Vintage work crew photos

**Toolmaker51** · Apr 19, 2021, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by mcthistle007

Can someone please enligten me?What is that piece they are working on and what are they doing to it?

Name of company includes 'Axle Works'. I'd guess it's the first operations of a forging die or hammer, but awful large. Too early in the work to identify. The uppermost section has been milled, maybe lugs to register a mating part. Also possible a milling head was mounted for that, switched to single point holder in photo.
What they are doing is contouring the sides, there is a palm sized cutter above mans head. The table, carrying workpiece travels the bedways, past the cutter, shaving off a hunk with each pass. The big chips are visible on floor; obviously a steel type material, not cast iron.
They appear to be tape measuring; I hope other 3' aren't excess material!

**marksbug** · Apr 18, 2021, 04:46 PM

wow thats totaly awesome. quite a shaver/shaper.

**the harmonious blacksmith** · Apr 19, 2021, 12:21 AM

I love planers, but you rarely see one in operation any more. Greatest thing ever for replaning lathe beds before scraping.

**hemmjo** · Apr 19, 2021, 03:29 AM

That is a massive hunk of material!!! That needs to be a topic in the "What is it" section!!

Originally Posted by mcthistle007

Can someone please enligten me?What is that piece they are working on and what are they doing to it?

My early morning smart a** response; That is a BIG hunk of something, they are making it lighter.

**marksbug** · Apr 19, 2021, 09:06 AM

well thats gonna be either a big lighter, or...the shavings will be heaver than the little lighter

whoo's lighter do you reckon there making?? on the lighter side of things,miss green is trying to get her jolly husband to stop smoking, as he is working the little people to death.

**Jon** · Apr 25, 2021, 02:00 PM

Workers for the Monongahela Railway Company lay some rails. Pennsylvania, 1940.

Fullsize image: https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...s_fullsize.jpg

**Ralphxyz** · Apr 25, 2021, 02:03 PM

Looks like the guy on the right is riveting against the guy on the left foot!

Ralph

**hemmjo** · Apr 27, 2021, 04:22 AM

More likely that is an impact wrench. Guy to the right down the track install the plates, bolts and nuts. Then these two guys roll along with the impact and tighten the bolts.

**marksbug** · Apr 27, 2021, 09:06 AM

awe thats just nuts

**Jon** · May 2, 2021, 12:46 PM

PPG Industries workers manufacturing safety glass for American bombers in WWII. Crystal City, Missouri. 1942.

Fullsize image: https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...w_fullsize.jpg