Turbine Blade Assembler

Fabricates blade structure of steam and gas turbines according to specifications and drawings, using machine tools, handtools, and measuring devices: Positions blades on bench to form sections, or positions and secures disk on positioner. Measures tenon location on blades with dial indicator and selects two blades with equal tenons for end blades of section. Sets up and operates milling machines and pedestal grinders to grind and mill blade roots to obtain specified section lengths, radial alignment, and root contact. Inserts blades into grooves of spindle, cylinder, or fixture and pounds metal caulking into groove to tighten blades. Operates grinders and metal saw to shape cylinder blade locking device, spindle filler pieces, and wedges from metal stock. Fits locking device to pocket of blade and smooths surfaces, using chalk, files, and abrasive paper. Drills, reams, and taps locking items, such as cylinder locks, spindle filler pieces, seals, and wedges, using drill press, and fastens them to blade by peening or inserting setscrew. Fits shroud over blade ends and peens blade tenon to round edges of rivets, using hammer and capping tool or pneumatic hammer. Measures head of rivet for specified clearance, using measuring tool. Grinds shroud end of each blade section to obtain specified clearance between shrouds, using pedestal grinder. May roll, cut, and chamfer shroud.