A bit of a fiddle with the new bolter cylinder

The new bolter cylinder is coming along. An elm spindle has been shaped to a hexagonal cross-section, and the original ironwork has been fitted at each end. This was a tricky job, if only we had a 16 inch square drill bit! With the iron bands driven up and everything eventually snug, the spokes could be added. Three holes at the appropriate spacing (dredged up the old school geometry from the memory banks!), then the spokes were driven through to give, effectively, six spokes. The longitudinal rails will then be added (the first can be seen at the bottom of the photo).

The 'crank' in the tail end ironwork seems to correspond with wear marks on the original cabinet at this point. We assume some sort of reciprocating mechanism was used to help feed the bran through the chute at the end of the bolter, to prevent it clogging up.

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.