Page:Miscellaneous Papers on Mechanical Subjects.djvu/119

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NEW YORK INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.
105

bell-metal. Several large grinding-stones were used, having mouldings on their peripheries for restoring the dies when worn.

It is usual in England to soften the dies by annealing, previous to restoring their shape, and again hardening them subsequently. The shape may be thus more perfectly restored but at a greater cost, and the operation of softening and re-hardening deteriorates the quality of the steel.


12. Cast Steel.—The manufacture of cast steel is not carried on to any great extent. Some works have been started in Pittsburgh, which have hitherto met with great difficulties, but they are now more successful.

Workmen were obtained from Sheffield, but they were intractable, and failed to give satisfaction to their employers.

There were two converting and nine melting furnaces, producing upwards of 2,000 lbs. per day.

The steel sells at 17½ cents per lb. (8¾d.).


13. Engine Tools.—The engine tools employed in the different works are generally similar to those which were used in England some years ago, being much lighter, and less accurate in their construction, than those now