Parish Tail Function

[Slim]

Hey guys I know there is a thread on Parish mills already but this question maybe a little off that topic. All the times I see these Parish mills mentioned its always about one that’s out of service. Does anyone have experience with in service working Parish mills?

It’s a curiously cool design! I could see the chain drive exposed to the elements with no lube being a fast wear item but chains are easy. How about the unique function of the tail vein combined with the break? I understand it’s function but did it do the job pretty well? Overall thoughts on this unique design?

[Slim]

What nobody has ever dealt with the Parish mill and its tail?

[CTXmiller]

Best I can do currently.

[Slim]

Hey man that looks good! Have you ever seen one working in action if so what did you think?

[CTXmiller]

I’m currently rebuilding this one, but have never seen one in actual action.

[Slim]

Well good luck & thanks for your pics. When you get it all in order please post lots of pics!

[Bryon]

The function of a tail on a windmill is to keep the blades facing into the wind. Best I can remember is the tail on a Parish windmill rotates from vertical to horizontal. When the tail is horizontal it will no longer put the blades into the wind. However, I don't know what keeps it from turning 180 degrees and pumping backwards (tail into the wind).

[Slim]

Bryan that’s what I was wondering. Best I can see is when the tell flips on its side the brake is applied. I think they all had a side sail to assist in the turning out of the wind. It would be very interesting to see a video of one of these doing it’s thing.