Large gear not working

[Codeykang]

Why does this setup work

But this one doesn't

[Nathan Flaminio]

Every piece you add takes away from the power produced by your sails. Large gears take a lot compared to small gears. Somebody made a video explaining it, I'll see if I can find it. 

 

Edited May 3 by Nathan Flaminio

[Vexxvididu]

Besides the video posted, the really short explanation is that the large gear placed like that is trading a lot of your torque for speed. ...but you no longer have enough torque to power the helve hammer.

Large gears are generally a sign someone either has no idea what they are doing, or is a real expert.  I generally don't use them in survival games since they are expensive and not necessary.