Stirling Engine Design & Assembly Step-by-Step Tutorial

[@HuubvG]

Here is also a 70+ year old who is learning to the fullest. At my own pace, that's why I set the speed to 0.75, so I can keep up. By the way, your voice doesn't sound lower, you just talk a little slower, haha. Seriously: I can't say you're the best because I haven't tested them all yet. But for me this is a very educational tutorial, with the PDF, the video and Onshape itself on my desktop I learn it step by step. Great!

[@TooTallToby]

Awesome! So glad this is helpful! Good luck on your journey into the wonderful world of Onshape!

[@kenhaley4]

Toby, you are an amazing teacher! You have obviously put an considerable amount of work to produce this video, its companion pdf, and the OnShape project itself. But, in addition, your method of teaching is great. Other tutorial videos for complex software tools (such as GIMP, Adobe Studio, Inkscape, etc.) tend to simply go through all the tools and menu options, explaining what they do, etc. If you have a good memory, you'll know which one to use where when you work with the software yourself. Your approach is different, and so much more effective: You first show the need to do something, and then you describe the tool or option that satisfies the need. For me (at age 77) I know I will remember so much more of what you've demonstrated in this one video. I'm new to OnShape, and I'm so glad I found your channel. I followed this build all the way through, and learned a lot. I'll be looking forward to more. Thanks for all the work you put into these videos.

[@TooTallToby]

Awwww yeah that's awesome! thanks so much for the kind words, and glad this helps!!

[@jacekwodecki3530]

Toby, as many people said: you are an amazing teacher. I am a total noob to CAD, I am just starting now, and I chose Onshape as it is browser-based and free. Your tutorials are clear, informative, easy to follow and overall great for beginners. Regarding this stirling engine - I first watched the walkthrough, and then built this based on the pdf, not watching the video, and it was so great to work with. You made me love CAD vs CAD tournaments and CAD overall. I don't need it for work, but thanks to you I decided to start learning CAD just because it is an awesome skill. Thank you for all your good work. Cheers from Poland :)

[@TooTallToby]

Thats great to hear and I'm really happy that you found CAD and that you're enjoying it!!

[@paulstephenson5311]

Thank you very much for this tutorial. I really like your focus on short cuts, they make life much easier. Even though Onshape is my weapon of choice, I am not taking up the offer of the Pro version, there's only me and 2 cats (fortunately they can't operate a computer). My biggest fear with Onshape is that someday they will remove the free version and we'll have to pay - and it's not cheap! Please keep up the great work as I've now subscribed.

[@TooTallToby]

Nice! Thanks for the kind words, and if you keep teaching the cats eventually they'll be able to branch and merge! 😁😁😁

[@PetrasL_1976]

This was the best lesson i saw! You explain complex things so god!! Thanks!

[@TooTallToby]

Awww yeah THANKS! Glad this helps!

[@mattiasanderberg6679]

I agree with all the positive feedback you get from the viewers, you balance the tech tips with a smile that makes it even more pleasant to follow. Hope to see many more Onshape functional tips and tricks going forward. I started with 3D printing during the Covid-period, love the simplicity that Tinkercad adds, tried a couple of different other CAD sw but finally chose Onshape as my main software to create my small "life savers". Thx again and hope to see more in this series, cheers from Sweden👍

[@TooTallToby]

Awesome thanks so much and glad this was enjoyable! (and useful! )

[@TBooneFisher6931]

EXCELLENT......and your explanation of mate connectors was particularly great and a LOT better than others I have watched. Only one suggestion, the upper left video inset of your face is a nice personal touch. However it takes away from the resolution of your drawings. Not a problem for me since I can view the video on a large 4K monitor. However many viewers cannot making it harder for them to see the details of what you are doing. -TBoone👍👍👍

[@TooTallToby]

Thanks TBoone! Glad you enjoyed the tutorial and I appreciate the feedback! 🙂

[@jamiemacdonald436]

Looking forward to watching this when I have a chance. I was hoping to see something in greater depth like this from Toby. Thanks Onshape.

[@TooTallToby]

Thanks Jamie! Looking forward to hearing your feedback! 🙂

[@vleiswalker9374]

Thank you very much for a Complete Project! Was great! Much appreciated!

[@TooTallToby]

aWww yeah! Glad this helps!

[@Shalfatk01]

i have to say. this is one of the best tutorials about whole pipeline i saw so far on onshape. great work !

