Location:
T171 .G42 G49x 1888-1899

Title:
Machine Shop

Date:
1890

Content:
Engraving of Machine Shop in the Shop Building on p. 26 of the Annual Catalogue of the Georgia School of Technology, Announcement for 1889-'90..

History:
Instruction in the early years of Georgia Tech was modeled after the Worcester Free Institute in Massachusetts. Emphasis was placed on practical apprenticeships in mechanical engineering as well as on academic subjects for an education balancing culture and practical skill. The Announcement for 1889-90 describes work shop practice thus: "The shops where the students in mechanical engineering practice occupy a commodious two-story building, 250 feet long by 40 feet wide, with wings 30 by 40 and 12 by 40. The building contains the general offices of the shops, draughting room, iron and wood working rooms, with tool room for each, paint and finishing rooms, engine and boiler rooms, wash room, forge shop and foundry. All these rooms are well equipped with the best modern iron and wood working machinery and tools. The shops are organized and managed as a manufacturing establishment, taking contracts for a great variety of work, always in process of construction..Under this plan, the student, growing up in an atmosphere of real business, acquires, besides handicraft with tools, a knowledge of commercial requirements, together with that practical judgment in real work upon which success in life depends. The first year of study at the school devoted two nine hour days per week to wood work. The second year required one nine hour day and an additional 200 hours during the year in the iron room. The third year required the same time commitment as the second, but this year was devoted to "more complicated operations with the lathe and planer aind in the use of the universal milling machine, and in gear cutting. During the latter half of this year, special attention will be given to tool making and the correct forms for making twist drills, reamers, taps and dies, etc., etc. Students will be detailed to the care of the boilers and engine, including the work of firing and controlling steam pressure and water supply. The Senior year's practice, one nine hour day per week, required the class "to build one or more machines, complete."