Post by artificer on Sept 21, 2019 0:54:23 GMT -7
Folks, though the articles that became this collected work were originally printed beginning in the early 1670’s, this is the 1703 Printing and most of this information was still pretty well up to date in the American Colonies in the 1740’s and even 1750’s, though by the later date things began to change. Great source for period supplies and tools, plus other useful information.
“MECHANIC EXERCISES 0R, The Doctrine of Handy-Works (of Smithing and Joinery), by Joseph Moxon.”
Here is a link to the easier to read version that was digitized by the University of Michigan:
babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015028306002&view=1up&seq=7
Here is a PDF link and though slower to load, has the advantage of being able to copy/paste it as one desires:
woodworkinghistory.com/Moxon_Mechanick_Exercises_Smithing-Joinery_1703a.pdf
What made some of this information finally out of date in the 1740’s/early 1750’s was that a HUGE advancement was made in the production of steel in England by Benjamin Huntsman. His Crucible/Cast Steel was both superior and cheaper to produce than the older “Blister” Steel.
www.britannica.com/biography/Benjamin-Huntsman
For example, this Crucible/Cast Steel allowed better and cheaper hand saws and other tools and products to be made. This in turn made it easier to make fine furniture, cheap steel pocket knives, etc., etc. and marks a turning point even in period gun manufacture. Though the P1748 King’s Pattern or “Brown Bess” Long Land Pattern Musket was the first Pattern Musket to have a Steel Rammer, rather than wood ramrod, only about 5,000 to 6,000 were made according to Bailey. However, the P1756 series of Muskets and Carbines all had Steel Rammers thanks to this process.
Hope you enjoy this,
Gus
“MECHANIC EXERCISES 0R, The Doctrine of Handy-Works (of Smithing and Joinery), by Joseph Moxon.”
Here is a link to the easier to read version that was digitized by the University of Michigan:
babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015028306002&view=1up&seq=7
Here is a PDF link and though slower to load, has the advantage of being able to copy/paste it as one desires:
woodworkinghistory.com/Moxon_Mechanick_Exercises_Smithing-Joinery_1703a.pdf
What made some of this information finally out of date in the 1740’s/early 1750’s was that a HUGE advancement was made in the production of steel in England by Benjamin Huntsman. His Crucible/Cast Steel was both superior and cheaper to produce than the older “Blister” Steel.
www.britannica.com/biography/Benjamin-Huntsman
For example, this Crucible/Cast Steel allowed better and cheaper hand saws and other tools and products to be made. This in turn made it easier to make fine furniture, cheap steel pocket knives, etc., etc. and marks a turning point even in period gun manufacture. Though the P1748 King’s Pattern or “Brown Bess” Long Land Pattern Musket was the first Pattern Musket to have a Steel Rammer, rather than wood ramrod, only about 5,000 to 6,000 were made according to Bailey. However, the P1756 series of Muskets and Carbines all had Steel Rammers thanks to this process.
Hope you enjoy this,
Gus
