Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

The thickness of the spacers (shims) depends on how the shaft fits in the saddles.
Sorry, I thought you wanted a windmill that operated, so you could enjoy the working of it.


I’m not counting it out completely yet! It’s a matter of getting everything to function correctly. I’m still waiting to ...

Kyle i wouldn't worry about the pitman arm if you're not going to pump water.


That’s just the answer I wanted to hear! Just wanted to make sure it didn’t serve an alternative purpose. I will keep it just in cause we decide to pump water someday (however unlikely).


Regarding the pads that are ...

You are seeing a crack on the pitman arm? Maybe a bad photo angle, I’m not seeing it. Here’s another of the area you might be referring too?

Also if I’m not planning on pumping anything is it even worthwhile to reconnect the pitman arm to the shaft? Or does it serve some other purpose that I’m not ...

Here’s a photo of the ceramic pads I was referring too.

Thank you!

Also I did some cleaning to the ring gear. Lots of old grease. In doing so I removed this arm (not sure of its name). But I’m assuming this is where the Babbitt bearings I keep reading about are? Also it appears there is some type of oiler built into this arm. Couple questions related to ...

I’m starting to get close to a point where I’m getting close to reassembly. Any tips on some type of stand or way of mounting the gearbox somewhere other then it’s stand to reassemble?

I like the holes and patina of the tail however the center has come apart and the seam won’t connect anymore (the metal bend has broken in most places. However when flat the metal still overlaps. Would a tack weld hold it in place, any ideas to try to preserve the tail?

Any advice on repairing this? The original design seems to be shot…maybe it’s ok as is? But it seems like something should be done about it.

Also I removed the 1x1 angle iron which connects the tail to the gearbox itself and tried to straighten it with no success…any advice?

Thank you! Making ...

I’m almost done straightening the metal. Next step I suppose is cleaning the disassembled gearbox parts that I have. Are there any suggestions or preferred process for cleaning? Degreaser to use?

Any type of finish coat that needs to be applied on internal parts?

The inside parts and outside case ...

The top one is angle iron, galvanized. The other is cast. I have several of the first type already off the wheel.

Are both of these on your mill? If so, it has been repaired sometime in the past by someone. No big deal, just interesting.


Yup they both came off the same wheel. To me it doesn’t ...