Search found 10 matches

by Bidwell
Sun Jan 29, 2012 11:46 am
Forum: Stirling and "Hot Air" Engine Forum
Topic: Power piston cylinder size
Replies: 3
Views: 3497

Re: Power piston cylinder size

Thanks Ian. I cut about an inch off the cylinder and gained 10 RPMs. I've switched to an alcohol lamp with a small flame to keep tests constant.

When adjusting the displacer's travel, is it better to favor the top? I figure favoring the top would keep the displacer cooler.
by Bidwell
Sat Jan 28, 2012 11:34 am
Forum: Stirling and "Hot Air" Engine Forum
Topic: Power piston cylinder size
Replies: 3
Views: 3497

Power piston cylinder size

Is the power piston cylinder considered "dead space" and should it be kept to a minimum? This can be shortened considerably. Should I expect any improvement? http://i39.tinypic.com/33l2gsj.jpg This has a steel wool displacer and works very well. I tried loosely packed steel wool inside the...
by Bidwell
Sat Jan 21, 2012 11:08 pm
Forum: Stirling and "Hot Air" Engine Forum
Topic: N00b and a Walking Beam
Replies: 2
Views: 2926

Re: N00b and a Walking Beam

These things are addicting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE7JTUFYAwI
by Bidwell
Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:47 am
Forum: Stirling and "Hot Air" Engine Forum
Topic: My first stirling... on the brink of failure. HELP!
Replies: 19
Views: 13066

Re: My first stirling... on the brink of failure. HELP!

So which one, will perform better, everything else being equal? My guess is the one with steel wool would run slower. I can't imagine steel wool lasting very long at higher revs, it would shake itself apart. Will floral foam work better than steel wool? I've read about it but haven't seen comparisons.
by Bidwell
Sun Jan 15, 2012 2:50 pm
Forum: Stirling and "Hot Air" Engine Forum
Topic: Easy way to make a piston
Replies: 8
Views: 15579

Re: Easy way to make a piston

Pictures!
by Bidwell
Sun Jan 15, 2012 2:47 pm
Forum: Stirling and "Hot Air" Engine Forum
Topic: Cutting test tubes
Replies: 4
Views: 5284

Re: Cutting test tubes

Ni-chrome wire wrapped around the tube once with voltage applied, turns red, heats it to breaking. Use a clothes pin to hold the wire tight, insulator where they might touch.
by Bidwell
Sun Jan 15, 2012 2:39 pm
Forum: Stirling and "Hot Air" Engine Forum
Topic: My first stirling... on the brink of failure. HELP!
Replies: 19
Views: 13066

Re: My first stirling... on the brink of failure. HELP!

matador wrote:My displacer is made out of the bottoms of two soda cans. After the JB weld set up I tested for leaks by dipping it into my hot tub.
Why does the displacer need to be air tight? Steel wool isn't.
by Bidwell
Sun Jan 15, 2012 2:22 pm
Forum: Stirling and "Hot Air" Engine Forum
Topic: Smaller walking beam
Replies: 13
Views: 7950

Re: Smaller walking beam

Why only a 4 mm hole? Wouldn't a "full size" hole allow less restriction?
by Bidwell
Sun Jan 15, 2012 11:54 am
Forum: Stirling and "Hot Air" Engine Forum
Topic: need help making my first stirling engine
Replies: 14
Views: 9409

Re: need help making my first stirling engine

I used Bondo (body putty) into a piece of copper pipe. Works real slick............so far.
by Bidwell
Sun Jan 15, 2012 11:02 am
Forum: Stirling and "Hot Air" Engine Forum
Topic: N00b and a Walking Beam
Replies: 2
Views: 2926

N00b and a Walking Beam

I just built my first Stirling engine after discovering their simplicity. I chose the walking beam because it looked easier. Being a plumber for over 40 years, I've accumulated more than enough to material. I used Bondo (cheap) for the piston and ¾" copper pipe for the cyl. Pressure chamber is ...