Windmill sails

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joe herman
Posts: 210
Joined: Fri Jun 07, 2019 6:21 pm
Location: Rosedale,Alberta

Windmill sails

Post by joe herman »

This is a question about bowed sails.
I am putting together my Fairbanks Morse WG.
The sails are curved or bowed from end to end.
They are not all the same shape other wise I would install them.
They also have a bead at the tip which does not allow me to use my slip roll.
Also have a pronounced curl at the trailing edge.
I am thinking of obtaining a pneumatic planishing hammer. About $349.00
I also have Aermotor sails that have had creases and hammered out bullet holes.
Any thoughts if the hammer will do the job?
Can send some photos later. Right now we are in the middle of severe wind
warning. Gusts of wind have pushed my restored grain wagon off the wedged supports,
Thanks.
Joe
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windybob
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Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 5:59 pm
Location: Ames Oklahoma

Re: Windmill sails

Post by windybob »

Joe I didn't notice the sails on any WG mills I have being bowed from end to end. And the curl you mention doesn't ring any bells. Pictures would be great. I have no idea what's up with that wheel of yours.

You can roll those beads out if you want. I hammer them as flat as possible, then roll them. No beads sure beat a bent up wheel. I also have a small bead roller incorporated in my roll, but it is minor. I did get my bead roll wheels (dies) in the mail, just have not made the roller yet.
Call Dan Benjamin for parts. P M me for the phone number.
joe herman
Posts: 210
Joined: Fri Jun 07, 2019 6:21 pm
Location: Rosedale,Alberta

Re: Windmill sails

Post by joe herman »

Here are some photos to show that the sails are curved from tip to tip
on the leading edge where the smaller curvature is. If you try to bang
that edge flat you are dealing with a bubble curve and that is why I think a
planishing hammer will work here. I don`t want to have to remove the bead and the
sail clip at the other end in order to run them tru my slip roll.
As stated earlier I have other uses for the hammer if I decide to purchase.
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windybob
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Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 5:59 pm
Location: Ames Oklahoma

Re: Windmill sails

Post by windybob »

Joe, I will now stake my ( somewhat shakey) reputation here by stating that the top-to-bottom curve is not factory. It's a result of years of abuse, wind, and probably wheel rims out of round. I know of no mill in the modern era that has an incorporated bend in the length. I have noticed that sometimes when I roll sails, they tend to appear to have that bend, but it's not a special design.
I suggest to not find a solution to an issue that's not really there. Sleep well now.
Call Dan Benjamin for parts. P M me for the phone number.
joe herman
Posts: 210
Joined: Fri Jun 07, 2019 6:21 pm
Location: Rosedale,Alberta

Re: Windmill sails

Post by joe herman »

windybob I realize that this was not factory. I said earlier that this mill was bought at an auction 13 years
ago and that it was in very bad shape. I understand exactly what you are describing.
I said that if all the sails would all have the same degree of distortion then it would not show
when installed. There is quite a bit of difference in the lot .Bound to show when spinning.
This mill is for a young couple and I want it to look good for them when turning at their farm.
I will get it sorted out as for me there is an issue and I will look after it
Thanks,
Joe
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windybob
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Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 5:59 pm
Location: Ames Oklahoma

Re: Windmill sails

Post by windybob »

Ok gotcha. Thanks.
Call Dan Benjamin for parts. P M me for the phone number.
joe herman
Posts: 210
Joined: Fri Jun 07, 2019 6:21 pm
Location: Rosedale,Alberta

Re: Windmill sails

Post by joe herman »

This thread got started when I asked whether a planishing hammer could be used to take out the
double curve in the sails.
Guess I will find out when that method is tried. I have ordered anvils from Amazon that can be
used in my hand held air chisel .Cost only $31.00
Joe
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windybob
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Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 5:59 pm
Location: Ames Oklahoma

Re: Windmill sails

Post by windybob »

I don't know anything about those.
Call Dan Benjamin for parts. P M me for the phone number.
mtblah
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Joined: Thu Mar 26, 2020 12:09 pm
Location: new braunfels TX

Re: Windmill sails

Post by mtblah »

Joe, try your new hammer an a scrap piece of sheet metal, you will be surprised how easily a person can stretch sheet metal , and how difficult it is to shrink.
Just saying, practice 1st before suing on 100 year old sails.
joe herman
Posts: 210
Joined: Fri Jun 07, 2019 6:21 pm
Location: Rosedale,Alberta

Re: Windmill sails

Post by joe herman »

Yes am going to practice on some old Aermotor 1897 bell hub sails
that are scrap. Probably will need to work with low air pressure.
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