Background
Maudslay was born in Woolwich, London. He was born to Margaret (mother), and his father was a mechanic (Wheelwright) in the Royal Engineers. In later years, his father also worked as a storekeeper at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich.
Maudslay's early screw-cutting lathes of circa 1797 while working for Joseph Bramah, and 1800 in his own business.
Maudslay was born in Woolwich, London. He was born to Margaret (mother), and his father was a mechanic (Wheelwright) in the Royal Engineers. In later years, his father also worked as a storekeeper at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich.
After the death of his father in 1780, Henry Maudslay had to joined Royal Arsenal at the age of 12. He worked as a 'powder monkey' and filled up cartridges with gunpowder. His work was appreciated by the store-owner, and he then promoted to carpenter's shop. At the age of 15, he was promoted as an apprenticed Blacksmith in the metal workshop.
During the time he worked for Brahma, Maudslay came to know about the precision in making of tools. He also recognized the importance of true plane surface which supported a lot in his inventions. In 1797, he invented slide rest lathe with an increase in precision. This has created the revolution in the history of machine tools and removed much of the complexities of wooden and metal working processes. The lathe was able to produce standard screw threads that develop the phenomenon of interchangeability. From 1801, Maudslay started working with Marc Isambard Brunel. He constructed a number of machines that could make wooden pulley blocks. These machines can be operated by unskilled persons to produce quality blocks. Henry Maudslay always determined to innovations, and he went to manufacture marine steam engine which can produce 17 horsepower (hp). He modified his work and developed the engine to produce to reach up to 56 hp. In 1810, he made a partnership and established a company named as 'Maudslay & Field.' This company used to manufacture different types of machinery and engines. Over the years Maudslay had worked hard to make the machines more and more precision. He used to train many like David Napier, James Nasmyth (inventor of steam hammer), and Sir Joseph Whitworth. Maudslay had invented methods of purifying salted water, eliminating boiler scales and printing calico cloth. On 14 February 1831, he died because of severe illness due to chill.
It is believed that Henry Maudslay was a Christian.
Quotations:
"First get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it."
"Keep a sharp lookout upon your materials; get rid of every pound of material you can do without; put to yourself the question what business has it to be there?, avoid complexities, and make everything as simple as possible."
"Avoid complexities. Make everything as simple as possible."
Maudslay had shown himself to be so talented that after one year the nineteen-year-old was made manager of Bramah’s workshop. Despite his innovative works, Maudslay was also an expert trainer and provide training to many people in his workshop. He then developed an interest in the construction of powerful telescope during the final year of his life.
Quotes from others about the person
"Mr. Henry Maudslay was always ready to innovate his mechanical abilities with special skills. Regardless of whether it was machine tools, die making, block machinery or astronomical instruments." - James Nasmyth.
In 1791, Henry Maudslay married to Sarah Tindel, Bramah's housemaid. They together had four sons, William the second son became a civil engineer.