The History of Windlass for Mining

The windlass was commonly used throughout the world in mining operations before the invention of motorized lifts. This device was used to haul people, ore and equipment up and down mine shafts.

Simple Machine

The windlass was invented in the 1300s. The simple machine consists of an axle, a crank, a support structure, and a rope, cable or chain. The axle was held above the mine shaft by the support structure. When the crank turned, the rope wound up or down on the axle, raising or lowering its load.

1800s

By the 1800s, the windlass was used in mining operation around the world, from the zinc mines of Wisconsin and the gold mines of Alaska and Australia, to the coal mines of America and Wales. The windlass took miners down one at a time, lifted product to the surface countless times a day, and returned the miners to their families above when the day was done.

Windlass Operators

In order to use a windlass, a mine had to have at least two workers: one to go below and work and the other to operate the windlass. Often women and children were employed to power the windlass crank because men refused to do the work.

References

• The Mining Museum: Mining in Southwestern Wisconsin
• Dictionary Reference: Windlass
• ALBERT GOLDFIIELDS: Mining Heritage
• Women in World History: The Coal Mines