Photo Index - Unknown Manufacturer - Line Shaft

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Unknown Manufacturer
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True Manufacturer:
Unknown Manufacturer, *

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Other
Machine Size:	N/A
Submitted By:	Bob Berghorst

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Line Shaft
Date of Manufacturer:	Late 1,800's - Early 1,900's
Serial Number:	N/A
Last Updated	8/27/2013 11:39:48 AM

Comments:

As electric motors became more available and efficient and electrical transmission became a growing reality, plant engineers soon realized the value of independently powered machine as opposed to steam engine driven factories. At the same time, factory owners (understandably) were reluctant to scrap out thousands of dollars worth of line shaft, counter shafts, flat belts and steam engines themselves. Apparently something of a compromise was struck and these hybrid "units" were created to retain the line shafts but power a section of shaft with an electric motor. This allowed the plant owner to retain at least some of his investment and allow the engineer to operate only select parts of the factory and not have to fire-up the steam engine and power the entire plant. The line shaft and counter shafts came from the Western Machine Tools Works in Holland, MI which was demolished a number of years ago.

Photo 1:

Comments: Drive Motor
Source: Self

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Photo 2:

Comments: Line Shaft
Source: Self

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Photo 3:

Comments: Line Shaft
Source: Self

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Photo 4:

Comments: One of the Counter Shafts
Source: Self

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