High-quality black-and-white photographs of large old machines and tools

[Toolmaker51]

A Mesta employee machining a section of an engine crankshaft.

Does the table the guy is standing on revolve? I cannot imagine the engine that crankshaft goes in.

I am pretty sure the table rotates and the operator is administered a supply of Dramamine suppositories.

thats one hell of a motor cycle crank....

What a coincidence; you're all correct! Though one might not be "quite right".
I scaled him about 5 units tall, chuck at 14 same units. So, if he's 5'5'', about a 12' chuck. Max RPM is maybe 18 or so. Takes really good tool grinding to produce finishes so far out of proportion between diameter - available speeds & feeds. Diameter not done yet, but cheek of crank throw looks good.
Reasoning says its cast or forging, but not turned from a big slug. It would depend whether this is a repair or repeated job.

Just noticed a 'mistake' in photographers framing of shot. If he'd set up a bit farther to right, there'd been daylight between turned diameter and tool-holder under the man's hand.