Geared Windmill rocktumbler

pinshape

This is my entry for the #CatchTheWind contest, showcasing a windmill with an impressive 11 to 1 gear reduction that unlocks endless possibilities. Imagine being able to power complex whirligigs with multiple moving parts or pump water effortlessly - this windmill makes it all possible. When completed, it will even power a rock tumbler, turning your ordinary rocks into polished gems. Unfortunately, my wife has vetoed the idea of keeping a rock tumbler in our house due to its noise level, so this project will find a home in our yard, conveniently situated near my most persistent neighbor. I kindly request that you take a moment to like and share this post as part of the contest. Below is a video demonstrating the windmill's functionality: Instructions: All parts print flat without support. To assemble the blade parts, stack them on threaded rods and tighten until they align themselves and lock into place. For smooth movement, 608 skate bearings are used on either side of the gear plates. The rock tumbling grit will consist of various grits of sandpaper cut into small pieces mixed with water - start with a coarse 100 grit and finish with a fine 1000 grit. There is no need to purchase expensive commercial grits; simply pound the paper into nothing using rocks, and the grit will dissolve in solution, polishing your rocks. Enjoy building! Final assembly complete! Please excuse any measurement inconsistencies, as I often use imperial hardware but think in metric. Required materials: * 1 threaded 5/16th inch rod (410mm long for blade drive) * 1 threaded 5/16th inch rod (314mm long for tumbler drive) * 2 threaded 5/16th inch rods (212mm long for bottom supports) * Varying rod length for taller or shorter jar * 1 jar (150mm high, 90 mm diameter - similar to a spaghetti sauce jar) * 1 5/16 inch bolt (50 mm long) or a section of rod for idler gear * 2 large washers (36mm in diameter or larger to keep jar centered) * 1 bolt (5/16 for tumble jar, 55.5 mm overall length) * 2 nuts and bolts (2mm for fins - anything will work) * 2 rubber grommets or sections of rubber tube forced onto drive rod * 16 skate bearings (608) * 26 5/16 inch nuts * 14 small washers This project was modeled in Sketchup, with files converted to STL format using the SketchUp STL plugin. All parts were printed on my RepStrap Monkey S#t Fight and will print on any 200 x 200 mm bed. I used PLA with 3 shells and 40% rectilinear infill for all parts. Assemble as shown in the pictures, mount on a pivot using the frame pivot tube, and enjoy your shiny new rocks in just a couple of weeks by mounting it in a windy location!