Blanchard Lathe - Springfield, MA - USA
Posted by: 
neoc1
N 42° 06.434 W 072° 34.879
18T E 699979 N 4664513
The original Blanchard lathe is on display at the Springfield Armory in Springfield, MA.
Waymark Code: WMH9FB
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 06/11/2013
Views: 5
One of the most significant machines developed during the American industrial revolution was the Blanchard lathe. Thomas Blanchard worked for five years at the Springfield Armory during the 1820's. During that time he invented thirteen machines used to speed the production of musket stocks. The Blanchard lathe is the most famous of those machines.
A sign next to the machine explains its significance.
| Original Blanchard Lathe |
Thomas Blanchard's invention of the
duplicating lathe, first used at Springfield
Armory, was one of the most significant
developments of the American industrial
history. It permitted exact duplication
of irregular wooden shapes, such as gun
stocks. This was an important step in
creating mass production techniques.
To see a reproduction Blanchard lathe
at work, watch the video to your left.
The original machine relied on
water power.
|
The Springfield Armory was the Nation's first armory. It was built under the direction of George Washington in 1795. Springfield Armory closed in 1968 and became a National Historic Site in 1976. It is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm. The park is closed only on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
There is no admission fee to visit Springfield Armory National Historic Site.
The web link is to a video produced by the Springfield Armory NHS demonstrating the Blanchard lathe in operation.