Menu
  Log out
 

Mechanical Power Guide - Vintage Story Wiki

Vintage Story Guide • Updated Jan 9, 2026

Vintage Story: Mechanical Power Guide

Mechanical power enables automation and advanced crafting in Vintage Story. This guide covers windmill construction, power transmission, and automated production systems.

Power Generation

Windmill Construction

Primary source of mechanical power:

  1. Build Tower: 8+ blocks tall, sturdy foundation
  2. Place Axle: Vertical wooden axle through center
  3. Add Rotor: 4-8 sail blocks on rotor frame
  4. Connect Gearbox: Transfer power to machines

Windmill Efficiency

Sail Count Power Output Wind Requirement
4 Sails Low Moderate wind
6 Sails Medium Light wind
8 Sails High Any wind

Power Transmission

Mechanical Components

⚙️ Axle

Transmits rotational power in straight lines

🔄 Gearbox

Changes power direction (90-degree turns)

⬆️ Clutch

On/off switch for power transmission

🔧 Brake

Stops rotation, prevents damage

Power Network Design

Windmill → Vertical Axle → Gearbox → Horizontal Axle → Machine
                              ↓
                         Additional Machines

Powered Machines

Helve Hammer

Automated metalworking:

  • Function: Automatically works metal ingots
  • Power Needed: 1 windmill minimum
  • Setup: Connect to axle, place anvil below
  • Operation: Insert heated ingot, hammer works it
  • Speed: 3x faster than manual hammering

Pulverizer

Ore processing automation:

  • Function: Crushes ores into powder
  • Benefit: +25% ore yield vs direct smelting
  • Power: 1 windmill
  • Process: Ore → Crushed Ore → Smelt for bonus metal

Quern (Manual)

Can be powered or manual:

  • Manual: Right-click to grind
  • Powered: Connect to axle for automation
  • Uses: Grind grain, crush ores, make flour

Advanced Automation

Multi-Machine Setup

Power multiple machines from one windmill:

Windmill Size Machines Supported Recommended Layout
4 Sails 1 machine Single helve hammer
6 Sails 2 machines Hammer + Pulverizer
8 Sails 3-4 machines Full workshop

Clutch Control System

Selective machine activation:

  1. Install Clutches: One per machine branch
  2. Default Off: Keep clutches disengaged
  3. Activate as Needed: Engage clutch for specific machine
  4. Power Efficiency: Only run machines when in use

Pro Tip: Build windmills on hills or mountains for stronger, more consistent wind. Coastal areas also provide excellent wind conditions.

Helve Hammer Recipes

Automated Smithing

Item Ingots Required Hammer Time
Pickaxe Head 1 ingot 30 seconds
Axe Head 1 ingot 30 seconds
Sword Blade 1 ingot 40 seconds
Armor Plate 2 ingots 60 seconds

Troubleshooting

Common Power Issues

Problem Cause Solution
Windmill Not Spinning No wind or obstructed Wait for wind, clear obstacles
Machine Not Working Disconnected or clutch off Check axle connections, engage clutch
Slow Operation Insufficient power Add more sails or reduce machines
System Jamming Overloaded network Add brake, reduce load

Automate your production and advance faster. Host your Vintage Story server with Supercraft for multiplayer automation and industrial cooperation.

← Back to Vintage Story Guides
Top