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Those of us that enjoy machine shop practices (and perhaps those who don't as well) may enjoy this video of the machining of a large marine engine crankshaft with modern technology.

At the end are links to other videos. I encourage you to click on the upper right one about steam locomotive manufacture in the UK in the 1950's for an interesting comparison to practices a half-century earlier. Interesting to see the absence of safety gear like googles or safety glasses, for example in the forging operation. This video is almost twenty minutes long so plan time to view it in its entirety.

http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/dNXP3TA5_tw

The automated machine doing the crank is something else. I am amazed by the size of both the crank and the machine. The finishing of the throws was particularly impressive watching that huge slide containing the end mill move in an out as the crank rotated and yet be precise enough for the tolerances that must be involved.

Actually not sure which is more impressive -- the automatic machine of today or remembering a few short years ago all that was done by hand.

The railroad video sure makes one thankful for modern rules. In addition to the no safety glasses or protection of any kind evident, can you imagine being in that confined rectangle during the riveting operation and no ear protection! Those guys must have been deaf or if not already, soon would be.

I remember another video of a car frame or body operation on youtube. Think it was pre 50 GM. The safety concerns or lack therof are similar. These huge stamping machines are lined up with a guy standing between a pair of them. Looks like maybe a foot clearance on either side. He steps in and positions something, moves a step back and both machines slide in. He would surely pay dearly if his body was not precisely positioned when the machines moved.

"A Navy student observing screw machine operations in the making of a crankshaft bearing cap bolt. Packard marine engine plant, Detroit"




[source: Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division Washington, DC 20540, no known restrictions]

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