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 Post subject: Line Shaft Driven Machine Shop
PostPosted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 4:23 pm 
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Joined: Tue Oct 17, 2006 10:08 pm
Posts: 632
Location: Poconos/Lehigh Valley
I recently visited a line shaft driven shop that is being constructed by an antique machinery collector. The place was fascinating!
The shop is powered by a 6 HP gas engine built in 1910:
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It drives a series of belts and shafts that run lathes, a drill press, planer, and power hacksaw.
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A motor driven horizontal mill was especially interesting. A faceplate was adapted so it could be placed on the mill to turn flywheels up to 38" in diameter!
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The building is illuminated with gas lights and electric arc lamps. I was surprised to learn that the electric arc does not provide the illumination, rather, it is the glow from the white hot carbon rods!
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The gas lamps burn acetylene gas, which used to be made in an acetylene generator:
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It worked like a giant carbide lamp. Carbide was released into water where it turned into acetylene gas which was then piped to the light fixtures. It would work again if cheap, bulk carbide were available.


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PostPosted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 11:27 pm 
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Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2005 11:33 pm
Posts: 3080
Location: Above the Sterling Hill Mine
Very nice shots Mike! Are they still using Carbide for the Gas lamps, or are they using natural gas / propane tanks instead? Acetylene lights are neat, but I can understand the hassle for a one time use! But it'd be neat to see!

Miner Greg


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PostPosted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 11:37 pm 
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Joined: Tue Oct 17, 2006 10:08 pm
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Location: Poconos/Lehigh Valley
Thanks! They used carbide for a while, but ran out. I think they just use commercially available gas now.


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