As the top truck is forced ahead by the twisting process, the rope-maker preserves a correct lay in the rope by means of greater or less leverage on the “tails”—the loose ropes shown in our picture. The stakes on which the strands rest are removed one by one to allow the top truck to pass and are then replaced to support the rope until the laying is finished and the reeling in of the rope begun.
The closing process on cable-laid goods is like the laying except that the twist is reversed. The work being with three complete ropes—frequently very large—a heavier top truck is necessary, and this must often be ballasted, as shown in our illustration on [page 80], to keep down the vibration which would otherwise tend to lift the truck off the track.
SIXTEEN-INCH TOWLINE WITH EYE-SPLICE
LATHYARN AND TIE ROPE MACHINES, NO. 2 TAR HOUSE, PLYMOUTH CORDAGE COMPANY
CHAPTER VI
Forming and Laying of Ropes and Cables—Factory Method, Two-Machine System
Unlike the ropewalk system of making strands, ropes and cables described in the preceding chapter, the factory method, so called, is a development of the last few decades only. From the first this company has been a leader in purchasing the best stock machines obtainable and in designing devices to fulfill special requirements—a policy which has given us unequalled production facilities.