Page:The Cycle Industry (1921).djvu/56

42 frame is free to swing. The finisher scrapes superfluous enamel out of the bottom bracket threads, and other parts where bearings, etc., require to be fitted, runs a dummy, or easy fitting tap, through the threads, wipes a little oil on the threads and screws in the bearing cups, fits the axle, cotters on the cranks and chain wheel, inserts the seat bolt, ball head cups, attaches the rear mudguard and brake work, and slips the rear wheel into the forks. All this sounds very easy, but in the best work there are small adjustments to be made. Sometimes the plating has adhered where it is not wanted, and nuts and bolts will not screw together easily. To ease the threads the finishers use a hand tapping machine, and a similar hand machine for screwing the outsides of bolts, etc.

Finally, the chain is put on and adjusted, the pedals screwed into the cranks, and the finisher turns his attention to the front forks and wheels, which have been gradually growing to separate front units complete with their mudguards. The rear portion, frame, rear wheel, etc., is lifted off the bench support and dropped over the front fork stem, the whole machine is twisted upside down and the balls of the steering bearings are poured in from a little tool that scoops up and counts the required number of balls. Over goes the machine again and into the top bearing are poured another circle of balls, the ball head clip is pushed on and the locking nut screwed on, and the machine is ready for handlebar, saddle pillar, etc. The accessories are always fitted last, and then the machine goes to the viewer. This man is, or should be, a practical cyclist as well as a practical mechanic. He seizes the machine and after weighing it, entering its number in a book, and feeling the steering, he proceeds to test all the bearings and the chain for correct adjustment, bangs the machine up