Fig. 25. Draw-tongs.
Fig. 26. Drum used by wire-drawers.
Fig. 27. Skeleton Frame or Swift used by wire-drawers.
The drawing of stout pieces of wire is effected very readily by means of the draw-bench ([Fig. 24]), and the thinner pieces, by the application of draw-tongs ([Fig. 25]), held in the hands of the operator, and made to do service by swinging the body backwards. Very fine wire is now drawn by means of an apparatus called a drum ([Fig. 26]), revolving upon a perpendicular pin, the exterior of which receives the wire and prevents it from becoming entangled. When the end of the wire has finally passed through the draw-plate, the whole coil is carefully removed from the drum (which is made slightly conical in form for facilitating the process) and placed upon a skeleton frame made to receive it ([Fig. 27]); it is then in proper form for its passage through the next hole of the draw-plate.