Smokehaus

[Oldmechthings]

How about another hot air engine? The design Idea for this one just kind of tumbled out of my head one day. I think that is how the chimney got all bent up, but it runs ok, so I guess it is all right. Actually I think the basic idea came from a picture that I had seen some place.

The only unique thing about this one is that I made a lamp that works like the antique oil lamps where a knob it turned that rotates a star wheel against the wick to raise or lower it and adjust the size of the flame.

Question: how many viewers remember the old smoke houses that were used to smoke salted meat to preserve it in the days before refrigeration? Ever heard of "salt pork"?

 

[deere_x475guy]

Great looking model there Oldmechthings. How did you do the engraving work?

I've heard of salt pork, not sure if I have ever had any though. I have a friend that smokes a lot of venison in a little out house looking building. Every once in awhile he stops by and drops off some. I keep in my little fridge out here in the shop for a snack. Dang now I am hungry.

 

[Oldmechthings]

You need to know that decoration or graving as you call it is nothing but high tech in my shop. First you mill a slight depression, maybe about 1/32" deep. Then you take and old pin punch or something about 3/32" diameter and grind and polish the working end to approximately hemispherical. After that sit down on a stool next to the workbench and with a small hammer and using the modified punch you stamp, one at a time, as many dimples in the recess as will fit. It keeps you occupied for a while. The trick was learned from reading one of Philip Duclos' articles years ago.
Birk

 

[BobWarfield]

Being a Texan (transplanted and slightly reformed), I don't have to remember smoke houses the way they used to be. In fact, my brother-in-law has a fine smoker that I will eventually wind up copying:

I figure its a message from above that the shape of the great state of Texas works well for smoking meat! ;D

Nice engine, BTW!

Ought to be a able to sit a collection of Stirlings atop an active smoker or BBQ. Some clever fella might even think of a "practical" use for the power they produce. Blowing that amazing aroma of ribs being smoked all around the neighborhood would be easy with a Stirling fan, but probably needlessly cruel to those not invited to dinner.

Cheers,

BW