Plate LIII.TOOL, GAUGE, TEMPLATE, AND JIG DEPARTMENT.Larger image
Plate LIII.
TOOL, GAUGE, TEMPLATE, AND JIG DEPARTMENT.
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Then, as regards the tool-making and fettling—the other branch of work carried out in the tool room—it has been recognised that, to make the cutting tools efficient, itis necessary to utilise the most suitable steel for the tools working on various metals and alloys; and the selection of the tool steel for each metal has been systematised by the careful collation of data of actual work. In the manufacture of the tools special appliances are used and will be referred to presently. The workmen are encouraged to use only tools in sound condition. Each machine-man in the shops has ten checks, and may borrow from the store a corresponding number of tools, but these must be returned as soon as possible for overhaul and re-grinding. The bonus system further induces the men to ensure that their tools are in good condition.
The tool department is separate from the main structure, and in it all jigs, templates, and gauges, as well as tools, are constructed. Standard gauges, as well as limit gauges, are used, and both are marked in metrical and English dimensions. The tool room is not only carefully maintained at a regular temperature, in order to prevent the templates and jigs from varying in the course of their manufacture, but the appliances adopted have been selected so as to get the most precise results. In connection with the manufacture of large boiler taps, drill gauges, milling cutters, etc., a specially designed gas furnace has been built, with a number of compartments which can be used separately or collectively, according to the size of the tool being made. The toolsmith's forge is on the down-draught principle, so that, in addition to carrying off all smoke and dust, it tends to keep the atmosphere pure.
Amongst the principal machines used in this tool-manufacturing department is an 8-in. Whitworth self-acting, sliding-surfacing, and screw-cutting lathe, with a backing-off and taper-turning attachment. The milling, drilling, and grinding machines are all by the best makers. A 10-ft. machine is used for making the comparative measurements from existing standards. This machine, alsoof Whitworth make, has a measuring screw in a fast headstock with a large dividing wheel, one division of the latter representing 0.0001-in. in the end movement of the spindle. All transverse and tensile testing of bars is done in this department.
A check system is used in connection with the distribution of templates, tools, drawings, etc., and a separate store in the centre of the works is arranged for this purpose.
HYDRAULIC PLATE-BENDING MACHINE.Larger image
HYDRAULIC PLATE-BENDING MACHINE.
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As to the boiler works, the fact that in 1905 the production was practically one boiler per week is, of itself, testimony to the nature of the plant adopted. The main boiler shop, together with its yard, has an area of 7000 square yards, and a height of 45 ft. to the crane rail, and is served by five overhead electric cranes, ranging in lifting power up to 100 tons, with numerous jib and other cranes associated with the various machine tools.