Geared Windmill rocktumbler

thingiverse

This is my entry for the #CatchTheWind contest. I've built a windmill that features an impressive 11-to-1 gear reduction, allowing me to tackle projects that require extra torque and power. With this windmill, you can do things like pumping water, powering intricate whirligigs with many moving parts, or anything else you can imagine! My goal is to power a rock tumbler when it's finished. However, my wife is not thrilled about having a rock tumbler in the house due to its noise level, so this project will end up in the corner of our yard closest to my most persistent neighbor. Please take a moment to Like and share this post for the contest. Here's a link to a video that shows it off: https://youtu.be/Q1OcJvvggyc Here are the step-by-step instructions: To start, all parts print flat without requiring any support material. The blade parts can be stacked on a threaded rod and tightened together - they will align themselves and lock into position. I used 608 skate bearings on either side of the gear plates to ensure smooth movement. For rock tumbling grit, I'll simply use various grits of sandpaper cut into small pieces mixed with water. Start with a coarse 100 grit and finish with a very fine 1000 grit. There's no need to purchase expensive commercial grits available for rock tumblers - the paper will be pounded into nothing by the rocks and the grit ends up in solution, polishing the rocks perfectly. The build is finally complete. I apologize if my measurements seem inconsistent; I use imperial hardware because it's cheaper but sometimes think in metric. To build this project, you'll need: * 1 threaded rod, 5/16 inch diameter and 410mm long (blade drive) * 1 threaded rod, 5/16 inch diameter and 314 mm long (tumbler drive) * 2 threaded rods, 5/16 inch diameter and 212mm long (bottom supports) - adjust the length as needed for taller or shorter jars * 1 jar, 150mm high by 90mm in diameter (spaghetti sauce can or similar) * 1 bolt, 5/16 inch and 50 mm long (or a section of rod for idler gear) * 2 large washers, at least 36mm in diameter to keep the jar centered * 1 bolt, 5/16 inch, 55.5 mm overall length * 2 small nuts and bolts, 2mm for fins - any drill bit will do Assembling all parts requires a few simple steps. Start with building the pivot point using the frame pivot tube; a glass marble on top of a stick works as a good pivot. Mount it in a windy location and you'll be polishing rocks in no time!