Operation of the Brake
OPERATION OF THE BRAKE
Operating the brake using the brake rope takes a little practice, but should be learned by everyone. Understanding the mechanism of the brake lever and the swinging hook will help in the use of the brake rope. The application of the brake should be done gradually, as sudden sharp braking can result in a broken sail stock.
Volunteers on the Stone Floor
When the mill is being operated and the brake has been released, allowing the sails to turn when there is sufficient wind, the steps from spout floor to stone floor and the stone floor itself become especially dangerous. This danger is amplified if the wind has lulled for a while allowing the volunteers to forget that the brake is off, and then the sails start turning while volunteers are engaged in activities that risk collision with turning wheels, stones, quant or stone nut.
In general, it is safest for the stone floor to be out of bounds when the brake is off.
TO RELEASE THE BRAKE
- Remove the timbers or chocks from the brake wheel - see Chocking and Unchocking the Windmill.
- Remove the peg and wedge from the brake lever.
- Check that the hopper cloth cover is well clear of the brake wheel or removed.
- Ensure the wire machine is out of gear and the lever is securely tied to prevent accidental engagement of the auxiliary shaft to the wire machine.
- Ensure that both stone nuts are out of gear.
- Ensure that there are no obstructions to the brake and tail wheels.
- Ensure the brake rope is free from obstruction through the “Pop hole” to outside.
- Ensure the area outside in front of the sweeps is clear of people and obstructions, and the netting is in place if required.
- Release the brake by pulling the brake rope to its maximum, then gently release tension on the rope. The rope will stay almost in that position as the swinging lever hook engages with the pin on the brake lever, holding the brake lever in the “Off” position.
- Coil and leave the rope tidily on the ground where it is not an obstacle.
TO APPLY THE BRAKE
- Give the rope a sharp tug and quickly let out a little rope. This will free the swinging lever hook from the brake lever pin, and allow the brake lever to drop below the hook. Slowly let out the rest of the rope which will gradually apply the brake as the heavy brake lever is lowered inside the mill.
NB. The rope must be released slowly in order that the brake is applied smoothly otherwise damage to the sails may occur.
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