Tube Mill

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(C) Vin Callcut 2002-2008  Small extracts can be used with acknowledgements to 'Oldcopper.org website'

 

  Photograph of the Tube Mill of William Tonks & Sons included in the 1939 and earlier catalogues, 'as enlarged and electrified'.  The draw benches were used to draw lengths of tube through the dies, frequently with a floating mandrel inside to retain the shape of the tube as its diameter was reduced. 

Chains were used for the drive so that the tube pulling grips could be hooked in to draw as soon as the work was loaded.   As the hook was disengaged at the end of each draw, there would be a loud 'clang' as the chain dropped, making the tube shop always a noisy environment.

 

(Catalogue loaned by Simon Clarke).