Historic grist mill needs white oak shaft

A local State Park has a grist mill operatin from the early 1800’s. They held a bourbon event to raise funds to add an actual distillery operation. I noticed the mill wasn’t running and asked about it.

the shaft broke, and they are in need of a white oak that is 30” when dried. The volunteer recommended I call the park office and inquire if I can provide one during my pending harvest.

how large would be needed for the tree to be at 30 inches? It would be wonderful to be involved in the restoration of such a historic structure.

 

Yes, that would be awesome!

 

That would be a cool project. How long is the shaft? It would need to be one big tree
I’d questimate 36” at the smallest end to remove the sapwood. And straight with no branches, knots etc.
Maybe the sapwood has been figured into that dimension already. You’d have to call to find out.

 

jo191145 , The volunteer didn’t know the length, but my estimate is a little over 20 feet.
Plan to make a call this morning.

 

That's cool!! Would love to see the process on youtube remaking that shaft as well!!

 

I wonder if JB Sawman would have input here?

 

Is that Spring Mill? Please let us know if you're able to get involved. I'd love to go check out the finished product.

 

Where in IN is this mill located?

 

I promise I'm not stalking. If it's southern, I might be able to try to help locate a log. "I know a guy." lol sortof.

 

I live beside a State Park in PA that also has a working grist mill. Wheel and main shaft is metal, rest is wood. It is fascinating to see it in operation. Great engineering and wood work.
Good luck, hope you can help with that mill.

 

Yes, it is Spring Mill, located sixty miles south of Indianapolis. In the county just south of my place.

I talked with the park manager. He said the state forestry division has found two candidates they will be cutting this summer. They will take two so they have a backup. They have contracted with a millwright who has lots of experience.

tahey will be posting progress on their Facebook page and the Parks webpage. I will keep abreast and give the heads up when it begins.

 

This is Beck’s Mill, located in a neighboring county to Spring Mill. It was restored just a few years ago, by a pharmaceutical company created by a man from my county. He started on a workbench in his basement, and grew it to an international privately owned business.

He passed a few years ago, but his legacy of restoring Indiana heritage sites was remarkable. They water source to this mill is from a hill above the mill.

 

I know where there is a 36 inch DBH White Oak here in Wisconsin. Alas, it is smack dab in the middle of a boundary dispute as we speak. The tree is worth a lot of money even though there is a woven wire fence and barbed running right through the middle of it.

Hence the boundary dispute

 

Log would have to be 36-38 at the small end the but end would be in the 40 plus range one heavy log to work with JB

 

A quick look at the log weight calculator says over 10,000 lbs.

 

I’m building the lathe in my head LOL

 

I hope you have a big head! You're going to need it.

 

Nah, keep it simple. Fred Flintstone style.
Any one know where I can get a prehistoric saber tooth house cat to run on the belt?

 

You can borrow "Taters", but our flabby tabby wouldnt last 30 seconds on the thing.