Object number
63/43/1-7
Exhibition
Description
This hub boring engine, also called a 'boxing machine', was used by the donor’s grandfather and great grandfather, a builder, wheelwright and timber merchant, at Wharf Crane by the River Kennet in Reading, and originally at Brimpton, Berkshire. It was used to enlarge the first small bore hole in a wheel-hub to make space for an iron bearing known as the 'box'. This boring engine dates from nineteenth century and is made of iron.
Archival history
MERL Miscellaneous note with drawing – ‘Museum has one with top bearing in three lengths – long, medium & short. If tool was used to cut out complete length of box housing it must have been done in short cylinders of decreasing diameter. Tool shown retracted after cutting seat for the outer flange of a box. Tool would have to be reversed to cut annular space (at the other end of nave) surrounding future lynch pin. // Museum example was either meant for hubs of different lengths but if used in the above case the shorter top bearings would have to be used as the work progressed. Bottom screwed fixture.’, MERL Recording form – ‘Who used it: Donor’s grandfather. Was originally used by Mr. Rivers’ great grandfather // When was it used: 1880s & poss. earlier // How was it used: used to enlarge the first small bore through a hub: this first hole was often cut wider with a bruzze (see acc. of bruzze from Mr. Rivers) // Where was it used: Crane Wharf by R. Kennet in Reading & originally at Brimpton. Gt. Grandfather was builder, wheelwright & timber merchant. // Has it a local name: Wheelwrights called it simply a ‘box’ // When this object was used do you know if it was common in many parts of the country or only in the place from which it came: Mr. Rivers says that some tool of this kind was naturally common, but this is the only one quite like this he has seen. // Who made it: ? blacksmith // When was it made: 19th C. // Where was it made: ? // From what materials is the object made: Iron. // Is it corroded or broken or damaged in any other way: Slightly corroded: rest in tact. // What are its approximate measurements: // Have you a photograph of the object: // Has it any unusual characteristics: // Additional information: The box has three spiked grips which can be changed according to the size of hub. // Could you please make a rough sketch of the object: [annotated sketch with shaft, cutting knife, threaded shaft, grip for turning, spiked grip and locking plate labelled]’
Production date
1800-01-01 - 1899-12-31
Production period
Nineteenth century
Object name
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_5307.tif - High resolution image