[nb-NO]Object number[nb-NO]
63/44
[nb-NO]Description[nb-NO]
This is the knife from a hub boring engine. The 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.
[nb-NO]Archival history[nb-NO]
MERL Recording form – ‘Who used it: Mr. Rivers // When was it used: From 1915. // How was it used: See recording form for boxing engine [63/43/1–7] // Where was it used: // Has it a local name: // 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: // Who made it: // When was it made: // Where was it made: // From what materials is the object made: // Is it corroded or broken or damaged in any other way: // What are its approximate measurements: // Have you a photograph of the object: // Has it any unusual characteristics: // Additional information: // Could you please make a rough sketch of the object: ‘, MERL Recording form (63/43/1-7) – ‘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]’
[nb-NO]Object name[nb-NO]
[nb-NO]External document[nb-NO]
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_5406.tif - High resolution image