Machinists & Machine Shops
Machine-shop histories can be reconstructed from the machines, components, maintenance tasks, nearby operations and materials handled.
Build the history one detail at a time
Machine details
Identify the shop equipment.
- Lathes and mills
- Grinding equipment
- Production machinery
Maintenance and friction
Remember repair and wear-part work.
- Brakes and clutches
- Gaskets and seals
- Electrical and heat-resistant components
Machinist histories often begin with the equipment
The word “machinist” can describe very different work. Investigation should identify the machines repaired or operated, the facility, nearby maintenance, and materials associated with particular equipment and time periods.
Equipment
Pumps, valves, compressors, turbines, engines and other machinery can involve gaskets, packing, insulation or friction components depending on design and era.
Tasks
Disassembly, scraping gasket surfaces, replacing packing, machining components and overhaul work can help identify which historical product categories deserve research.
Evidence
Equipment manuals, maintenance records, parts lists, purchase records, ship or plant records, photographs and coworker recollections can help connect a machine to a time and place.
A job title or machine category alone does not establish asbestos exposure. Product composition and historical use require product-, site- and time-specific evidence.