What was a puddler in 1880?

Answer 1

In 1880, a puddler was a worker in the iron and steel industry responsible for a process called puddling, which involved refining pig iron into wrought iron. This was done in a furnace where the iron was melted and stirred to remove impurities, allowing for the production of higher-quality iron. Puddling was a labor-intensive process that required skill and experience, as it involved carefully managing the temperature and oxygen levels during refining. The role of the puddler was crucial during the Industrial Revolution, contributing to the growing demand for iron and steel products.