Suggestions for simple engine for newbie

[pjpickard]

Hi all,

OK so I am not the newbie, in fact I am a machinist. I'm really a locomotive guy but I peek in here pretty regular
My nephew is coming to visit from Sweden for a month this summer and every time he sees my shop he is fascinated and want to make something. He is 13 and super excited..reminds me of me at that age!

I'd like to work with him and teach him some about machining and make a small engine he can take home with him. I think a simple oscillating or other simple steam engine would be the ticket. I have looked around online for plans but don't find one that is "right". Something not too big and at the same time not too small and fussy.

Any suggestions!

Thanks,

Paul

 

[Longboy]

You can take a look at "tin can" Stirling engines on Google & Youtube. Made from household items some of the parts can be adapted to a machining experience such as flywheel disk, beam & post, crankshaft and linkages. They are not fussy about accuracy to get them to run. You can email him before his trip if these engines would interest him.

 

[Swifty]

Seeing he is taking it home, he probably doesn't have compressed air available, as Longboy said a Stirling, or how about a finger treadle type. No air or heat required, just finger pressure. You will find lots of information if you Google Finger Engines.

Paul.

 

[pjpickard]

Still looking at options, thanks for the ideas!

 

[pete]

Google "Elmers Engines" there should be something in there that appeals to the both of you and can be built in your limited time.

Pete