Machinist - The big wheel 1937 - Side by Side

by Mike Savad

Title

Machinist - The big wheel 1937 - Side by Side

Artist

Mike Savad

Medium

Photograph - Hand Colorized Photo

Description

Hand colored photo from 1937
Original title: Gleason gear cutter
Photographer: Unknown
Location: 500 N Beacon St, Watertown, MA

A large gear cutter at the Watertown Arsenal was a specialized machine used to manufacture massive gears, for military machinery or heavy industrial equipment. The machine precisely shaped gear teeth by cutting or grinding material from a large gear blank, which was carefully centered on a rotary table using mechanical and optical systems. The gear cutter, built from heavy-duty materials, ensured the production of accurate, durable gears essential for applications such as artillery, vehicles, or factory machinery.

Color notes:
First, this is a Bennet Works machine, not a Gleason. I'm not sure why it was labeled as such, especially since there's a big sign on it indicating otherwise. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any information on this machine, and I can't even determine exactly what they're cutting. I think it might be that silver ring.

The entire wheel is driven by a metal cable around its circumference. This isn't a lathe, though-watching a lathe would be amazing as it creates its own gravity around the machine. My guess is that this machine operates very slowly, moving bit by bit to cut slots.
As for the size, it doesn't specify, but judging by the railing and other reference points, it's probably 20 feet in diameter or more.

Uploaded

August 17th, 2024

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