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Title: |
1873 Article-Thomas Shanks & Co., Armour Plate Shaping Machine |
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Source: |
The Engineer Magazine, 22 Aug 1873 pg. 122 |
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Insert Date: |
1/22/2015 8:56:02 PM |
This machine, which we illustrate above, has lately been constructed by Messrs. Thomas Shanks and Co. for her Majesty's dockyard at Pembroke Dock. It in adapted to work armour plates up to 20 ft. long, 6½ ft. wide, and 15 in. thick. The bed of the machine in 26 ft. long, carried on four massive standards, which also form the ground work on which to lay the armour plates. Each of the standards is fitted with a knee bracket carrying a tool bar with variable stroke up to 30 in., and independent driving motion disengaging by clutch or driving shaft. These saddles are moved along the bed by rack and pinion.
The chief novel feature of the machine, however, is the arrangement of the tool bars. They are placed edge to the work and not in the usual style, and can be angled 15 deg. above or below the horizontal line.
The angling motion is worked by means of two worm wheels and segments. The machine is self-acting for horizontal cutting, that motion being drawn from the main wheel shaft by means of a link making a ratchet worm, and wheel. This motion is also made disengaging, so that the saddles can be worked either close together or at any part of the bed required. The tool boxes are fitted with vertical angling and tripping motion. The gearing is of very heavy description, the main wheel being 2¼ in. pitch, and the other wheels in proportion. The cone is 6 in. broad in step, and from 36 in. to 18 in. diameter.
This machine we understand supplies a want long felt in her Majesty's dockyards. The time required to shape an armour plate of such colossal dimensions as they have new attained was very tedious. This machine will obviate this in a great measure, for, when tested at Pembroke Dock, the stipulated cut of 12 in. deep and 24 to the inch will taken off with the greatest ease.
Image courtesy of Grace's Guide.
http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/File:Im1873EnV36-p118.jpg |
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1873 Thomas Shanks & Co., Armour Plate Shaping Machine (Front Elevation)
1873 Thomas Shanks & Co., Armour Plate Shaping Machine (End Elevation)
1873 Thomas Shanks & Co., Armour Plate Shaping Machine (Partial End Elevation)
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