Mines and Mills
Although Symington is best remembered for his contribution to steam powered vessels, he also built successful engines for mines and mills.
The first of these was built on a mine in Wanlockhead in 1790. This was followed by engines in Sanquhar, and then in London. In 1792, he built a large pumping engine that James Watt was also considered for. In the same year, he built an engine for the colliery of James Bruce. This marked a move to live near Falkirk and, later, a place as engine consultant for the Carron Company.
In 1793, he developed a crank drive with a crosshead above the cylinder, and built such an engine to wind coal from one of Bruce's pits. his engine proved very successful and about fifteen were built.
In all, there are firm references to thirty-two engines built by Symington up until 1808, and passing mention of several more.
Read more about this topic: William Symington
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