Bolter frame and cabinet

The bolter frame and cabinet are almost complete. Original pieces have been incorporated as much as possible. Here you can see the original back panel (after some repair) with the new frame and panelling. The original bearing will support the driven end of the cylinder.

The new bolter will be installed in the mill at a later date, once the nearby flooring and surrounding areas are sorted out.

Stairway to heaven

The staircase from the ground floor to the stone floor was first thought to be beyond help. However, when removed from the mill, it was found to be in slightly better condition than suspected. Work has been going on to make a new staircase, incorporating as much of the original as possible. The curved sides were created using layers of elm glued together whilst clamped around a 'former'.

Fixing the staircase back to the mill could be interesting; the originall wooden blocks set into the stone seem to have been put in the wrong place. We shall see!.....

Restoration of the bolter

The bolter is badly decayed. Part of the original cabinet has been preserved and the remainder is being remade around it - using the original as a pattern. A new spindle is also being turned and shaped, with the original ironwork to be set in at each end.

The bolter cabinet, the back panel will be reused

Threading the eye of the needle

The eastern Hurst frame beam, to support the stone floor, has been morticed and was ready to go into the mill. The 'easiest' way in was via the southern window. This had been filled in with block and brickwork some years ago. So, this was demolished and replaced with wooden shuttering. After a bit of modification to the internal scaffolding, we were ready for hoisting...

The beam almost in position (rebate should be uppermost)

Hurst frame splices going in...

This is the south-western splice being lowered into place - the recess in the wall has already been cleaned up and a bed of brick/slate set in place.

Hurst frame reconstruction

The Hurst frame which supports the stone floor is being partially reconstructed. The original eastern beam is laying on top of the replacment, which will be morticed to match.  In the foreground are other new members which will be shaped to form the Hurst frame.

Rotten beam ends

Started work on the Hurst frame beams. The ends of the main transverse beams are set directly into the stone tower. The southern ends of both beams have virtually disappeared under the combined action of damp and boring insects. These are to be replaced; the rotten beam ends will be cut off and new pieces 'spliced' into place. This also involves a lot of stone work - raking out of the old cavity in the wall, creating a firm 'bed' for the new splice then making good.

The beam end, a lot of death watch beetle damage...

Preparing the beam for the splice joint