Search results

Good feedback. Thinning the rod would reduce the reciprocating weight. Think an end mill pass down the center would also look cool. I am building this open crankcase so the innards will be exposed.

Bryan, Looking through my box of miscellaneous treasures I found two double sealed ball bearings stripped from a computer hard drive years ago. They are .312 ID and .625 OD. perfect for this Upshur engine. Planning on making the conn rod from bronze to act as a bearing surface but now concerned...

Yes, the cams and cam timing look like a challenge. On the head fins I was thinking of just cutting those with an end mill. The crank has me a bit spooked though.

Hello Bryan, Nice job on the Upshur! Having built single cyl wobbler and two cyl steam engines I am starting to build the Upshur for my leap into ICE. This could be interesting as I love a machining challenge.

Well all progress has stopped as it appears after 35 years in this house we are moving! Lots of work to do in the new place including an awesome shop. More to follow but that has become my new full time job. Whew! Moving the shop and machinery will be a huge challenge.

Welcome, Tom! This is a forum of like minded individuals. Lots of posts from Australia and the U K. Good to hear you are trying to reach out to the younger generation. Terry in Texas

Ha! At my age I worry about lost minutes! Always feel bad about scrapping a part but it's more fun than Sudoku.

nx06563, Thanks for the reply. My goal is to experience myself into an IC engine and I see you are already there. Congratulations. I also appreciate different and non conventional designs and yours definitely qualifies. Do both pistons meet at TDC? I suppose the easy way out of my dilema would...

Charles, I had a hard time understanding the valve as well so the first was made out of a 3/8 wood dowel rod. It actually worked probably due to the reduced clearances. Found this engine design on line about 3 years ago and since learned it came from a 1960 vintage Popular Mechanics mag. Using...

Just finishing up my second engine build. My first was a small wobbler and I wanted a challenge so dove into a two cylinder. Hope to make it to IC some day. Problem: The rotary valve is one of the reasons I chose this engine build as I did not feel confident in machining gears or cams. BUT that...

Hmmmm, I don't know much about EDM machining but I wonder if the graphite rods would be of a much smaller diameter. On the dust issue, sounds like it would be prudent to wear a respirator while making dust on the lathe. Have not decided on a Stirling design to build so accepting suggestions...

I was thinking about using the shop vac as a dust collector but not sure I wanna give up the free way lube. Ha ha. Maybe a topic for another thread but talk to me about cutting tool geometry for graphite.

Changed my shop lights to LED last winter when I got tired of dim flickering lights in a cold shop. Went with the direct wire variety that does away with the noisy ballast. Love the instant and silent bright light, cheaper to run, too. I see it's been a few months since your post but got mine...

Thanks Chiptosser for the explanation. I can see the advantage of graphite in a Stirling now. Terry

I have noticed several Stirling engine plans call for a graphite piston. Can anyone explain why?

Bob, I will contact Model Engine Builder to see if back issues are available. Thanks for the tip and prompt reply.

Hello Bob, I congratulate your grand daughter on her Sterling, outstanding and a beautiful job. I have always wanted to do a Sterling and that engine looks like a great place to start. Is there a way I can get the drawings? Thanks! Terry from Texas.

Wow, That book is a treasure. I had no idea the interweb had old publications, Popular Mechanics etc for all to see. I spent hours with these as a kid. Also had zero interest in sports, preferring to cruise the alleys on garbage days for treasures (much to my mother's chagrin). I still do that...

Almost done, over a year in the making. Building experience toward more complex I.C. engines. Terry Sent from my Moto E (4) using Model Engines mobile app