Usually I build marine steam engines and small parts for model boats but since that¡¯s not for you, other items I¡¯ve made are pens, rc car suspension systems (mini ¡°gas¡± and spring pistons) mini hydraulics, rc nitro engine repairs (piston liners and pistons them self¡¯s, headstock ?for water cooling etc) roller bender Dias for small stock and spare parts for my unimat,?
I've also repaired the toilet flush system with a part on the lathe and countless little odds and ends around the house that was easy to make then waste cash on.
although you have said you don¡¯t want to build a steam engine, and given the boiler needed I do understand that maybe a bit to much but other engines you can build are hot air engines, (sterling etc) very simple projects and just require a candle as fuel, or if your a smoker try a making a lighter! I¡¯ve seen some nice ones machines on lathes on YouTube, might try one myself at some point if I get bored.
let us know what you come up with..
good luck!
