How It Works: How Precise Can You Get?

In this special tour and hands-on demonstration, visitors will go on a guided walk through the Centennial Gallery to learn the intricacies of the machine tools on display, then move on to try their hand at creating a precision surface the same way that machinery builders have for generations. Guests will use a power hacksaw to cut a piece of metal, then place it on a granite surface plate to assess how flat it it. Using blue dye, files, and scrapers, participants will take the rough metal and create a surface that, if all goes well, varies no more than 1/8 the thickness of a human hair. Anyone wishing to participate in the hands-on portion should wear clothes that can tolerate blue staining and metal shavings.

This talk, part of the museum’s ongoing “How It Works” series that takes place on the fourth Sunday of every month, is designed to help patrons further understand of specific facets of industrial history. Admission for the “How It Works” tour is $5 in addition to regular museum admission.