I'm in a manufacturing processes class, and the lab is basically machine shop 101. We have to do a small project from design through production, and I was wondering what you guys think would be a fun project. I don't have any real limitations, except it can't be very big. I can use aluminum, brass if needed, and steel if necessary. I can probably use plastic, and the shop has an injection molding machine, so thats a possibility too. I'm basically limited to a manual mill and manual lathe, but I do have access to a CNC mill and lathe, I just have to convince the instructor it's necessary.
So far, All I've come up with is a small stirling engine, like this:
http://sci-toys.com/my_toys/stirling_engine.jpg
It doesn't have to actually work, but it would be nice if it did. I could use brass and aluminum together to have a cool contrast.
Anyway, what do you all think? Any ideas are greatly appreciated, and of course I'll document the whole thing and put up some pix.