Much thanks to you guys for answering. Ill be sure to make plenty of donuts and maybe some cookies once Im able for you guys =)

Windmills are the only source of power in the nether (as any water placed there will evaporate). You can use an upward facing detector wired to the gearbox to shut it down when it rains. *facepalm* You are quite right. Would I need to hook up restone to every gearbox in the chain or just the one cl...

I have a question concerning the windmill. I read that ALL gear boxes connected to one will break when it rains/snows. Can placing blocks above the windmills so said weather effects dont land directly on it stop this? If not I really dont see a point with windmills for mechanical power use. Not that...