[@TooTallToby]

Wow thanks so much for the kind words and glad to hear this resonates with you! 🙂

[@roberson607]

You are the best teacher I have ever had. This model is jut what I needed as I did not understand how to work with part studios and assemblies. I could draw them individually so now I know to build them from the ground up. Thanks Not only am I going to draw it but 3D print it

[@TooTallToby]

Wow thanks Roberson! Excited to hear that you're going to be 3D printing!

[@ddelker]

Outstanding tutorial, Toby! I've been using 2D CAD for decades, but my only 3D CAD experience (if you can call it that) was a frustrating time with Sketchup. By following your carefully designed video, I was able to create the Stirling engine project with very little difficulty. I plan to use my new skills to design 3D models of woodturned bowls and other hobby projects. Thanks again for a great introduction to 3D CAD with Onshape!

[@TooTallToby]

Awesome so glad this helped and glad to hear that you are enjoying Onshape!

[@fahb68]

what a great tutorial.....finally i can make some assambly work ,the way you explain is the best thanks

[@TooTallToby]

wow thanks so glad you enjoyed this one!

[@MarcinAdamowicz]

Thanks man! Solid tutorial!

[@TooTallToby]

Awesome glad this helps!!

[@sm6fie]

This tutorial is very valuable and instructive. It has a very good balance in given detail explanation of the design flow that makes the viewer able to understand the progress. I rate this as one of the best tutorials I have seen on OnShape and I have watched quite a lot of videos. Look forward to the next video…

[@TooTallToby]

Wow thanks so much!! Glad this was helpful!

[@dsbarf]

This is one of the best courses/tutorials I have ever seen. You're a great teacher!

[@TooTallToby]

Wow - THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

[@peterbasista3716]

Thank you for your viadeo. ES briefly demonstrates many useful practices and tips for working with Onshape. I find this new format very informative and would like to see more of it. Greetings PeterThank you for your viadeo. It briefly demonstrates many useful practices and tips for working with Onshape. I find this new format very informative and would like to see more of it. Greetings Peter

[@TooTallToby]

Thanks Peter!

[@Danielhanford]

This was excellent! My big takeaways: S = Shortcut Circular patter / feature not part Pierce Constraint Materials and Appearances Connecting Mates Replicate Animation Section View

[@TooTallToby]

Awww yeah! Sounds like this tutorially really hit the mark! Thanks Daniel!

[@simonturner6943]

Brilliant. All the stuff I have learnt on Onshape has been in discrete steps as each new challenge arrived. This now at a spot on pace, links together and puts in the intervening stages. Thank you.

[@TooTallToby]

Awesome! Glad this helped!!

[@dewser54]

Nicely done Toby. Gives a good demonstration of a lot of basic functions. I would like to see use of the hole tool in future videos instead of sketch & extrude. It's worth it.

[@TooTallToby]

Yoooooo!! that's an excellent idea!! Thanks I'm gonna start working that into my tutorials too!

[@Clownmeati8]

Thanks so much for all the well done videos, I've learned a ton from you!

[@TooTallToby]

Awesome thanks so much and glad these help!

[@thomaspottie1129]

Thanks Toby, i've just watched the video for the first time, now i have to re-watch it and practice. I'm Solidworks CAD designer, but now i can learn Onshape with your video, it's a complet combo to start parts and assembly... thanks

[@TooTallToby]

Yeah It's a great transition from SolidWorks to Onshape! And I love the onshape community and Forums - lots of great discussions on there!

[@Andre_Beth]

You are simply the best at this I have ever come across.

[@TooTallToby]

wow thanks very much Andre!

[@TheFreerunner777]

This type of tutorial is perfect. An advanced tuturial with "best practices" would be great too. If you do tutorial like this, but with projects of increasing complexity to show every tool, i will watch every video.

[@TooTallToby]

thanks Freerunner! Glad you liked it!

[@chumpol.s2061]

Great video! A lot of help for a beginner as me. 🎉

[@TooTallToby]

Awwww yeah glad this helped!!

[@MathaGoram]

This tutorial is excellent not just for content, but the presentation style also - I didn't nod off or switch channels. Who offers Hands-On-Labs (HOLs) these days? Thanks, Toby and OnShape! (Trying to get back into CAD after a lapse of 25+ years; can't get over the memory how Carol Fartz would knock PTC at every public speaking engagement.)

[@TooTallToby]

Awww yeah Thanks for the kind words Martha and glad this one was engaging!

[@LucaL1fe]

this longform content is the best in my eyes!

