How the mill works
The Saint-Michel mill is a two-storey tower mill. The symmetrical wings, with a span of 16 metres, are attached to the roof, with the whole unit pivoting and guided by its roller track. The roof is covered with chestnut “essentes” (roofing boards).
To turn, the wings must be perpendicular to the axis of the wind. The whole roof must therefore be steered using an oak tail or rudder, with the help of a rope and 8 markers placed on the circular stone path that surrounds the mill.
The wings are fitted with ‘sails’, the surface area of which can be adjusted according to wind conditions, by rolling them using two halyards on a roller boom (a system invented by Jean Peillet and adapted from schooner topsails). A braking mechanism stops the movement.
On the first floor are the two millstones between which the grains are poured. It is driven by the rotation of the wings, which are attached to the motor shaft on which the spinning wheel and its sprockets are mounted. The lantern allows the axis to be changed and the speed to be reduced in the direction of the rotating wheel placed on the stationary wheel.
The grinding wheels are made in several pieces, with soft stone in the centre and hard stone at the ends.
The language of mills
For as long as it has existed, the Saint-Michel windmill has served as a landmark for ships.
But the position of the wings can also transmit messages:
The Saint Andrew’s cross is the position for long-term rest.
Another position is used to signal a sad event (mourning).
The Greek cross can be a rallying call.
Or a happy event (marriage, birth).