Dempster 12A

[Challenge 27]

I think some of the early Dempster 12's used a six section wheel in the 8 foot size, not 100% certain about that. Just something to keep in mind.

I once got a hold of an abandoned Dempster 12. The gearbox and vane were from an eight footer. Noticed that the stroke was about 5 1/2 inches, could not be adjusted to a longer stroke. Just something else to keep in mind.

With regards to the above windmill, it had the 5 section wheel hub. Some had fitted a 6 foot Samson wheel onto it. But a 6 foot Samson wheel has only four sections and only 12 blades. Not a problem. Somebody cut 'n' welded some angle steel to make a fifth section arm. He then proceeded to put the wheel sections on, using his welding equipment to make the necessary modifications to the wheel so that it would fit. Evidently he didn't have a spring to hold the tail in place, so he used 2 bungee cords instead. The windmill had been put over a shallow well, appears the 6 foot wheel was adequate.

Had a windmilling friend who needed a Dempster gearbox to fix an ailing Dempster. I let him have the windmill, and he was quite satisfied with the gearbox despite the short stroke (had a suitable Dempster wheel for it). Might still be pumping water yet (this windmill was for work, not for show). He declined on the modified Samson wheel and the bungee cords.

Challenge 27

P.S. Still have that wheel. If somebody wants it for the blades and/or the blade clips (they're OK) let me know. The ends of the blades have been beaded or crimped. Some of the rims probably could be salvaged. And of course there are the 5 wheel section arms (4 are the original Samson arms). The galvanizing did suffer due to all the welding; somebody spayed red paint on it.

[Windcatcher530 Dan]

Definitely worn out.

[Mike Hage]

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Might have found one. Is this a 12A?

[Mike Hage]

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I notice the taller bonnet is that how to tell if its a 12A?

[CTXmiller]

Mike,

I have a hard time with Dempsters and identification between their oil bath models, but looking at the mast pipe diameter can sort of help. The #12 is smaller in diameter than the #12A. Maybe someone can provide better guidance or ID the one on the tower for you.

[windybob]

The helmet gives it away. Much taller a regular #12.

[Mike Hage]

I think the wheel and the vane should be the same no? So i just might have to paint over the "A"?

[Mike Hage]

A lot of the Dempsters out here are on Goold, Shapely and Muir towers must have been easier to get

[Mike Hage]

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I got it went well. Turns out it is a 12A its cast on the snout. The wheel is wrecked. Someone wrapped a chain around it to keep it from turning not a good idea.

[Windcatcher530 Dan]

I guess we know what you'll be doing this winter.!!!