[@TooTallToby]

Nice! Glad you enjoyed this one! 🙂

[@JernD]

What a fantastic video! I think we need a lot more videos from Toby!

[@TooTallToby]

Awww yeah THANKS JERN!

[@maikbollhorn4874]

Great , learning from you. This is a great idea , teach more projects like this.

[@TooTallToby]

Thanks glad this was helpful!

[@davidpinsley4646]

Wow. What a great tutorial. I learned tons. Many thanks.

[@TooTallToby]

Awesome! So glad this helps!!

[@TaneeshRamachandran]

good video working on it step by step

[@julesmarcu5635]

Great Job Toby I love the short cut keys

[@TooTallToby]

Awww yeah thanks Jules!

[@tctn]

Not ready to learn another CAD software, however I am pretty sure Toby has done an excellent job with this tutorial.

[@TooTallToby]

lol - thanks Ty!

[@ericpascual8913]

Many thanks for having put that much effort in this video. Although already familiar with OS, you've learnt me some useful tricks.

[@TooTallToby]

Awesome thanks Eric! Glad this helps!!

[@stevegpsych68]

Triple T, this was fantastic, thankyou!!!!!

[@TooTallToby]

Awesome! So glad this helped!

[@mbrad2669]

With PDF file🤯

[@TooTallToby]

yes indeed!!

[@gunzi2269]

Absolutely fantastic! Thank you so much!

[@TooTallToby]

My pleasure and THANKS!

[@BrettSimms]

Great tutorial - thanks!

[@TooTallToby]

Awesome thanks!

[@mbrad2669]

I can't wait to get into THIS!!!

[@TooTallToby]

awww yeah!

[@AAKHANITALIA]

Wow what a great experience learning from you, I did follow you step by step and I did everything correctly except the piston rod length which is a bit longer and touches the wheel.

[@TooTallToby]

Awesome great job! and hopefully you had no problem adjusting that piston rod length to fix any interference!

[@Seaofjitsu]

WOOOOW! I cant wait to do this !!

[@TooTallToby]

Nice!! Let me know how it goes!!

[@MrRuard]

Thanks a lot. .... really nice exercise....

[@TooTallToby]

Thanks and my pleasure!

[@giannis7707]

wow man ty very much for this it helped a lot, u made everything so easy to understand

[@TooTallToby]

Awww yeah thanks!!

[@about_midnight]

This is so cool!

[@TooTallToby]

Awww yeah thanks!

[@MrDetrit]

i love this super tutorial !! and give you like button

[@TooTallToby]

Awww yeah!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!

[@eXpire163]

It's working, I am so amazed!!! And yes i would really like to see the best practice run. Could you also create or link a playlist with all (future) step by step guids? On last point on 3d printing, how would you join a bend steal rod to the hub as gluing moving parts might not work ;) Thanks for this awesome guide

[@TooTallToby]

Awww yeah that's awesome and so glad to hear that you got to the end and its working!! to answer the question about 3D printing - I have seen some examples of 3D printed Stirling engines, but they all have some additional hardware embedded to make them work. Usually this includes self tapping screws to hold the components together and some type of ball bearing solution to limit friction in the spinning hub/flywheel. The connecting rods themselves are either bent into an eye-hook at one end, or they are designed from plastic with a circular hole at each end - either way, a pin joint is used to connect them to their corresponding parts (to allow rotation). Long story short - you'll have to make some adjustments to this "tutorialized" model before you'll be able to 3D print one. 😁

[@HakkiOgrt]

thank you.

[@TooTallToby]

You're welcome!

[@henninghoefer]

Outstanding tutorial! The only thing I would do differently is that I use Shift+S for a new sketch instead of always going through the shortcut menu.

[@TooTallToby]

Oh yeah good call - SHIFT+S is a total winner! Thanks for the reminder! 🙂

[@asghiasughiqughbqwg]

Variable studio is interesting for dimensions that are easy to specify directly. But another option to define relationships between two components is editing in context in the assembly. That way you could have the horizontal geometry of the pin defined by the holes that are passing through the plates.

[@TooTallToby]

Yeah agree 100% Edit in context with assembly relationships is a FANTASTIC WAY to resolve this too! Thanks!

[@PetrasL_1976]

Could you try to explain how to create bevel gear pair and do assembly so they interact together? Thank you in advance!

[@craigphillips9810]

Loved video, slower pace so that it can be followed by us non/newer users, thanks TTT. Question, if you are designing in sheet metal can you draw the whole component up as individual parts like you did with the Piston Glass, Piston and Piston Rod in single tab and then go to assembly to hold parts together instead of drawing up each part and then assembling them? Use SW (no expert) and the way you showed looked way easier to design project as you go to get correct fits (like I think IronCAD works) than design part by part and try fit in assembly. Hope that makes sense?

