My parents were on vacation and while they were out and about, they stopped at a few railroad museums. They took this picture and would like to know what it is... anyone?
Thanks Andre'. You've met my mother at one of the M&NA fan meets, in Harrison I believe. I wonder if the Frisco used such a device?
Yes, I remember meeting her! She's from Seligman, isn't she? We all had a great time at lunch during that outing. Need to get back to Railroad Days in Harrison again. Very likely the Frisco used similar portable arbor presses around the shop areas. Andre
Interesting arbor press. As the press comes from the bottom, as opposed to most arbor presses that comes from the top, via a gear driven ram. It is however, typical of a vintage American made product (prejudice implied) as to the longevity and quality.
An Arbor press basically mashes 2 objects together on a flat plane. Most times if a gear is pressed onto a axle there is in interference fit. Meaning the ID diameter of the gear is smaller than the shafts so there is a mechanical (interference fit) well these diametrically opposing obstacles need persuasion to work(fit) together and the Arbor press is the mechanism to make these opposing forces as one. Being an employee of the RR I feel this on a daily basis. Please carry on.
Tom, that sounds kinda like being between a rock and a hard place. LOL. That arbor press is capable of producing a very significant amount of pressing force. I estimate it may be capable of producing up to the order of 25 tons of force.
