power for the back forty

[timberfaller390]

I'm kinda thinking about building a small steam engine to turn a genarator

[JimMartin9999]

I hate to be negative but steam  engines tend to be expensive , and worse , require constant attention , unless you can use a computer to automate everything from constant pressure, fuel feed etc.
Here is a company that actually sells small steam engines and gives a realistic list of considerations about their use.
http://www.tinypower.com/
If some of you tinkerers could make the Sterling engine generate electricity, we would have a wood fueled blessing and the world would beat a path to your door.  I certainly would.  Get a start with a google search.

[Radar67]

Like Jim, I hate to sound negative, but steam can get real dangerous, real quick. This is a hot water heater going off, from pressure.

http://www.youtube.com/v/JmJoyuUJj2Q&hl=en&fs=1

[timberfaller390]

Just found out that there is a gentelman in his 80's a few miles from me that is a steam genius. Apparently this guy has done some work for MGM, the Smithsonion and completely rebuilt several steam locomotives for various museums. I was told he has a 1/2 scale African Queen in his shop and once got a ticket for driving a steam tractor on a public road. I'm going out there this weekend to get his thoughts on it. I know I will need his help to do this safely if I go through with it. If I do I will probably try to modify my table saw and lathe to work off of belt power. They are both very old machines so it shouldn't be hard.

[olyman]

Just found out that there is a gentelman in his 80's a few miles from me that is a steam genius. Apparently this guy has done some work for MGM, the Smithsonion and completely rebuilt several steam locomotives for various museums. I was told he has a 1/2 scale African Queen in his shop and once got a ticket for driving a steam tractor on a public road. I'm going out there this weekend to get his thoughts on it. I know I will need his help to do this safely if I go through with it. If I do I will probably try to modify my table saw and lathe to work off of belt power. They are both very old machines so it shouldn't be hard.

  you need to go and learn EVERYTHING you can from this old guy--hes a wealth of knowledge---and when he passes on---its gone---including the small details-------

[timberfaller390]

I fully agree. Supposedly he has become somewhat of a hermit the last few years so I feel privleged just to be able to meet him. They say he won't even talk to you unless he thinks your worth fooling with so I hope if I show up with my usual eagerness  to learn he will take me in. Most people who know me say I have an 80 year old mind anyway so we should get along great.

[StorminN]

timberfaller,

You should also check out Mike Brown's steam engine site, there is a bunch of knowledge there and he sells complete engines as well as kits...

Mike Brown Steam Engines
and Alternative Energy Products

-Norm.

[StorminN]

timberfaller,

You should also check out Mike Brown's steam engine site, there is a bunch of knowledge there and he sells complete engines as well as kits...

Mike Brown Steam Engines

Mike Brown Alternative Energy Products

-Norm.