Minimum wind speed

[bizzysguy]

I’m curious to know what the minimum wind speed That my vintage windmill would need to begin turning? It’s a Dempster number 12. Thanks.

[bizzysguy]

To me, it seems to be windy enough for it to turn. I climbed up the tower with the brake off and it doesn’t seem to turn. I don’t see anything unattached. I’m a rookie, however.

[Windcatcher530 Dan]

Cory it could be a number of things we need more info. Is it a open gear, oil bath, is it hooked up to a pump,is the brake working properly, etc

[bizzysguy]

The brake is working properly. It is not hooked up to a pump. Open gear versus oil bath… Not sure

[Windcatcher530 Dan]

Can you post a couple pics

[bizzysguy]

Here are some

[Windcatcher530 Dan]

What you have is a oil bath Mill. If you can't spin the wheel by hand most likely there's a problem in the gear box which means the head has to come off the tower to be worked on

[CTXmiller]

If you can climb the tower safely and remove the bonnet, consider taking a few photos of the gearbox with the bonnet off.