The Wooden Gearing

Distributing the Power

The mill’s massive wooden gearing is not only technically fascinating – it is also an impressive example of the engineering skills of past generations.

The transmission system consists of large, sturdy gears made entirely of hardwood.

These gears transferred power from the waterwheel through horizontal and vertical wooden shafts to the mill’s various machines. Individual machines could be engaged or disengaged as needed.

The precisely shaped wooden teeth meshed with one another to provide smooth power transmission. Wood also offered a degree of flexibility and helped reduce operating noise.

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