spudder bit dressing machine

This is a Bucyrus Erie No. 12 bit dressing machine. The bit is taken from the forge, spread and shaped, then tempered while the next bit is loaded into the forge. This operation is still done by hand on the cable tool oil rigs-the bit is laid across an anvil, and a man stands on each side. Each man takes turns striking the face with a sledge hammer, one hitting, while the other is on the back swing. You start to hit it in the center and draw the steel toward you. The bit is turned over, 180 degrees, and the process is repeated. After reaching the desired diameter, it's then turned 90 degrees to shape the wearing surface, and repeated on the other side. This machine saves a lot of labor! I'll try and get a video of the "old way". It's neat to watch, but it's a lot of work. Don't forget to check out my other bit dressing and water well drilling videos. Filmed in June '09