What is a millwright?

Question

What is a millwright?

Answer 1

The trade of Millwright is concerned with the construction and maintenance of machinery.

Answer 2

I think that they repair or install heavy machinery

Answer 3

A Millwright is a person who designs or builds grain mills or who maintains mill machinery.

Answer 4

Theabove answers are the modern interpretation as the original millwrights built the windmills and watermills which are indeed heavy pieces of machinery.

Answer 5

Someone who can do both electrical and mechanical work on machines.

Answer 6

A millwright, originally, was a skilled worker whose occupation was to maintain a working mill in good mechanical order.

In Holland many of the mills have been restored and are frequently used as homes.  Before anyone can take charge of a working mill they have to undergo specialised training and be certificated.  No, not certified!

Since the advent of the Industrial Revolution a millwright is an operative who has served a full Five Year Apprenticeship  in the repair and maintenance of all types of manufacturing machines and associated equipment.

The range may be from miniature machines producing watch and clock components to lathes capable of turning a ten ton bomb.  Include in the range are heavy duty water pumps, accumulators, steam hammers, drop forges, guillotines and hydraulic presses.

The millwright is a highly skilled and versatile engineering worker.