Only then did Chongzhen remember that Zhengqi No. 1 was handmade by craftsmen.

For hand-made work, the most difficult thing is to polish large-sized surfaces. The larger the size, the higher the difficulty, and the geometric progression increases. The diameter of the inner wall of the cylinder of Zhengqi No. 1 reaches three feet, and the diameter of the piston is also close to three feet.

It is really difficult for craftsmen to polish two large-sized cylindrical surfaces by hand.

However, this problem is not unsolvable.

At that time, Chongzhen said: "In this way, the size of the piston of Zhengqi No. 1 will be reduced, and we will try to run it first. Then we will research a large lathe that can turn. Zhengqi No. 1 will provide power for this large lathe, and then cast a set of the same size.

The cylinder and piston are turned and polished using a lathe to turn and polish the inner surface of the cylinder and the outer surface of the piston."

"Yes, lathe." Fang Yizhi and Song Yingxing suddenly felt their eyes light up.

This is actually a fixed mindset, just like window paper. If you don’t pierce it, you won’t be able to think of it.

"Okay, then hurry up." After Chongzhen said that, he sent Fang Yizhi and others away.

It is not an easy task to research and build a lathe that can turn the No. 1 cylinder.

It was conservatively estimated that it would take at least another year. Thinking of this, Chongzhen couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

The application of the steam engine had to be postponed for another year, and the Northern Expedition also had to be postponed for at least another year.

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Chapter completed!