Machine tools are pretty essential to the world we live in today. Now, machining services and machining techniques are common and an important part of the manufacturing world, but this wasn’t always the case. The history of machining is a long and interesting one that tells the tale of an industry that rose to answer the needs of the people. Here are a few key points along the way.
The First Machine Tools
The first machine tool builders did their work by hand. The first machine tools that were made actually date back to 1200 B.C.E. What were they? In line with the needs of the time, the first two tools ever recorded were the bow drill and the bow lathe. The bow drill was predominately used rotating machining techniques to start fires, but the principles of the design are still used in dentistry and woodworking. The bow lathe was powered by a bow and was used to make small tools.
James Watt
The boring mill was created by Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer James Watt. He was made famous for his work on the steam engine, but he also developed the concept of horsepower. Additionally, the SI unit the watt is named after him. Watt needed perfectly bored cylinders, which led to the creation of the first boring mill, which was powered by water.
Today
Today, there is a broad industry of machining and machine tooling. From lathe repair, to machine tool rebuilders, to general maintenance, there is an entire realm of manufacturing that is dedicated to machine shop services and making sure that equipment is in good working order. These services dedicated to making sure that things like Bridgeport parts, CNC equipment, and Bridgeport milling machines, along with countless other machining parts and equipment are in optimum condition.
Do you have any questions about the history of machines and machine tooling? Feel free to ask us in the comments section below.
