GL: "Cutlass" Bearings

[D C *Mac* Macdonald]

A recent (2006) edition of "Passage "Maker Magazine"
had some interesting history on cutless bearings.  The
basic history is that these were developed in the British
mining industry (if I recall) for pumps to keep mines
pumped out.  Originally some sort of wood was used
for the bearing/sealing and a mine ran out of the very
specific wood.  An engineer came up with a substitute
that was very similar to what we use on our boats.  He
named them "cutless" because they CUT LESS and lasted
MUCH longer than the originals.  A company was formed
to manufacture these "CUTLESS BEARINGS" and a drawing
of a "CUTLASS" sword was chosen as a trademark.

ERGO, we are using CUTLESS bearings and  NOT  cutlass
bearings.

If I remember by the time I get home, I will look up the
article and post a reference this evening.

D C "Mac" Macdonald
m/v Another Adventure
Grand Lake - Oklahoma