New member from Canada eh!

[Shipdisturber]

Hi Everyone my name is Jim I live in the frozen North called Canada. I'm a Heavy Duty Mechanic that has been pulling wrenches on big Diesel engines for the last thirty years. Last count I think I've done around 260 rebuilds and have worked on about eight different brands of engines. I'm here not only because I love engines but since I've seen the Stirling engine I've got to make one. I have a Taig lathe with a milling attachment with various cutting and milling bits, I also have a wide assortment of modelling tools that I use on my boats. I believe I have the tools and ability to make a simple Sterling engine but no idea how to make one, so I'm looking for plans. I'm glad I found this site because I think it will be a great place for info and to pass the time.

 

[Ratshooter]

Welcome! I was a heavy duty truck mechanic for about 40 years, now retired. I spent a few years in an engine rebuilding shop, then moved to a private fleet.

I was born to be a mechanic, and will be until I die, at one level or another. I've built a few steam engines, that I've run on air. I'll do a few hit-n-miss gas engines before moving on to multi cylinder engines, and then if I live long enough, maybe a radial aircraft engine. There is no end to this hobby, and that's the best part.

There's a lot of talent on this board, lots of guys who have been there and done it. All are willing to help as they can, so don't be shy, ask and you shall receive!

Regards, TC

 

[charlesfitton]

"Frozen North" covers a lot of the earths surface, Ship, care to me a little more geographically specific?

f

 

[kjk]

Try this for an intro to Sterling engines.
http://myfordboy.blogspot.co.uk/p/myfordboys-e-z-stirling-engine.html

 

[Herbiev]

And a big welcome from the not so frozen Down Under

 

[Shipdisturber]

Thanks KJK. Well Charlesfitton I actually live in the Vancouver B.C. area which is rather balmy compared to your neck of the woods. I always try to give the rest of the world the idea that Canada is cold and desolate so people will stop moving here and sending the house prices out of sight for the average person. Anyway enough politics thank you.

 

[bmac2]

Hi Jim welcome aboard.wEc1
Looks like you got some snow on the other side of the Rockies. We don’t have much snow on the ground but with the wind chill today of -33 I think we have to keep the “Frozen North” label for a while. I hate it when the weather guy says things like “exposed flesh will freeze in 5 minutes”
Dean Williams has a good page for Taig projects. http://www.deansphotographica.com/machining/projects/projects.html
For Sterling engines I don’t know if anyone can top Jan Ridders site. He offers the plans for those who ask and has write ups on the builds. http://www.ridders.nu/index_framelinks_english.htm. Just look for the “Change to English” button on the page. Oh. And allow a lot of time for browsing.

 

[Shipdisturber]

Thanks Bob I'll check that out too. I was browsing through some of the forum posts today and this site has the kind of depth I can sink my teeth into. So many facets to this hobby I don't think it could get boring if anything more challenging with each venture.

 

[Shipdisturber]

I viewed the Taig lathe videos and one thing for sure I have to do is my own castings. So I got an idea how the steam engine works so maybe I'll start with one of those. First I have to learn about is how to cast.

 

[fcheslop]

Hi Jim, this site maybe of some use
http://www.manfreds-hobbypage.de/

Good luck
cheers

 

[Shipdisturber]

Thanks fcheslop even though I can't read it I can at least figure out measurements. With the cutaway view in the plans it was immensely helpful in understanding how a Sterling engine works. So now I will go back to my original plan about building a Sterling engine.

 

[Shipdisturber]

I downloaded the plans for the Sterling 2-90 but can't read them. I can figure out most of it by the drawings but there are two drawings that I'm not sure about, anyone have a translation of Manfreds page to English?

 

[fcheslop]

You could try cutting and pasting it into google translator although it always seems to make a nonsense of the critical part for me at least
Failing that what parts are you unsure about??
Also have a look for Daves Stirling engine its a nice wee build I cannot remember any probs with the drawings
https://youtu.be/biZMMc_6NH8
Oh before I forget its Stirling as in the Rev Stirling not Sterling :} it may help for future searches.
cheers
frazer

 

[Shipdisturber]

The one picture that looks like a round plate with a hole drilled in the centre, I think it is a lid for the candle but I'm not sure. I'll check out that other link thanks. Since I found this site I am being drawn to it more often than I thought I would, great site!

 

[charlesfitton]

A bit far away for a visit so you can prowl my sadly neglected files drawer. I tend towards not building more traditional engines...

I also grab images that catch my fancy and put them in a folder on the computer desktop.

 

[Shipdisturber]

Wild looking stuff Charles! After musing over the Manfred design I have a clearer picture of how these things function. I slept on it and I think I may have a more effective design, one with less waste and improved flow. So next week I'll start scratching out a plan, Charles I would say you and I are of the same mindset when it comes to building. This is a video of my last project that took a year and a half to complete, all scratch built including the mechanics, It's supposed to be a Greek Bireme but I was informed by an expert that this type was used before the Bireme at around 250 B.C. anyway it's make from African Sepili hardwood scraps I acquired from a Yahct manufacturer out here.

https://youtu.be/e3HQ7bmNxMY

 

[Shipdisturber]

One question Charles. What kind of motor is the bottom picture and does it run?

 

[fcheslop]

Hi, if its Blatt3 its the meths burner
cheers

 

[charlesfitton]

One question Charles. What kind of motor is the bottom picture and does it run?

Best I can tell... Double expanding, single acting, piston-valved attempt at a high speed steam engine.

wet sump, and take note

I emphasize "not building" I'm more of a tool collecting dreamer..

I just liked the design

 

[Shipdisturber]

It certainly is different type of engine, something I've never seen before.