Industrial machine parts have been a part of humanity’s civilization fabric for hundreds, even thousands, of years. They’ve created everything from simple lathes to complex water wheels and steam engines, providing us with a variety of objects we use daily. However, maintaining machine tools and keeping them fighting fit is an art in of itself. Due to their nature as small and simple devices, preventing them from rusting and keeping them clean is a must to make sure your work is never compromised. Genie lift repair and welding services would be far more difficult if not for machine tool services, so look below to learn a little more about the history of these tools and what you can do to keep them working right.
What Is A Machine Tool?
Whether it’s modifying a lift or building a new device, machine tools are the small elements used to clean, repair and craft items of all shapes and sizes. They generally function by removing materials from work pieces to increase functionality, alongside general threading, boring, facing and turning. They’re an irreplaceable element of technology both old and new and have been recorded throughout human history.
How Long Have They Been Used?
Machine tools have been recorded as far back as 1200 B.C. The first specific tools recorded in existence were the bow lathe and the bow drill, used for creating wooden objects for everyday purposes. Also known as woodturning, these could be used to create pottery, weapons and silverware alongside more basic items like candlesticks and table legs. Machine tools have gone through many changes over the centuries, but a feature that has remained the same is their necessary function and elegantly simple designs.
How Have They Changed Over Time?
These small tools were crafted out of a need to create more fine-tuned and diverse mechanisms and resources for everyday use. James Watt’s need for perfectly bored cylinders, for example, led to the creation of the water-powered boring mill. This was developed by John Wilkinson and used water power to bore small holes and create more complex technology. During the Industrial Revolution, lathes continued to be powered by water wheels as well as steam engines.
How Do I Maintain Machine Tools?
Daily maintenance is a must to keep your machine tools working reliably. Due to their function for boring and turning, they need to be kept hard and rigid to deliver peak performance. Remember to lubricate them constantly to avoid damage and rusting. If you hear unusual noises when using a machine tool, this could be a sign you need to do some inspecting for potential issues. Avoiding machine tool repairs can be done by repeatedly checking your gear box spindle’s oil level and aproon are in the safe line on a regular basis.
What Else Should I Know?
Maintaining your machine tools should be a good habit. Keep a few oil rags on your person at all times to maintain their sleek and rigid form, as rusting can be both detrimental to their function and a health hazard to yourself and others. The drive belt on a lathe should be regularly checked for tension and consistency to work properly, a well as adjusted to avoid damage and unnecessary friction. Lastly, it never hurts to have a professional eye look over your set to pinpoint any problems you may have overlooked. Machine tools are the unsung heroes of the construction field and daily devices like lifts and welding services would be lost without them.
