Has any one or their friend ever built a steam engine from junk parts?

I want to use wasted energy from junk mail etc. to produce energy to run grow lamps for green house. Steam seems like one way. Other suggestions welcome, or if someone has an old working steam engine I am interested.

Answers:
You do need a source for steam, a cylinder with opening at both ends for the steam and a piston to drive the flywheel. However, first and foremost you need to think safety. There is nothing worse than a steam burn. I would not build one, but you may be able to buy a small working model. Maybe a jet of steam driving a pelton wheel would be a much simpler design to drive your dynamo.

Other answers:
no
no
No, but I do enjoy working with steam engines. I don't know of any "junk" ones around, but you may be able to find one on e-bay. You'll need a boiler though, and several other things. It's probably not a good idea unless you have a lot of extra time and money, as well as a hobby boiler license.
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