There are times when a little risk is worth saving a few bucks. On low-cost items you can find some true gems.
An item like this is not worth that risk.
I'll be up front about this. I own a science toy store. I do not sell on Amazon, but I have seen this product offered by several sources. I am sorry to say that too many of them are fly-by-night operations with more than one name on Amazon. All of the discounters have one thing in common: They really don't know what they are doing with these engines and, more critically, they don't really care.
This is one place where you do not want to cut corners. A Stirling engine sent untested, by a company that cannot supply repairs & spare parts is not where you want to save money. You might save $10-20 and end up with a $80 paperweight.
I am a teacher that has taught students for 22 years and counting that uses science items in my classroom on daily basis.
The box they use say it is there own brand yet This is a product of another brand not there brand. (it looks to be the same) Would you buy a product that on the box says its product "A" only to find out it is product "B"? Why would you put your name on a product you are selling when it is clearly not your own brand?
There box does not even have the country of Manufcature (a legal requirement in USA) yet the product itself has Chinese characters on it so I assume it is made in China.
Dancing gears does not offer spare parts (as far as I can tell, they have no website and no mention or parts), no real instructions on how to operate the engine, It uses hot water than may burn people yet does not warn people that they can burn themselves, (yes this sounds dumb but if you buy an item in the toy category it is meant for children and safety is important),warranty is just a replacement (a waste) not a replacement of broken parts, (they do say a one year warrantyin their amazon store but I assume they just have you throw it away and they send you a new one?) emailed seller with questions about the item before I purchased it and Dancing gears never responded, no phone number of customer support, in general no pre and after sales support.
Their is glass in this engine that may break (needing replacement) as glass is fragile, the power piston can wear out (or get dirty) and need replacing, the screw holding the pieces together need to make sure they stay tight but not to tight, etc....
This item comes with a Allen wrench that is meant to adjust the engine if it needs adjustment yet the seller did not put in "his own special box" what the Allen wrench is for and how to adjust the engine if it comes out of adjustment. The one I bought squeaked when used and needed to be adjusted. Mechanical items by nature need maintenance.
when it comes to items that are scientific, for education, are mechanical in nature, quality control and assurance is as important as the product itself.
Why buy a scientific teaching tool that is sold as a toy that if it breaks you just throw it away? When you can get the real thing from business that knows the science behind what they are selling. (that you can call up or email and ask them to explain how to operate, adjust, and are knowledgeable about this engine)
Buy Dancingears Low Temperature Stirling Engine Model Now
I got this model this morning and really love it. The model is well designed,all the parts seems durable. You can run it easily just with a cup of hot coffee or ice water. I can understand how it works but still it looks like a magic!
PS: I got it for a price under $80, at Amazon.com, it was the cheapest place I could find it. MSRP = $110
Read Best Reviews of Dancingears Low Temperature Stirling Engine Model Here
My daughter and son (2 & 4) absolutely love these dolls.They are excellent companions on car trips, airplane rides and overnight visits.I can't recommend this toy enough.BTW, washes very well in washing machine and is showing very little wear after 12 months of daily play; just some pilling on the t-shirt.
