Recent content by rwells

Sir Your finger engines are the greatest. I hope to try some soon. I look forward to your updates and pics. Can you give me or include in your posts some of the steps to achieving the finish polished loook of the al and brass. Keep up the good work. Rick

This is cool. I found one of those also and could not figure it out. thaanks Rick

Any comments on a graphite piston to a brass cylinder? I have the cylinder turned to .599 (shooting for .600) and am getting ready to turn the piston. Some tips have said to use regular copy paper to polish the outside of the piston and work it down to size. Would it help to put a high polish on...

thanks for the epoxy response. I am using it after it's cured. I probably could have been more clear. Rick

Will alcohol have any effect on epoxy if I use that to help fasten part of a brass fuel tank? I just want to make sure the alcohol will not break down the joint. thanks Rick

I recently got a BD 920W Jet Lathe and have a few questions. I'd like to hear from someone who has this lathe. The instruction book doesn't seem to answer them. These ? are specific to this lathe and I don't want to bore the entire forum with them. Thanks Rick

Hey Wingnut I'm a neewbie from Springfield MO. I have really enjoyed this forum.. Welcome Rick

I am new at building with metal and these posts teach me something everyday. I am building one of Jerry Howell Stirling engines "The Vickie". Mr Howell is opposed to using aluminum for the power cylinder. On his web site he has tips for Stirling engines. He does talk about graphite for a piston...

These are nice looking rings. Thanks for sharing the pic. Rick

I have been reading some on spinning and would like to read or see more of how you did this ring. Thanks Rick

My Stirling plans suggest a "cotton" pipe stem cleaners. Cautions not to use nylon or synthetic fiber because they melt. I haven't got that far with my engine, but plan to try them. Just a suggestions. I like the other suggestions on this post and may try them to. Rick

I am going to be making a small brass fuel tank for my stirling engine and will be soldering the end caps on. Plans call for using brass tubing 1.375 OD and 1.312 ID. The end pieces are 1.313 diameter, .062 thick. Question is I am trying to avoid a mess and keep the nice brass finish. Any tips...

I read your post and the setup looks like it would do the job. Have you ever spun a collet in the spindle? I didn't want to take a chance of messing up the taper in the spindle nose. Your solution looks economical thanks Rick

Has anyone had any experience with the lathe collet chucks such as the one from Bison, Lathmaster or The Little machine shop? I'm getting serious about using one with 5c collets on my 9x20 lathe. I do need to retain the spindle bore for long slender parts. Is it a lot of work to face off the...

I have a small 9x20 lathe and need to turn small parts. I normally turn from 1/2 inch to 1/16" and would like to know what kind of collets are available. My bore is 25/32". The spindle mount is 1 1/2 X 8. Spindle taper is MT-3. Any info or web site info would be helpful. Thanks in advance. Rick