What traditional methods are used in restoring the internal milling mechanisms of Mallorca's windmills?

Restoring the internal milling mechanisms of Mallorca's windmills involves a careful blend of traditional craftsmanship and historical accuracy. These windmills, often dating back several centuries, use wooden gears and shafts that require meticulous attention. Restoration specialists typically start by examining the wooden components, which were originally fashioned from local timber. When replacement is necessary, artisans use similar types of wood and traditional carpentry techniques to shape the gears, ensuring the millstones turn smoothly and efficiently. This process often involves hand tools such as chisels and planes, maintaining the authentic feel and function of the mill.

In addition to woodworking, the winding system that allows the sails to catch the wind is restored using techniques dating back to the mill's origin. The sails themselves are traditionally made from wood and canvas, and their internal mechanisms often include iron fittings forged by local blacksmiths. Iron components are either repaired or recreated using traditional forging methods to preserve the windmill's operational integrity. Furthermore, lubrication practices from the past, like the use of animal fat or natural oils, are sometimes reintroduced to ensure the moving parts function quietly and effectively without modern synthetic alternatives.

The restoration process also emphasizes the alignment and calibration of the grinding stones, a critical step to replicate the original milling efficiency. Stone dressers, skilled in the ancient craft of shaping and grooving the millstones, are often consulted to create the precise furrows that aid in grinding grain. The balance between preserving original materials and replacing worn parts with historically accurate methods ensures that each windmill remains a working testament to Mallorca's agricultural heritage. By adhering strictly to these traditional methods, restorers not only maintain the structural and mechanical authenticity but also allow visitors to experience the windmills as they operated centuries ago.