Birk Petersen built this demonstration model of a James Watt designed flyball governor. Birk called this project “Cranky” in his blog. As an aside, the term “balls out” refers to the position of the balls in the regulator when at full speed, with centrifugal force holding the balls all the way up and out from center.

Exhibit added: May 7, 2016 - Last modified: January 19, 2024

Presented by The Joe Martin Foundation for Exceptional Craftsmanship