A windmill grinds grain primarily through the power of wind turning large grinding stones.
Windmills were historically vital machines, often referred to as 'mills' because their main function was milling, particularly grinding grain into flour. The process is quite straightforward, relying on mechanical energy captured from the wind.
The Grinding Mechanism
The core of a grain-grinding windmill involves two large, heavy stones:
- The Runner Stone: This is a large round heavy stone positioned above the other.
- The Bed Stone: A stationary stone beneath the runner stone.
The wind's energy is captured by the windmill's large wings (or sails). This power is transferred through a system of shafts and gears (not detailed in the reference, but the connection is made) to the runner stone, causing it to turn continuously.
As the runner stone rotates, it grinds against the bed stone below. The grain or corn is fed between the stones, typically through a central opening in the runner stone. The friction and weight of the turning stone grinding against the stationary one crush and grind the grain into fine flour as it moves outwards from the center to the edges of the stones.
Here's a simple breakdown of the process based on the reference:
- Wind powers the wings.
- Wings turn a large round heavy stone (the runner stone).
- This runner stone grinds against another stationary stone beneath it (the bed stone).
- The grain or corn is fed between the stones.
- The grain is ground into flour by the action of the stones.
Key Components
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Wind-powered wings | Capture wind energy |
| Runner Stone | The rotating, heavy grinding stone |
| Bed Stone | The stationary grinding stone beneath |
| Grain/Corn | The material being ground into flour |
This effective method utilizes the natural power of wind to perform the essential task of preparing grain for consumption, showcasing early engineering ingenuity. The quality of the flour could often be adjusted by slightly altering the gap between the two stones.
