Make axles snap instead of ignite

[marmarmar34]

Let's be real, when wooden axles and gears are spinning at those insane speeds, they're more likely to splinter than burst into flames. Also considering the consequences of spontaneous combustion are SIGNIFICANTLY higher than necessary. Let the punishment fit the crime, so to speak.

[LadyWYT]

I'd be more inclined to say let it smoke for a while before it actually ignites. That way the player has a clear visual indication that there's a problem, while also having a chance to stop the machinery and fix it before bigger problems arise.

Or I suppose the player could also decide to just allow their machinery to operate at such speeds for the convenience, while risking the whole setup potentially burning down if they push it too far.

[Thorfinn]

I'd like to see axles modified a bit in that they need pillow blocks every so many axles (3-4 for a hypothetical 40 block span to the rotor, not counting the top and bottom gears) and that only pillow blocks or gears have friction, i.e., can start on fire.

I'd really prefer to have to re-lube those points, kind of like a durability thing, maybe even have the friction increase as the grease disappears. Once the grease "durability" (which can be "repaired by applying more grease) drops to zero, it starts deducting from the part "durability" (which can't be repaired).

Edited February 6 by Thorfinn

[Bruno Willis]

These suggestions are excellent. Let me add foolishness.

I'd love to see even more ways to have mechanical contraptions go wrong. I want axles to explode into lethal splinters, I want to see fingers getting caught in cogs. I'd love it if high winds would cause mechanical breaks to fail. I want to be able to make a sketchy as hell first windmill, forget to improve it, and watch it tear itself apart in a storm. 

Basically, it's good for mechanical spaces felt dangerous, and it would be good if there were niche techniques to make them safer.

Edited February 8 by Bruno Willis
Re-reading the good suggestions.

[Heegrim]

Why not both lol?

Maybe the angled gear teeth can snap if the torque load placed on them is too high whereas the axles ignite if the speed is too high for too long.