Stirling Engine with LED Light

Update Decenber 1, 2017Sometime earlier this year, the hot piston threw a rod. When i took it apart, it was easy to put back in and I put it aside to do other things. when I tried to use it again tonight, it threw the rod again. I'm not even sure it's worth pursuing these models anymore. This is a $100+ broken toy. Very disappointed. I even have kept the parts far from this rod lubricated with sewing-machine oil. If I ever fel inclined, maybe I'll try the one from SunnyTech (who, according to D-star, stole the design.)I do still have the D-star version of the coffee-heated engine, but now I have no confidence it will work for very long.The device itself deserves a 5-star review; however, the shipped alcohol lamp broke in the mail so I had to use one from a Stirling engine I got from SunnyTech. Even with the tiny alcohol lamp from the other engine, this thing really rocks! If you want someone to really learn what a Stirling engine can do, get this one! The generator and LED lights work great, and the engine runs so fast it has to be held in place with the hands!I did have to follow the lubrication instructions in the manual to get really good performance, but I don't find that troubling,. This is a great demo of a Stirling engine, and I recommend it highly!By the way, D-Star is sending me a replacement burner. That should be fun!

Pro's- Works as advertised, once you get it running well you will see that it does what you need it to do.- Have quite a few very handy spare parts, the more fragile glass parts all have a spare, + even a piston- More powerfull than expected for the small size- Clear Instructions, follow them well.- Good designCon- Not a big one here, but it does not have the lamp oil or very thin machine oil you need to run this proper, this is really not a big problem, but I was a fool to use a slightly thicker oil to lubricate it, wich made it only run worse. (proper water thin machine oil fixed all this).- Bit louder than i imagined it would be, but then again it is also more powerfull so it's all fair game.Have fun with this.

his review is for the "Stirling Engine with LED Light" - this is a scaled, working model of a Stirling engine. This model can be used a demonstration of energy conversion for anyone. My particular case is that I want to scale this up (build a bigger one) to a size that will charge 12 volt batteries. Michigan has winters with very little sunlight but lots of wood and snow. This model will help me with the important aspects of Stirling theory. The LED's are run by a small generator that can be adjusted (rotated and centering) to keep the "belt" straight. There is no tap to get power from the generator for your own use.The Stirling engine works by temperature differential - heating one end while cooling the other.This model runs well on Sterno fuel. I use a metal bottle cap (wine bottle cap) and "spoon" some Sterno into it. The beautiful finished wood platform has taken the heat without melting or burning. The engine will vibrate and the platform will move so keep an eye on it.

I was really excited to order this and start playing around with it, However my excitement quickly turned to disappointment for the following reasons:1) The model barely works using an Ethanol anhydre 95% solution. It fails after roughly 2 minutes then will not start again until fully cooled.2) The flywheel makes a high pitched vibration sound like a tuning fork. I suppose this is because the equipment is not precisely aligned.3) The picture is different than the product received: the LED holder is white plastic and the base has some chinese(?) characters and logo on it.4) Makes significantly more noise than it should with most of the moving parts kind of screeching and clunking.This is not worth the price.

I've been working with miniature engines for 40 plus years and was more than just please with this product. Looks great, wellbuilt and runs without any problems.Start up and sit back, and watch all the functions of pistons, flywheel and generator. Everything works as it should straight fromthe box.Dealing with the business owner has also been a pleasure. He takes the time to answer questions, if you have any, and he will walk you through the stages of operation.I will purchase, without hesitation, other engines he has knowing they are quality machines.

Fuel container not very tight, wick holder does not stay flat!

This thing is GREAT! Nice craftsmanship and runs very well. Very well made and come with some replacement parts. Simply unbox, file the jar with Isopropyl Alcohol, prim the and light the wick. Give it a few moments to heat the glass tube and give the wheel a little spin.

Bought it as gift for engineer.If you have an engineer in your life, this is the gift to get.Reaction after receiving gift: 62 year old engineer running around house wanting to show/explain it to everyone.tip: get the correct lighter fliud as attachment gift.