During Joshua Klein’s research into the woodworking life of Jonathan Fisher of Maine, Joshua has found several tantalizing entries in Fisher’s journal about mechanical marvels he has invented or made for his workshop. But perhaps most interesting is when Fisher hooks up his lathe to his windmill.
Joshua has been looking for other historical references to people using wind power for turning. Check out his blog entry here.
If you have any clues for Joshua, drop him a line.
— Christopher Schwarz
I hope nothing of my legacy ever becomes something that people only touch with gloves on.
It’s not turning but it’s close.: in Groningen, The Netherlands, people are now restoring a small windmill that drives a bandsaw. It used to also drive a grinding wheel. This was a mill used by a single shop, unlike the big sawmills that sawed timber into planks and beams.
The windmill’s web site is at http://www.molendedavid.nl . I’m afraid you’ll have to use Google Translate or the like to make sense of the text.
Arthur, Thanks so much. What an interesting project. Good find!
driving a lathe or band saw by wind power, that blows my mind – fascinating. You got me onto something I want to explore more.
My first thought though, and I am a little intimidated to go there; what happens to woodworking if the windmill is generating electricity and THAT is used to power those tools. Are we still allowed to marvel?