Great Spur Wheel	April 19th, 2008

The great spur wheel is a required element in all mills that have more than one set of millstones. This wooden gear is driven by the main shaft and, in turn, drives two smaller lantern pinions which are attached to the runner stones. The position of the great spur wheel in the machine hierarchy is illustrated in yellow in the diagram below.

Because the great spur wheel will be located on the lower level of the windmill, we chose to construct it from ash. While ash is not the most weather resistant wood, it is well known for it's impact resistance and durability --- consequently, it is popularly used in the construction of baseball bats and tool handles.

Final assembly on the gear was performed by project volunteers from across the community that included:

Mrs. Karen Smith	Colonial National Historical Park
Cody Williams	Troop 123 of Seaford, Virginia - Boy Scouts of America
Hunter Hobbs	Troop 123 of Seaford, Virginia - Boy Scouts of America
Ben Tyree	Troop 123 of Seaford, Virginia - Boy Scouts of America
Daniel Akers	Troop 123 of Seaford, Virginia - Boy Scouts of America
Mrs. Evelyn Akers	The Celebrate Yorktown Committee
Mr. Walt Akers	The Yorktown Foundation

By the time the wheel was completed it was just under 6 feet in diameter and weighed more than 500 lbs. All of the day's participants received a tooth from the gear and a copy of the project diagram.