Axle making techniques blossomed in the second half of the 19th century, following closely the development of wheelmaking. This industry saw tremendous changes throughout this period, moving from individual handmade wooden axles made by the wheelwright, to iron axles forged by the blacksmith and finally to the lathe-turned axle arms fabricated of iron and steel in factories. Like its companion, Wheelmaking, this book is a compilation of articles on axle making taken from late 19th century journals published in America for the carriage industry. Its articles are likewise divided into ten sections: a general chapter on the development of axle making, followed by sections on axle setting, axle manufacturers, patent axles, ball/roller bearing axles, axle types, lubrications, repair, and tools and equipment.
