Like any machine, the windmill requires regular maintenance and care. Some of it easy, some of it is more challenging. We're looking for individuals interested in volunteering their time to help keep the windmill running properly. Most of the tools required to manage these tasks are availabile on site. Such tasks include: 

• Greasing the interior cap rail, interior zerks, exterior zerks on the fantail base, and other points. Most spots require new grease every 4-8 weeks. The bearing on which the shaft sits is regreased whenever the sails are used to prevent it from overheating. 
• Tightening nuts and bolts inside the cap frame. Our cap frame is still relatively new, meaning that in addition to temperature shifts, the wood continues to move and shrink as it dries. As the cap frame matures, contact points must be regularly checked for tightness. 
• Painting the exterior of the windmill including the catwalk. The moisture trapped in the concrete foundation of the windmill means repainting the outside walls every few years to keep it looking good. Due to high traffic, the deck of the catwalk also requires new coats of stain now and then. 
• Maintaining the gearboxes is a more challenging task than ordinary maintenance work and is not for those afraid of heights. Best practice for the preservation of their internal components demands changing the oil in both once a year, no easy challenge with the boxes both located so high in the air. 
• Other lift work. It isn't uncommon to have a lift onsite to make repairs or take on maintenance tasks we can't accomplish without one. A 60' lift minimum is required to properly service both gear boxes and the sails. We are always looking for volunteers to help assist with lift-related projects whether it is painting, maintenance, or other related repairs to either the fantail or sails and shutters. 

Maintaining the windmill isn't necessarily difficult, but it does have it's challenges that most people might not be comfortable. We're able to train anybody interested in learning how to help maintain the mill and keep it in good health.