F&W 8ft Steel Star project

[TdcJD]

Starting a thread for my steel star restoration. Over at mtblah's getting the main shafts pressed out. Some paraffin wax came to the rescue.

[TdcJD]

We also encountered what might be a key that was made from the hardest steel know to man. Several punches and drill bits couldn't even dent it!! Luckily the shaft pressed out anyway.

[Windcatcher530 Dan]

Mike thankyou for helping that young man with his project!!!

[TdcJD]

This is the full inventory of what I have for the mill. I have most of the important stuff but there is a few things missing. Hopefully I can find and piece it back together as I go.

[windybob]

Shafts are easy. Most are standard sized. Worn cast can be welded / brazed. Babbitt can be repoured, brass re-made or bought in standard sizes and fitted to the purpose. Missing parts should be able to be found. All you need now, is the nerve, and the patience.

[mtblah]

Windy , one of the 1st things you taught me was ALL rotating shafts are standard today same as 100 years ago , nothing special . Thomas learned that today . Trying to share lessons learned fron the windmill masters on this web site .
we worked a couple of hours removing shafts from gears , successful .
next time maybe pour some babbitt . another lesson another time .
Also took him to my favorite machine shop & introduced him to these perfectionest machinests , who like windmills !
Mike B

[windybob]

Not sure about the ALL thingy. Maybe I don't quite get what you mean. But for the most part, if you have a 1 inch shaft from back then, a new one should still fit in the part the same.

[63markB]

Looking good!

[JBarker]

looking good, keep us posted on your progess!!

[TdcJD]

Thanks everyone! And especially thanks to Mike! I learned a few things and probably will learn some more soon. Hopefully I'll be pouring new babbitt soon. I played with the old babbitt a bit when I was melting it out last week and it seems like fun stuff to use! I wonder what would be the best was to go about getting a replacement tail?