The steam engine

The steam engine was built in 1900 at Munktell’s workshops in Eskilstuna with manufacturing number 433. The engine is of the vertical compound type without a condenser, with round sleeves and double flywheels. It was initially installed in a textile mill in Norrköping and was moved to Nässjö in 1934, were it replaced an older steam engine of 100 hp.
The primary job for the steam engine was to, together with a generator, supply the factory with electricity to power both lathes and other machinery. The heat that remained in the steam once it had passed the engine was used to dry the wood, which was then used to make spindle-back chairs.
It is no exaggeration to claim that the steam engine was essential to the production process at Nässjö Chair Factory for more than 100 years. The municipality’s power station took over supplying electricity to the factory in 1976. The steam engine was then conserved so that it could be kept without rusting.
In 2005, the engine was restored and greased up so that it could be run by means of compressed air. An air dehumidifier was installed in the steam engine room in order to prevent rust damage.

Enquiries about special viewings for smaller groups are directed to Anton Samuelsson.