[@TooTallToby]

Yup this makes sense Craig and you are correct - Onshape basically encourages users to create multiple parts together so they just fit and work, the first time. You can do this in SolidWorks, but it's a little less intuitive. And yes - you can do this same thing with Sheet Metal design in Onshape. and they keep adding loads of features to the sheet metal capabilities!

[@skaterboi69]

This tutorial was very helpful and in-depth, however there were some parts, specifically when using the dimension tool in sketches where you went a little bit fast and read out each measurement before I get the chance to do the first dimension requiring me to play the video back multiple times, the issue is not major and I could have just done this tutorial from the PDF but I'm just hoping to provide some insight on what to improve upon in future. All-in-all this video was great and taught me one or two things I didn't know before.

[@TooTallToby]

Thanks and glad to hear that you were able to pickup some tips!

[@denisjovic2023]

Thank you TTT! This type of content that I'm looking for. There are so many great but more simplistic tutorials about Onshape out there. However, learning about this type of mechanisms and how to fully build them is rather rare. Coupled with your usual great way of explaining makes it just so valuable to me. As a side note, because you've mentioned twice to not accidentally auto-constrain to a mid-point: If you sketch a geometry, be it a line or anything else, if you keep "shift" pressed it will disable auto-constraints all together. This often comes in handy when you have a lot of geometry and it becomes hard to not auto constrain to anything.

[@TooTallToby]

Awww yeah!! thanks for the kind words and thanks for the PRO TIP too - This one is definitely going into "the book" ! 🙂

[@ReyciclismoMTB]

Awesome video, for some reason I'm having issues getting the revolve measurements. Maybe is my mouse or the fact that I'm using a mac. But it took me 30 tries to get the 70mm center , now the other one for 3mm. Still learning a lot. Thanks

[@TooTallToby]

Awesome job and nice job figuring it out! Glad this helps!

[@simonnorris160]

Hi Toby, I have just found you! Really excellent videos and format. I have been using Onshape for about 4/5 years. I am also a teacher but in the UK and record basic videos for my students. I wondered what program you use for collating the videos, screen recordings etc. Looks extremely clean. I have used a few that are clunky. Thanks for any help you can give.

[@TooTallToby]

Awesome thanks for the kind words - I use several different programs and techniques for the captures so it's a few different things - but probably the "secret sauce" is OBS. Give that a try to get started with the overlays - good luck!

[@simonnorris160]

@@TooTallToby thank you so much for the information and taking the time to reply. I will give it a try. 👍

[@parokyaniganja17]

Mr.Toby Great tutorial, I really enjoyed it. I have 1 question: Is there any way we can modify the parts at the later part of the assembly to provide tolerances to the moving parts. That pistons need a few millimetres to be able to move right?

[@TooTallToby]

MOVE FACE is usually what I use to offset faces and create clearances 🙂

[@giannis7707]

Yo i am amazed with this tuttorial it will probably teach me all i need to know learning cad, question is can i follow along with my free account or am i limited?

[@TooTallToby]

You can use the free version to follow this tutorial! Lots of people have! 🙂

[@pitpao]

Am correct in thinking that a tolerance would need to be added so the parts fit together properly

[@TooTallToby]

Yes - thanks for the comment!

[@AngelGonzalezM]

The pin height must be 23, not 22. And in real life, the C-ROD will come out of the holes. Good Job!

[@TooTallToby]

Thanks Angel - glad you enjoyed this tutorial!

[@Shalfatk01]

for me as a 3D grafik using blender for about 7 years some of those tools are just too good to not use them in game industry. and it is also much better to use onshape for 3D print hardsurface (non organic) parts.

[@TooTallToby]

Yeah it's good to know both. For a quick organic shape its hard to beat blender, especially with some of the auto-solvers for physics related things (like garments/clothing). But for anything that needs true parametric sizing and hard surfaces, Onshape is amazing - especially when you need to design multiple parts to "fit" together. Thanks for the feedback!

[@nathanwilsonreal]

Is it possible to move one part in one part studio and put it in another part studio? Not assembly

[@tntsteve1532]

Can this tutorial be followed using the free version of Onshape?

