ever built.

This video tells the complete story:

garage experiments, steam engines, failed steering systems, frozen catalysts, turbine testing, Soviet motorcycles, and the engineering madness of the Snowdogs winter motorcycle festival.

The video is in Russian with full English subtitles.

Do NOT repeat anything shown in this video.

I made a big mistake when I controlled the skis instead of the wheel.

This is my first race in my life, I took second place.