Popular Technology; or, Professions and Trades. Vol. 2 (of 2)Hazen, Edward
History
Popular Technology; or, Professions and Trades. Vol. 2 (of 2)
Hazen, Edward
Industrial arts; Occupations
8. The wheels and the carriage, after having received one coat of
paint, are sent to the blacksmith to be ironed. The hub is bound, at
each end with hoops of iron, commonly plated with brass or silver, and
the outside rim or felloes are bound with an iron _tire_, and fastened
with strong nails or spikes. The tires are made red-hot before they
are applied, that they may be made to fit in every part with accuracy.
9. Bands, bolts, or strips of iron, are applied to those parts of the
wood-work which may be exposed to friction, or which require
additional strength. The axles are also made of wrought iron, either
by the blacksmith who executes the other iron work, or by persons who
manufacture them by the quantity for sale. The same remark is
applicable to the _thorough-boxes_, which are inserted into the hub to
prevent injury by friction, and to cause the wheel to revolve with
freedom and accuracy.
10. The painting, varnishing, and polishing, of the body of the coach,
when done in the best manner, comprise a tedious process. It is first
covered with a coat of paint; the grain of the wood is then filled up
with putty, and the surface is again covered with paint. Five coats of
_filling_, composed of ochre, japan varnish, and spirits of
turpentine, are next successively applied. After the surface has been
rubbed with a solid piece of pumice-stone, it is again painted, and
rubbed with sand-paper. Several coats of paint are next laid on, and
the work is finished by the application of a few coats of
copal-varnish, and by the use of pumice-stone. The painting and
varnishing of the wheels and carriage part, is far less expensive and
tedious.
11. The nature of the trimmings, and the manner in which they are put
together and applied, need not be described, since a few moments'
inspection of a finished vehicle of this kind, will give any one a
clear conception of the whole of this branch of the business. So far
as trimming the inside, and the manufacture of cushions are concerned,
the operations are similar to those of the upholsterer.
12. Wheel carriages may be classed among the primitive inventions,
although the first authentic notice we have of their use, we find in
the scripture history of Joseph, the son of Jacob, in which it is
related, that this great and good man "was made to ride in the second
chariot" of the king's, and that he sent wagons from Egypt to convey
thither his father and family from the land of Canaan.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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