Keeping in Order.
The face of the bed stone must be kept level and the spindle in perfect tram with it. To tram, take off the hoop and runner stone, and if a Pulley Mill, put on the belt the same as when grinding; then place on the spindle a wooden arm with a hole in one end to fit tight on the upper end of spindle, so that it will traverse the face of the bed stone, having before made a small hole through the projecting end to receive a quill or piece of whale-bone to trace the surface of the bed-stone about two inches in from its skirt. On turning the spindle, it can now be readily seen which way the step is to be moved in order to throw the spindle in tram; if it is properly in tram, the quill will traverse the bed-stone evenly around its face. To tram our geared mills, the toe of the spindle must not be moved out of line with the shaft holding the driving gear wheel; the proper way is to tram it in the bush, which is provided with suitable keys. However, when the toe of the spindle or step is required to be moved length-ways of this shaft, no bad results will follow, provided the cogs are all the time in proper depth—even on their back or large end, and not too deep in gear. The spindles of our mills are not apt to get out of tram, but in all mills they should be closely watched and frequently tried in this particular. When the spindle is in perfect tram, and the runner in balance, the burrs will not wear out of face, but the reverse, they will naturally wear in face. The followers should not be forced too hard against the spindle by the wedges in the iron bush, as it will make the spindle heat.
The space under the leather, on top of the bush, should be well supplied with tallow rolled up in a woolen cloth and laid immediately around the spindle. The oil cup in the bush should be supplied with good sperm or lard oil every time the burrs are taken up. Place some candle-wick in this cup, with one end against (not around) the spindle. This keeps the spindle supplied with a continual flow of oil in addition to the tallow. Oil the spindle step with good sperm or lard oil, clean out once a month, and keep out dirt.
In geared mills, pay particular attention to the adjustment of the gear wheels. If they are too deep or not deep enough in gear, they will not run so smoothly and will cut out. As the wooden cogs wear, in time a shoulder will be formed on them by the iron cogs in the pinion. In order to obviate the tremble or rough running that this shoulder would cause, it should be trimmed off from time to time. Grease the cogs with tallow, and see observations on keeping stones in order, under head of “Setting up and Starting.”
We request as a favor of any of those using our machinery, mills, bolts, &c., to inform us if they are not working satisfactorily; in such a case, state plainly as you can in what particular, as we will take pleasure in correcting the defect or giving advice concerning it. Some of our mills and mill stones that have been used constantly for 8 to 12 years may require some changes, such as re-setting the irons, improving the dress, &c., that would make them as good as new; when written to or interviewed on the subject, will state to the best of our ability what should be done.
In Ordering, or when a Correct estimate of Cost is Wanted,
It will be quite a help both to our customers and to ourselves to observe the points mentioned below. A plain statement of the situation and what is wanted, together with a rough sketch will often save much delay and trouble.
1st. Give location of Mill, i. e., its relation to road, railway, and power; where it is most convenient to receive grist work and where merchant grain.
2d. State size of mill house; height of stories from floor to floor; pitch of roof, and which way comb of house runs; which way the joist and timbers of the mill run, and their size.