[TheForge] tools and machine shops

[Jay Hayes]

Terry,

I sailed on a lot of ships as an Engineer. We were trained and equipped 
to handle just about any problem that might come up. Most ships have a 
machine shop but their complement of tools varies according to the type 
of vessel. For the most part, a lathe, drill press, arc welder, O/A 
torch, bench grinder, anvil, and work bench with large vise are standard 
equipment. Most had large hand grinders, electric drills, electric 
impact wrench, and die grinders. One even had a mill and another a 
shaper. Some were equipped with power hacksaws, but not all. On one ship 
we ordered a saw piece by piece over several trips, because the company 
didn't think we needed one.

Wrenches ranged from tiny to monster sizes in all configurations. A few 
needed a crane to lift. Pry bars, driving wedges, scrapers, various 
hammers, flange splitters, and gear pullers were all common. Chain 
falls, come-a-longs, porta-power units, jacks, chains, slings and 
shackles were also standard equipment. I always had a pair of channel 
locks, an eight inch Crescent wrench, a screw driver and a flash lite in 
my back pocket. I still to this day carry my Swiss Army Knife, a couple 
six inch scales and a four inch Crescent wrench.

Most ships had what was referred to as the "Gold Locker". This was a 
controlled access storeroom where things like micrometers, specialty 
tools, test equipment, extra drill sets and high dollar consumables were 
stored. Other storerooms housed spare parts or supplies for everything 
conceivable. You don't have a hardware store around the corner in the 
middle of the ocean so you have to carry one with you.

A ship is like a floating city that is completely self sufficient for 
weeks or months at a time. It makes it's own potable and distiled water, 
electricity, and provides all the support services needed for the 
operation of the ship and welfare of a large crew. Most all vital 
systems had redundant capabilities so an equipment failure would not 
cause a complete shutdown. On top of this emergency generators and pumps 
provided further backup.

The most important part of the ship is the ships personal. Without the 
skill and training of the officers and crew on a modern ship that bucket 
of bolts would never leave the dock.

Jay



terry l. ridder wrote:
> hello;
>
> while i have not had an actual opportunity to go over the engine rooms
> and auxilary machine space on the ships i have exchanged e-mails to have
> a good idea of what machine tools, power tools, hand tools, etc are on
> board. the is a good assortment of welders, oxy-fuel torches, damage
> control equipment on the ships. that being said we all know that there
> are times when we have all discovered that that one tool is missing that
> would save us a whole lot of grief, scraped knuckles, bruised egos, etc.
>
> so what equipment, tools, power tools, hand tools, etc would you suggest
> be included in the manifests for the ships? what unique tool should be
> on board no matter what?
>
>
>
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