Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

I had posted earlier asking about a weight on the pump rod for an ornamental set up ( no water to pump).

Now I'm thinking, do I really need the pump rod?

Might the gears start turning too fast?

Thanks!

I have the pump rods on all of my spinners. It appears to keep the crossheads running true and oiling properly. Set your furl spring on light tension and it won't easily overspeed.

Another reason to include a pump rod on a spinner is in the event of a mast pipe failure. The mast can break but the pump rod even tho small will bend and keep the head on top of the tower. It likely will "sunflower" but there will be much less damage than if it crashes to the ground.

Ron Stauffer
Montrose CO

Thanks guys!

PaulV wrote: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:27 pm I have the pump rods on all of my spinners. It appears to keep the crossheads running true and oiling properly. Set your furl spring on light tension and it won't easily overspeed.

I finished my B-702 and it's been spinning for a couple of weeks now. I'm intending to put a pump rod on it for just the reasons you've done it, but wonder, would putting a bit of weight on it change anything for the better? While I'm fooling around, I thought I hang a 5 gallon bucket on the pump rod and add more water/weight several times just to see if it runs any differently.

The depth that a 10' can pump, you would probably have to put a ton (yes, 2000 lbs) on the pump rod to make a difference.

Saw this at windmill technology certification workshop at New Mexico State University where they are using a pvc pipe full of concrete to add some resistance to the windmill pump rod. Not sure how well it works or not, but gives you an idea. Thanks.

That's fine. Gives a person something to look at too.