The standstill of Verfmolen de Kat on the Zaanse Schans will last for months. In October, a break in a rod (part of the blade cross) was discovered. A cost of 150,000 euros for a crucial part of the mill that should have lasted for decades. “Everyone was astonished,” says miller Piet Kempenaar.
Millers Piet and Robbert unhappy, Verfmolen de Kat mill silent until spring due to broken rod – NH News
Molenaar Piet looks at the stationary wicker cross together with his son and successor Robbert. The image does not make them happy. Still, they are happy that the tear was discovered in time when the sails were changed, so that immediate action could be taken. For example, at Bovenmolen G in Schermerhorn a fire broke two years ago a rod off. Fortunately, no one was injured at the time.
What is a mill rod?
Mill rods are wooden or box-shaped steel beams in which the fence slats are attached. The inner and outer rods are fixed in the axle head and, together with the complete rigging, form the blade cross.
The rods that now need to be replaced – because if you replace one, you also replace the other – were in service from 2012 and should have lasted more than fifty years. So it is a major setback.
Research
Owner De Zaansche Molen has asked an expert to conduct research. Director Katelijne Prinsenberg: “We did this together with the contractor who made the rod himself. They were also very shocked by it, it is a very reputable company that is very specialized in this. We hope that a conclusion will emerge where you’re wearing something.” Other millers are also waiting with interest for the results of the research. Its results could impact mills of the same construction.
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It is not yet known whether the damage can be recovered, but the repair will now cost De Zaansche Molen around 150,000 euros. Prinsenberg: “Fortunately, as an association we are liquid enough to be able to pay for this in advance, because having a rod made also takes a long time. There are only a few specialists in the Netherlands who can do that. Normally you plan it and then you can do it with take your major maintenance into account.”
“When there is wind, all the windmills are turning and yours is standing still; that is never fun”
In the meantime, certain colors from the stock of the normally ‘normal’ producing paint mill are running out, say Piet and Robbert Kempenaar. And if you, as a tourist, have the choice of visiting a running or stationary mill, it is quickly made.
Piet: “Now there is not much wind. But when there is wind and all the windmills are turning and yours is standing still, that is never fun. You want to have the total experience for yourself, but also for the tourists: the sound of the mill turning, the creaking, the millstones going around; that’s what you’re a miller for!”
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