Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

The oil runs from the front bearing to back in the case via that channel. It gets to the front by the spiral that carries it forward.

Another quick question on the braking system. How do you treat the metal “shoe” and drum area. I have read that sometimes the shoe rusts to the drum if not in use. If I prime and paint it might help for a couple years

i have never seen one rusted to the drum. In order for that to happen, the mill would be completely shut by the tail arm being over all the way, and the mill sitting outside in constant rainy weather. Almost all the time, the mill is left alone with the brake off, the natural position.

The metal to metal contact is normal on many mills. The brake does not slow the mill down, the angle of the head-to-tail does. Only thing the brake does is to keep the wheel from feathering when the mill is pulled out of the wind.

THANK YOU for being the University of Bob !
I learn & understand the engineering and function every time you teach a class!
That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it
Mike B

You are just too funny Mike. LOL

It has been a minute but I just got some parts in and I am starting the next phase. I have to bend back my sail supports which means cutting off the rivets. Recommendation on what to use to replace the rivets with?

I have bent those back into shape but placing them strategically on an anvil and beating them back. Unless they are too bad. Bolts are the usual alternative.

So you leave them attached when you bend them or remove first?

Both ways. If they are not too bad, I can hammer them back. If they are pretty bad, easier to take them apart. Remember some rails are 'handed'. There is a right, and a left end to them. Monitor Steel wheel sections are not, but Dempsters are. I think more are handed than not.

Okay it is time to put it back together. I installed a new bearing race in the casting and now i need to know the best way to put it all back together. Do I install the shaft first in the case with the small gears and work my way out towards where the braking system is , or do I press the hub back on the shaft and then try to install the shaft into the case? Thanks everyone (windy bob).