CABLE 



561 



above predicament ; but we ought to observe that the link c, placed between the links 

 A. B, could not resist the pressure or impact of the two lateral links. 



Process of manufacturing Iron Cabks. The imple- 

 ments and operations are arranged in the following 

 order : 



1. The cutting, by a machine, of iron bars, in equal 

 lengths, but with opposite bevels, to allow of the re- 

 quisite crossing and splicing of the ends in the act 

 of welding. 



2. A reverberatory furnace, in which a number of 



rods or round bars of the best possible wrought iron, and of proper dimensions, 

 are heated to a red heat. The furnace is like those used in the sheet-iron works, 

 but somewhat larger, and needs no particular description hero. 



3. The bending of each of these pieces by a machine, so as to form the links ; the 

 last operation is done rapidly while the iron is red hot. 



4. The welding of the links at small forge fires, fitted with tools for this express 

 purpose, and the immediate introduction of the stay, by a top tool and hammer. 



5. Proving the cables by an hydraulic press, worked by a pump, with levers to 

 ascertain the strain applied by working the pump. 



Any ordinary shears will do to cut the iron, if furnished with a gauge or stop, to 

 regulate the length of link. 



The following forms of apparatus employed by the late Mr. Brunton and others, 

 relate more to the history of the past manufactures, than to the present practice on a 

 large scale. 



Figs. 3U and 315 are a plan and elevation of the sheara vrith which rods are cut 



into equal pieces, for a link, moved by a steam-engine, or worked by four or more 

 labourers. These must be relieved, however, frequently by others, for each shears 

 machine is calculated to require nearly one horse in steam-power. 



A and B are the two cast-iron limbs of the shears. The first is fixed and the second 

 is movable by means of a crank-shaft c, driven by a heavy fly-wheel D. The cutting 

 VOL. I. 00 



