Mike Archambeau
08-08-2011, 7:14 PM
Took the time to visit the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. For 174 years the Armory produced the firearms that the USA used to win and defend our freedom. If you have an interest in firearms history, metalworking, and woodworking, I highly recommend that you plan a visit to the Armory. It is located in Springfield MA. Here is a link to explore: http://www.nps.gov/spar/index.htm
The Springfield Armory made firearms from/during the time of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, both World Wars, and closed around the time of the Vietnam War. On display are firearms from the entire 174 year time interval. From muskets to M1's, including Springfield Trapdoors, bolt actions etc.
When the armory first opened, each gun was custom made. But the need for interchangeable parts caused the revamping of machining techniques and helped to bring about the industrial revolution. The early machines used to produce firearms were powered by the river, but sadly none of those buildings on the river or the machines can be seen today. But up on the hill where assembly occured you can see the collection of firearms and some early machine tools. The Blanchard Lathe that made gun stocks is on display. It is a copy lathe (with a shaper cutter) and it was largely made of wood, powered by a leather belt, driven by water power (and on display with a small electric motor driving the belt). Amazingly compact machine considering it was built about 200 years ago.
Hope you get a chance to visit this historic site.
The Springfield Armory made firearms from/during the time of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, both World Wars, and closed around the time of the Vietnam War. On display are firearms from the entire 174 year time interval. From muskets to M1's, including Springfield Trapdoors, bolt actions etc.
When the armory first opened, each gun was custom made. But the need for interchangeable parts caused the revamping of machining techniques and helped to bring about the industrial revolution. The early machines used to produce firearms were powered by the river, but sadly none of those buildings on the river or the machines can be seen today. But up on the hill where assembly occured you can see the collection of firearms and some early machine tools. The Blanchard Lathe that made gun stocks is on display. It is a copy lathe (with a shaper cutter) and it was largely made of wood, powered by a leather belt, driven by water power (and on display with a small electric motor driving the belt). Amazingly compact machine considering it was built about 200 years ago.
Hope you get a chance to visit this historic site.