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What is wrong with doing it the way the designer, Jan Ridders, has designed it? He has a lot of experience with these engines and has chosen the materials wisely.
Allen, I have used aluminum, steel, and cast iron all with success. I do recommend using graphite for the piston however, due mainly to its self-lubricating properties.
I've made a Stirling with a PTFE piston, no trouble machining to size and a good surface.PTFE expands a LOT !!!! so it won't be to size for long .... Had to be quite loose when cold . Still ran though.
Not suggesting for one moment that it is a crime to personalize any engine. Just want you to avoid a disappointment.Have you tried looking on e-bay? Graphite electrode rods are readily available and inexpensive But messy to machine. http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xgraphite+electrode+rod.TRS0&_nkw=graphite+electrode+rod&_sacat=0
Quote from: Vixen on December 16, 2016, 02:42:04 PMNot suggesting for one moment that it is a crime to personalize any engine. Just want you to avoid a disappointment.Have you tried looking on e-bay? Graphite electrode rods are readily available and inexpensive But messy to machine. http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xgraphite+electrode+rod.TRS0&_nkw=graphite+electrode+rod&_sacat=0The Ridders design has a 13mm diameter piston - so all those 6.5, 8 and 10mm rods are too small... AS