Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

Agreed. I think we've pretty well established the hub rides a smooth shaft. Tapered would make sense as well, though. I pulled rear brake drums off a 1967 Volvo a time or two, and that axle end was really tapered. Something of a friction fit plus, again, castellated nut. It was Really, really hard to get off.

On the pictures you posted from fb I didn't see any taper on the shaft but then again I didn't notice a small shoulder on it either. I would not rule it out tho. Waiting for your removal, so we can all see what's up.

However, either with a shoulder, or not...or with a taper or not...you should be able to turn it on the shaft. Only thing to stop that would be a key, or a flat spot. Cannot see either one.

Yes, I'm convinced now that the hub is ready to come off, (meaning there are no remaining "secret" release points). It's a matter of how do I get this done??? From experience with other rusted stuck machinery, I know if I can get it to move even the slightest, I'll probably have it licked. I'm a little nervous about heating it much, (like rosebud/oxy torch), and I've always heard when heating cast metal one needs to heat it evenly over all the area. Every time I walk by it I squirt more PB Blaster penetrant on the front where the threads disappear into the hub, but I know that's not likely getting in there very far. I've intentionally left the gears in the main case so I can put a stick through them to keep them from turning and then, "thump," the spider back and forth with a wood block to attempt rotation. Same thing thumping the back of the hub hoping it will dislodge going forward. So, Windy, if you are waiting to see what this all looks like when removed, I'm waiting as well!! Ha.

Sometimes looking up a patent # can be helpful, when a patent has a layout of the design.

Dennis , a little heat & parrifin was , works for me

mtblah......OK. Where/how do you use paraffin? And are you talking about the paraffin wax like Grandma used to seal the tope of home-canned jelly jars?

I don't see where a little heat would do harm. I said a little. However, before that, try a 36 inch pipe wrench on the thickest part of the hub you can find. block the gears, and see if it turns a bit. Maybe even tap around the shaft to help the oil penetrate. Maybe lady luck will prevail. If that's the case, then run don't walk to the nearest casino.

I think in this situation Heat is going to be your best friend !!

Dennis , a LITTLE heat , apply the wax to the joint s you are trying to loosen , the melted wax penatrates the joint , and as Windy says , a little taping with a small hammer , vibrations , all helps a some , when all this works , head to the casino