OF
A MACHINE
For Forging Nails.
There is a strong analogy between this Instrument for forging Nails, and the [Machine] heretofore given for forging Bar Iron, Steel, &c. The process of kneading the softened metal, by means of a pair of alternating cranks, is the very same: but the acting bars or stampers A, B, are an addition to the former method. [Plate 27], at [figs. 2 and 3], gives a representation of the present Machine; which forms the nail almost instantaneously, by many contacts of the stampers a b, ([fig. 3]) on one of which the figure of the nail is engraven—or rather filed across that stamper, for no hollow figure is required by this System.
The second stamper c d [fig. 3], whose place is at A [fig. 2], is quite plain on it’s face; being destined merely to keep the metal to it’s thickness—as the particular nail here intended, is a floor nail, requiring a head on two sides only. As to the figured stamper b a, [fig. 3], it meets a similar form in the anvil, as at e: and it is by the pressure of these half matrices, that the head is formed and the bar separated from the nail. It may be noticed that the stampers a b, c d, are shewn in the [figures], as perfectly straight on the face: but the kind of motion resulting from that of the cranks, would require a gentle curve here, which a first experiment will sufficiently indicate.
Some skill would doubtless be necessary in presenting the nail bar to this Machine; but to make this operation the easier, there should be a guage, moving toward the working point e, by a given quantity for each nail: say that this guage comes forward at each time a distance equal to half the length of a nail; and that the thickness of the nail bar is so proportioned as to contain in that length, enough of metal for the nail when finished.
It remains to be observed, that the stampers or bars A, B, [fig. 2], are contained, in the direction of their width; by two plates like f, connected with the anvil e, and leaving near e, an opening large enough for the nail-bar to pass easily.