|
Wallower
|
June 14th, 2008
|
Construction of the Wallower
The wallower was the last major gear to be built before assembling
the gear disoplay for Independence Day 2008. Special thanks for this
project go out to Mr. Owen Dwire, who assembled the bracing assemly
for the wallower in his workshop --- freeing mine up to continue working
on the gear stand. With all of the components in place, our intrepid
team of volunteers sprang into action to assemble the wallower gear.
You'll note from the pictures that the team of assemblers had quite a
few challenges in driving the retaining pegs into the gear. The project
started off using rubber mallots, slowly transitioned to claw hammers and,
finally, gave way to a 5 pound sledge hammer. Needless to say, even the
most resistent peg finally surrendered to the 'force of reason'.
The wallower was built from solid white oak, much of which was donated by
Noel Okay of Jefferson Lab. The wood came from his backyard and was an
unlikely windfall from Huricane Isabel in 2003.
Much like the stone nuts, the wallower is a lantern pinion
gear and has cylindrical teeth between two hardwood plates. It transfers
power from the brake wheel (and the wind shaft), to the main shaft and
the ensemble of gears below.
Special thanks to all of the volunteers who participated in construction and assembly
of the wallower:
For additional information, please contact
Walt Akers.
