MACHINE SHOP

Machine tools are used to cut and shape metals and this machine shop is typical of those in the 1920s. Particular features are the overhead pulley shafts, each used to drive several machines.

During the latter part of the 19thcentury, the shafts would have been driven by steam or internal combustion engines. When mains electricity became available, electric motors were used as they were cheaper, quieter and occupied less space.

Many of the exhibits came from local workshops when modern machine tools, giving a greater degree of automation, greater precision and higher rates of production, superseded them.