Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

did everything right or so I thought. Wanted to press the shaft out of this hub to replace it. Cleaned up the old shaft, lubed, blocked it up nicely, and ping, it cracked. Once I got it apart I saw the key shaft was slightly tapered. It didn't split the whole hub. I wonder if I can get some thin flowing epoxy or something to repair it.?

Man that's tuff. Bee there done that. Unless you are a very good welder, nothing can be done. even welding would be weaker than original.

Is that (what's cracked) separate from the spider? If so, maybe one of those could be made. If it's all one piece, then depending on how it fits the mill would possibly allow an alternate repair. I have an idea or two, depending on clearance / fit.

Always assume a key is tapered unless positively know for sure.

What mill is that hub from?

It's from a dempster 14. The whole hub is still intact. I'm gonna try and cement the crack closed until I can secure another. That's a weld that's way beyond my capability. Is there some kind of thin epoxy that will flow nicely into it?

What about brazing?

oopps and a big oops, maybe a big bushing bronzed to the outside? whole box of bronze rod for a pour, I am sure Windy could fix that!

haha! Would need to stew on that for a while.

Mike , make an airplane repair on your hub .
In an airplane when something cracks from stress they drill a small hole at the end of the crack so it does not travel, get any longer .
Same with windshield cracks, drill a small hole to stop spreading cracks .
If you are looking for a replacement maybe this will work till a replacement is found .
Just my opinion and i'm sticking to it .