Same question. It looks like a fulcrum, which would pull pressure off the press.
However, maybe the illustration is just misleading, and it’s a guide to stabilize horizontal movement of the lever, and the beam is only touching the sides. It could also be functioning as a limiter, a stop to prevent too much pressure damaging the press, or breaking the beam.
I think it’s not a fulcrum, and only looks like one in the drawing.
You’ve interpreted it the same way I did at first. I went looking for real historical examples and the hinge point should actually be at the end of the log that’s on our left, which makes a lot more sense mechanically. I have to assume that Eheran’s suggestion that it’s only a horizontal guide and doesn’t impede the vertical travel of the lever is correct
Same question. It looks like a fulcrum, which would pull pressure off the press.
However, maybe the illustration is just misleading, and it’s a guide to stabilize horizontal movement of the lever, and the beam is only touching the sides. It could also be functioning as a limiter, a stop to prevent too much pressure damaging the press, or breaking the beam.
I think it’s not a fulcrum, and only looks like one in the drawing.
(Not an engineer, either)
You’ve interpreted it the same way I did at first. I went looking for real historical examples and the hinge point should actually be at the end of the log that’s on our left, which makes a lot more sense mechanically. I have to assume that Eheran’s suggestion that it’s only a horizontal guide and doesn’t impede the vertical travel of the lever is correct