Here is a rough diagram of what we are aiming to build.

12/2/1998

Start of project. After running a search on the web for machine tools, I located a company in Australia that sells a really nice miniature lathe for $120, and along with the accessories we will need the total cost comes to just about $200. This seems like the route to go. I believe a great deal of the work can be done on the metal lathe, if not all of it. The project seems doable.

12/4/98

We have decided to use aluminum for the piston housing, which will be much easier to machine. The steel casings to house the coils is something we may have to go to a machine shop to have fabricated. Luckily I know a man who owns a shop right here in town and that part of the project shouldn't add excessively to the budget, which we are in the process of working up now.