How does mechanical power work?

[Ari]

I don't see it on the wiki anywhere. I know there is "wind power" but... how do you make that? I've figured out that you need sails for a windmill, but that's it. Is there a tutorial or explanation somewhere? What parts do I need to make and how do I hook them together?

[redram]

@Aira You'll want to search the handbook for "sails", "axle", "gears", and "rotor".   Those are the four parts you need.  You have to apply the sails in groups of 4 to the rotor (I think you can only craft them in groups of 4 anyway maybe).  It would definitely be nice if they all shared a common hidden keyword in the handbook, like 'windmill' or something.  Rather than having to search them up individually.   I believe the gears have to be flanked by axles that are supported by something solid, iirc.  So you can't just make a freestanding windmill of nothing but the parts.  They need at least a bit of support.

[Ari]

Thanks a lot. I would never have figured all that out. Looking forward to automating my quern! 

[Tyron]

I'll add a short paragraph on that  into the handbook for next release.

[Drago]

If they had a common keyword i would suggest power