Wheel-cutting engine
Máquina de tallar engranajes (dentadora de relojero)
- Date
- c. 1670-1700 · confidence medium
- Place
- London, England / Paris
- Credited to
- Robert Hooke (Royal Society, 1672); English and French clockmakers (Juanelo Turriano, 16th century, forerunner)
- People
- 👤 Robert Hooke1635–1703
- Field
- Tools
⚠️ Disputed: the sources disagree.
What it is
A machine with a dividing plate and a rotary cutter that cut clock-wheel teeth with even spacing. It made clockmaking cheaper and more precise, and anticipated the milling machine.
According to Morales, Juanelo Turriano built a similar machine in Toledo around 1550; Hooke presented his in 1672.
What it led to
- Serial production of English and Swiss clocks and watches
- Precise gearing for instruments and machines
- The Industrial Revolution's milling machine
Built on
Made possible
- Marine chronometer1735 (H1) / 1759 (H4)
- Milling machinec. 1818
- Geneva and London industrial clockmaking