Gather a cylinder, piston head, piston rings, wrist pin, connecting rod, circlips, and piston skirt material
Measure the engine bore, stroke, compression ratio, and clearance requirements
Select the piston material, such as aluminum alloy or cast iron, based on the application
Machine the piston blank to the required outer diameter and overall shape
Cut the crown to the specified thickness and profile
Machine ring grooves to the correct width, depth, and spacing
Drill or machine the wrist pin bore through the piston boss
Machine the skirt to the required profile and clearance
Install the piston rings into the ring grooves
Insert the wrist pin through the piston and connecting rod
Secure the wrist pin with circlips or retainers
Check dimensions, balance, and surface finish
Test fit the piston inside the cylinder
Lubricate the piston and rings before installation
Install the piston into the engine cylinder with proper orientation