THIS IS PLUMBING
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Lead working tools between 50 and 100 years old,
made of boxwood and brought out from Europe.
These were all collected by Andy Rivers whenever he
sees them. “Whenever I would see an item that I don’t
already have, I would buy it regardless.”
In the early 1900s, these tools were used for caulking the joints on lead and cast iron
pipes. “In the old days we used to flip the solder onto the joint. This was a famous solder
in those days,” says Rivers.
"In the 4th Industrial
Revolution, Andy
reckons that plumbers
will have to have skills
beyond what is currently
required."
The wall of the museum is lined with a copper display.
In the 4th Industrial Revolution, Andy reckons that
plumbers will have to have skills beyond what is
currently required. Technology and computers are taking
over the industry with heat pumps, solar, computerised
systems and green building ratings.
It is an exciting time for a young person coming into the
industry. PA
January 2020 Volume 25 I Number 11
These sheet metal machines are almost a hundred years old and still functioning. “This
sheet metal bender is beautiful – a work of art,” says Rivers.
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