Synopses & Reviews
Learn about different types of turn-of-the-century windmills, some of them unusual. Build a model tower windmill similar to those in Holland. Build a real power-producing windmill with three foot diameter sails. Build a 6 foot diameter windmill capable of driving a 30 watt dynamo at 16 mph. You'll see many detailed drawings showing how the all-wood machine is built, and how metal gearing brings the power down to ground level. Another chapter reveals a 10 foot diameter windmotor. The last chapter gives you tips on generating electricity--high tech in 1910! Better generators are available now, but the basic principles still apply, and the control methods still work.
These mills may not be as hot as modern designs, but building one of these babies should be relatively easy and low-cost. Great designs from a simpler time with simpler materials.