The steam powered woodworking shop in Riegelsville, PA, was fired up on Sunday for the first time in a couple of years. A stationary steam engine, originally used in a coal region blacksmith shop, drove overhead line shafting which powered machinery used to make mortise and tennon joints. The joints for a screen door frame were made during my visit. The entire process, from cold start to blow down, took two hours. The only fuel consumed was wood scraps from the shop.
Here are photos:
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/565338920uqiHnx
And Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmgnkZFMUrI
The engine is idling in the beginning, but goes under load 46 seconds into the film. Watching it power the shop and turn out a product the old fashioned way was really impressive.