"Tom" wrote in message
...
snip-

FWIW, setting the timing on a steam engine, was always to best effect,
combined
with use of an indicator..

I keep struggling with the vision of a guy setting up the engine, using his
3" travel Starrett long travel indicator, circa 1880. Somehow it doesn't
come together. g

I was thinking more on the lines of the tramming tool that was provided with
an engine for reassembly after maintenance in the field, applied to the
punch marks created when the engine was originally assembled. I can't help
but think the name for the tool was a result of its appearance, strongly
resembling a trammel, or beam divider. I'm at a loss to explain how the
term has come to being applied to "dialing in" a machine. The first I ever
heard it used in that way was here on RCM, that after spending over 40 years
in the shop. I think that's part of the charm of interacting with such
a vast group as this------to see and hear how others use words, and the
meaning they may have in other countries.

All bonnets are not created equally.

Harold