Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

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?

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

Best I can do currently.

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

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

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

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).

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.