Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

I appreciate the chance to join the group. Some of you may have seen the models I am working on in the Facebook windmills' group. I helped my uncle put up windmills when I was growing up in northeast Kansas. I always enjoyed the time and the ability to take what some considered scrap and making it serve a purpose again. I spent almost 20 years restoring hit and miss engines but as that faded I was drawn back to windmills again. I have always wanted to build models of them and with the invention of 3d printers and my ability as a 3d modeler I can now build the models I have always wanted to. I currently live outside of St Louis MO but I am looking to move back to my home town in Kansas which I have missed so. I am always looking for projects to work on and hope to be building custom models for people some day. I ask alot of questions and am very thankful with any information you can share or I can share as well. Look forward to many conversations with everyone!!!!!

Thanks! hopefully from Kansas soon!!!

First of all great job very authentic.Are your models made from cast steel

They are not steel. They are 3d printed ABS plastic.

Darrin, do you have any extra John Deere model E parts ?
I have a John Deere pump jack under my windmill and am trying to build a engine to power it.

Mike B
New Braunfels TX

Can a 3D printer make full size models of mill's or parts to use to make molds to cast steel?

Yes it can provided it will fit the print envelope.

No I sold off all my hit miss stuff except for a couple that I can't part with.

Are you creating your models from scratch using software like SolidWorks or scanning parts and scaling? I’ve made a few 3d printed parts for wind generators when structural integrity wasn’t necessary.
Nice work, I like the embossed casting lettering.

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing all that with us. Just amazing what a person can do these days, with all the technology available.

I grew up in South County, Mehlville and Lemay to be precise. Still have many relatives there. Need to get back one of these days.

I have done both. Created models on fusion 360 from scratch and 3d scanned models where I work.

Wind Charger Mike wrote: Wed Aug 04, 2021 7:04 am Are you creating your models from scratch using software like SolidWorks or scanning parts and scaling? I’ve made a few 3d printed parts for wind generators when structural integrity wasn’t necessary.
Nice work, I like the embossed casting lettering.