[@TooTallToby]

Yup! 😁

[@knyggaplease1222]

Wow. I use the letter N on my keyboard an awful lot, too. 😅

[@TooTallToby]

Awww yeah! I mapped it to NORMAL TO in SolidWorks too - since I was getting so used to it in onshape!

[@jamest.5001]

What if you were to build a sterling with the lower plate possibly made from a 10'-12' diameter swimming pool, adta mold to build it from fiberglass, or carbon fiber. With a aluminum sheetin the bottom with the displacer and cylinder made similar. Using plastic 55 gallon drums, with carbon fiber or fiber glass, with aluminum sheet on the tip end and to form the cylinder. And a aluminum pipe to form the crank from ,2" x 1/4" wall with about 24"-28" stroke. Sit it on a foam board insulation, with a cool of copper or aluminum tubing plumbed to a concentrated solar boiler. With insulation around the base to seal in the air. That can be heated to somewhere about 250°f. (+/- 40°- 50°F). And a cool water coil of tubing to cool the top. Maybe it can run a dc generator to produce 500-1500 watts? (A steam engine would probably do better, if the solar boiler worked well.. forgive my rambling, and have a awesome day 🎉

[@TooTallToby]

I REALLY like this idea - a LOT!! 🙂

[@jc84com]

Many cool tips I learned in this one. "Spacebar" my favourite And i always wondered how you get variables across different part studios. Haha it was so simple. I am a big fan of assemblies and the edit in context feature and that gets very powerful and interesting. Onshape provides many solutions to do the same task with different methods. There is no right way just many ways And every project you slowly expand your skills and feature sets.

[@TooTallToby]

yeah spacebar to CLEAR is a real gem! Glad you enjoyed the tutorial!

[@Theprofessor1212]

I wish Onshape was similar pricing as fusion 360.

[@anissbenthami]

I'm served

[@TooTallToby]

indeed!

[@CRUZROYHelicopters]

can someone please make a video on a "how to" rc helicopter canopy, it seems easy, but it must be hard, caz nobody has done it.. thanks for any help

[@whynot69734]

Looks awfully similar to Creo. Still having a hard time understanding the differences/

[@TooTallToby]

Nice - To see the differences, search for Onshape related content on: - Multi User Collaboration - Build in Data Management - Onshape tracking changes These will be some key differentiators Hope this helps and glad you enjoyed the video!

[@ProvidenceEjike]

Very nice videos, please move a little slower

[@TooTallToby]

Nice! Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@airwick5083]

Nice! I just have one comment: renaming the mates is quite helpful, especially the one you are going to keep referring to and animating (i.e. "revolute1")!

[@TooTallToby]

Awww yeah!!! Thanks Airwick! Golden feedback as always and that's a great point and a great suggestion! I guess we could also RE-ORDER the important mates up to the top of the tree. So rename and reorder - 100% pro tips! thanks Airwick!

[@ReyciclismoMTB]

Finished it, is alive I had to adjust something not sure where my mistake is the pins were too short, they were 22mm but didn't fit so I added 2mm and it works including the animation. I'm going to go thru it and figure out where is my mistake. Again awesome video, a very pleasant teaching style.

[@TooTallToby]

Awesome job finishing this and so glad to hear this was helpful!!

[@timfarmer5535]

Best I have seen on Onshore so far. Great video

[@TooTallToby]

Great thanks Tim! Glad this is helpful!

[@svenolovnystrom2351]

Great , you’re working in the metric system. That’ll make America grate again .

[@TooTallToby]

Awww yeah MM FTW!!

[@worshaw]

So question: with the way those resolute parts are drawn/designed, does OnShape allow for tolerance so everything moves freely? Looks like it would bind since it’s all made the same size. Especially if it was 3d printed. Also how would the hub be manufactured? Shouldn’t it have been made into two parts, or cut in two with a threaded mate so it can be assembled through the main post?

[@TooTallToby]

Yes - this tutorial follows a workflow where the models are "idealized" for 3D cad and training. In the real would you would want to add tolerances based on the manufacturing process. You can use MOVE FACE to easily do this in Onshape, and that's what I typically use to create clearances for 3D printed parts. We would also (likely) need to add bearings and threaded inserts, if we were 3D printing the models. And as you pointed out - the HUB would need to be split into 2 parts to allow for manufacturing and assembly on the vertical post. Hope this helps and thanks for the comment 🙂

[@FS-qk5kp]

great video TTT

[@TooTallToby]

Thanks!!

[@aGGreSSiv]

Toby, you are an amazing teacher!

[@TooTallToby]

Awww yeah thanks!!

[@keithschaub7863]

Just awesome