Steam Hammer
Artifact
Identifier:
2018.023Description
Bertram Steam Hammer - originally from StelcoAdditional Information
The 1930’s era steam hammer was originally used during Canada’s industrial effort during WWII. Later, in 1954, it was purchased by Stelco in Hamilton. At that time, the Bertram Shop on Hatt Street had been well-known for their high-quality workmanship for nearly a century. The machines they produced were used in the manufacturing of products such as engines, locomotives, and in mining.Workers at Stelco would have used the steam hammer to mold a block of molten steel into the shape was necessary for that particular job. The steam driven piston exerted tremendous pressure on the malleable steel. In the early days, workers held the steel in place with tongs, but eventually these were replaced with a much safer hydraulic arm.