Millwright skills range from interpreting drawings and performing layout, to rigging, assembling and machining parts until they are in perfect working order. It is not unusual for a crew of millwrights to be involved in heavy physical work in the morning and fine precision work in the afternoon.
Since millwrights work mostly with metal, brute strength is often required when moving materials. However, millwrights also possess the precision skills required to assemble machines whose specifications require tolerances in thousandths of an inch.
In construction, millwright work can involve installation, maintenance, retrofit, and removal of conveyor systems and most machines found in factories. Millwrights also work in power generating plants assembling or disassembling electrical turbines & generators. Much of the precision work in nuclear plants is also done by millwrights.
When performing fine work, millwrights often have to work close to machines. Since most of these machines are large and heavy, the potential for serious injury when something goes wrong is great. Millwrights often work with a partner because of the size and weight of the materials. Miscommunication between partners can sometimes lead to accidents.
The nature of their work requires millwrights to use a large number of personal tools. They require one set of tools for heavy work and a different set for precision work."
At one time, these specialists designed and maintained water and windmills, which is where the name "Millwright" originated. Today's Millwrights work from blueprints to install and maintain conveyor and monorail systems, giant electrical turbines, pumps, compressors, and other machinery
Millwright Ron
www.unionmillwright.com
