Hi All,
I have finished my first Stirling engine! #@clap2@&
In fact my first engine that actually functions, so it was a great success for me.
I started by watching a number of Stirling videos on utube to find some basic ideas.
Something simple to start with that i would be able to complete by myself with my limited knowledge.
This was the drawing that i made and based the engine on.
From there i made the first few basic parts.
Very easy machining here, i did not really have any fixed dimensions except for the length of the piston con-rod and the diameter of the test tube.
I learnt how to use my boring head and even mounted it in the lathe using a 4 jaw chuck to line up the two centres!
This was the first batch of parts i made
And a rough fitting of the parts to see what it would look like.
I then needed to figure out how to attach the test tube to the main part.
I decided to machine a part and bore it out to the diameter of the test tube.
I would use a high temp gasket sealer to create an airtight seal.
This part was also quite hard as i had to drill four holes that lined up correctly and then tap the main base wit a 2-56 tap.
The bits after drilling and tapping.
I then forgot to take pictures of the stand...
I took a piece of hex stock and turned the top down to 8mm and drilled a corresponding hole in the main unit.
I was going to try my hand at threading on the lathe but thought twice about it...
That can be done on some practise bits later!
The stand is going to be loctited into the main unit.
I then went over to my mill and using an 8mm round nose mill i milled some slots into the stand.
Set the work up at a 2degree angle and milled all 6 sides.
It turned out okay i think.
Lat night i fashioned a wooden base for it out of Jatoba that is edged in Zebra wood.
A few coats of lacquer and it is nice and shiny!
I am using a jewellers alcohol burner with denatured alcohol as the fuel.
So far it has run for an hour non stop and there is still a lot of fuel left!
This is the finished engine
And video of the completed engine running.
[video=youtube;pGP4AaKvfnE]
[/video]
I am thinking of making a larger diameter flywheel out of something a lot lighter.
It might go a bit faster, although i like the slow and steady way it runs now!
Hope you enjoyed the post and the journey with me!
Next project is Jerry Howells Sideshaft vacuum engine!
Andrew
I have finished my first Stirling engine! #@clap2@&
In fact my first engine that actually functions, so it was a great success for me.
I started by watching a number of Stirling videos on utube to find some basic ideas.
Something simple to start with that i would be able to complete by myself with my limited knowledge.
This was the drawing that i made and based the engine on.
From there i made the first few basic parts.
Very easy machining here, i did not really have any fixed dimensions except for the length of the piston con-rod and the diameter of the test tube.
I learnt how to use my boring head and even mounted it in the lathe using a 4 jaw chuck to line up the two centres!
This was the first batch of parts i made
And a rough fitting of the parts to see what it would look like.
I then needed to figure out how to attach the test tube to the main part.
I decided to machine a part and bore it out to the diameter of the test tube.
I would use a high temp gasket sealer to create an airtight seal.
This part was also quite hard as i had to drill four holes that lined up correctly and then tap the main base wit a 2-56 tap.
The bits after drilling and tapping.
I then forgot to take pictures of the stand...
I took a piece of hex stock and turned the top down to 8mm and drilled a corresponding hole in the main unit.
I was going to try my hand at threading on the lathe but thought twice about it...
That can be done on some practise bits later!
The stand is going to be loctited into the main unit.
I then went over to my mill and using an 8mm round nose mill i milled some slots into the stand.
Set the work up at a 2degree angle and milled all 6 sides.
It turned out okay i think.
Lat night i fashioned a wooden base for it out of Jatoba that is edged in Zebra wood.
A few coats of lacquer and it is nice and shiny!
I am using a jewellers alcohol burner with denatured alcohol as the fuel.
So far it has run for an hour non stop and there is still a lot of fuel left!
This is the finished engine
And video of the completed engine running.
[video=youtube;pGP4AaKvfnE]
I am thinking of making a larger diameter flywheel out of something a lot lighter.
It might go a bit faster, although i like the slow and steady way it runs now!
Hope you enjoyed the post and the journey with me!
Next project is Jerry Howells Sideshaft vacuum engine!
Andrew
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