Online Exhibits > Leonardo and the Engineers of the Renaissance > Models

Hydraulic saw

Dimensions: 280x300x120 cm
Materials: chestnut, elm, durmast, iron, steel
Constructor: SARI e FA-MA, Firenze
Date: 1991

.....................


Working model after Francesco di Giorgio, Ms. Ashburnham 361 (BMLF), fol. 43v

The waterwheel-powered saw was a fairly widespread industrial machine. It mainly served to cut large tree-trunks into planks. The most notable feature of the version shown here is the mechanism for moving the trunk-bearing carriage up to the blade. Indeed, Francesco's own notes next to the drawing give an elaborate explanation of the mechanism, stressing the need for an abundant water supply to power the waterwheel that drives the machine.

.................................


EXPLORE...

related persons

3D simulations

videos

manuscripts pages

  © 2004 IMSS   Piazza dei Giudici 1   50122 Florence   ITALY