High-quality black-and-white photographs of large old machines and tools

**Frank S** · Jun 13, 2022, 11:16 PM

Originally Posted by IntheGroove

Post #585 shows the other side of that machine...

Your right it does

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**hemmjo** · Jun 14, 2022, 11:48 AM

Good catch, I thought I had seen a machine like that before. Same type machines, but appear to be in a different shop. Most telling detail is the drive belt. Located on the right in both photos, leading up in one down in the other.

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**jimfols** · Jun 14, 2022, 12:07 PM

[QUOTE=jimfols;204386]I was thinking the same thing when I saw these wrenches.

Saw this today on eBay. $1299 US.
I own some Armstrong tools but I think this should be named Backstrong.

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**Isambard** · Jun 14, 2022, 12:59 PM

I checked a 1937 Strelinger Cat, and Williams were making up to 7-5/8" wrenches for 5" bolts! 52" - long

$204 then!

A 4-1/4" was a mere $42, by comparison.

**Jon** · Jun 19, 2022, 05:23 PM

Bolt and Nut Department. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation. Pittsburgh, PA.

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

**Toolmaker51** · Jun 19, 2022, 07:28 PM

6 active spindles, unsure of brand; ACME-Gridley, National, Gisholt, Wickman to name a few. No CNC controls, but effectively autonomous via cams, linkages and gearing. Lots of them still running; and plenty of decent you-tube entertainment to boot.

**marksbug** · Jun 20, 2022, 10:51 AM

yikes! that would drive me nuts! ( as I bolted for the door) your screwed! your shift has just begun and your already lagging behind and your threads are torn & almost striped off.!!

**mr mikey** · Jun 21, 2022, 07:24 AM

Always fascinating to see machinery in action, good stuff. Mr Mikey.

**Jon** · Jun 26, 2022, 04:04 PM

Mesta Machine Company air compressor. 1915-1925. West Homestead, Pennsylvania.

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

**Toolmaker51** · Jun 26, 2022, 04:40 PM

Practically rofl. Either too much invested in big equipment, or no one liked handling small tools. Figures show they equipped more than 500 plants here and abroad. Mesta "machines" can be found in factories throughout the world and as of 1984 had equipment in 500 steel mills. Mesta was the 488th largest American company in 1958 and the 414th largest in 1959. Bankrupt mid 1980's. How on earth?

When/ who ever a liberal yahoo goes on about 'infrastructure' of daycare centers and art projects, I refer to Mesta, Lowey, GE Locomotiveworks, Grand Canyon or Coulee Dams and so on; "No, while this is the scale of infrastructure, but not yet installed, it isn't truly infrastructure. That comes transporting it cross country, installation and commissioning it, and finally benefiting a large population. THAT'S infrastructure! Flat trumps every argument.
Incomprehensible how few get along without an inkling what it takes to hit a light switch, drive interstate highways, transport foodstuffs, build tracts of homes, . . .