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Bessler's apparent use of the Leipzig ell suggests he probably built his wheels to
whole ell units and simple fractions thereof. The above diagram shows feet and
inches derived from Leipzig ell conversions as listed in the data above.
Detailed Measurements
First Wheel - Gera
Diameter = 4.6 feet
Thickness = about 4 inches
Speed = over 50 RPM unloaded
Rotation = uni-directional, required restraint when not in use
Axle = unknown
Sound = unknown
Power = unknown
The size is in ell units: reported diameter = 2.5 ell [4.6 feet].
And thickness of = 4 Leipzeg inches [3.7 inches].
Second Wheel - Draschwitz
Diameter = 9.3 feet
Thickness = 6 inches
Speed = over 50 RPM unloaded
Rotation = uni-directional, required restraint when not in use
Axle = 6 inches diameter; probable diameter = 1/4 ell [5.6 inches]
Sound = loud noise
Power = unknown
The size is in ell units: reported diameter = 5 ell [9.3 feet].
And thickness = 1/4 ell [5.6 inches].
Third Wheel - Merseburg
Diameter = 12 feet
Thickness = 11.15 inches
Speed = 40 RPM or more
Rotation = dual-directional, required gentle push start in either direction
Axle = 6 inches diameter; probable diameter = 1/4 ell [5.6 inches]
Sound = banging noise at descending side of wheel
Power = estimates range from 20 Watts to 100 Watts
The size is in ell units; reported diameter = 6 ells [12 feet].
And thickness = 1/2 ell [11.15 inches].
Fourth Wheel - Kassel (Weissenstein Castle)
Diameter = 12 feet
Thickness = 18 inches
Speed = 26 RPM unloaded - 20 RPM under water screw load
Rotation = dual-directional, required gentle push start in either direction
Axle = 8 inches diameter; probable diameter = 1/3 ell [7.4 inches]
Sound = about 8 bangs per revolution at descending side of wheel
Power = estimates range from 25 Watts to 125 Watts
The size is in ell units: reported diameter = 6 ells [12 feet].
And thickness = 3/4 ell [16.7 inches].