Machinist - The right tool for the job 1922 - Side by Side

by Mike Savad

Title

Machinist - The right tool for the job 1922 - Side by Side

Artist

Mike Savad

Medium

Photograph - Hand Colored Photo

Description

Hand colored photo from 1922
Original title: Student officers
Photographer: Unknown
Location: 130 Arsenal Yards Blvd, Watertown, MA

The Watertown Arsenal in Massachusetts was a cornerstone of American military manufacturing. Established in 1816, it played a critical role in producing large-scale artillery components and gun carriages, especially during World War I and World War II. Over time, it also became a center for innovation in metallurgy, mechanical testing, and early studies in industrial efficiency.

By the early 20th century, the arsenal's workforce was assembling massive artillery parts, including the breech ends of large-caliber gun barrels designed for coastal and field defense. These components featured thick-walled, hollow cylinders with finely machined bores. At one end, hexagonal or multi-faceted faces housed breech blocks. Along the sides, machined lugs and slots allowed the barrels to be mounted to recoil systems and gun carriages.

Turning these precision parts into working weapons required more than just manpower. It demanded custom-built tools made specifically for the task. Chief among them were the enormous handmade spanner wrenches, forged to fit massive hex nuts and threaded joints. No standard tool would suffice. Every bolt and fitting had its own scale and requirements, and the margin for error was razor thin.

The workspace was built to match the size and weight of the job. Heavy-duty slings, wooden blocks, bolted-down frames, and overhead lifts helped manage the load. Massive flywheels and mechanical systems provided power for machining and testing. This was not ordinary assembly line work. It was industrial craftsmanship carried out under pressure, where precision met brute force.

In this setting, having the right tool was not just helpful, it was essential. A poorly matched wrench could damage threads, ruin a component, or lead to serious injury. Success relied on experience, careful planning, and tools that were as carefully made as the weapons themselves.

Color notes:
I just loved that they have a huge wrench for that huge nut. I guess never really thought about how they turned a nut of that size. I do wish it was a huge adjustable wrench, taking two guys to turn the thing to adjust it. If you look on the floor, you'll see a collection of wrenches and spanners. I'm not sure exactly what part that is, but I assume it has replaceable parts.

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July 3rd, 2025

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