Wobbler Engine

Tools: Lathe · Mill · Drill press · Aluminum
Timeline: February 2026 — April 2026 · Team of 4 · MCEN 1025

Overview
A wobbler engine is a simple oscillating piston engine. Our team machined and assembled one as a hands-on introduction to manufacturing.

What I did
I worked on machining the flywheel, crankdisk, and piston/cylinder on the lathe and mill, working from drawings and holding the tolerances needed for the piston and cylinder to seal and move smoothly. We then assembled the full engine and ran it on compressed air.

Result
A working engine that ran on compressed air.

What I learned
How much precision matters when parts have to move against each other, and how to plan machining steps so each part comes out right the first time.