Hand Crank

The simplest source of rotation: it turns as long as you keep turning it.

Crafting

P P
S

P is a Copper Plate and S is a Shaft.

Using it

Hold right-click on it. Each click keeps it turning for a moment, and holding the button keeps it going. Let go and it stops (and the line coasts down). A shaft can attach to either end.

How much it can drive

12 Su at 32 RPM. A hand crank is too weak to drive a Mechanical Hammer (80 Su), or any of the other workshop machines (30 Su and up). Hook one up and the network just strains and won't turn. Gearing doesn't help: it changes how hard each turn pushes, not how much load the crank can carry.

It's useful for small loads, like a Controller (2 Su) or a Pump (8 Su), and for learning how shafts behave. It's also the fastest source early on, so it's the way to spin a Dynamo up to a high voltage. For real work you want a Water Wheel.