In 1882, the French Channel Tunnel Company tested two different machines for tunneling under the English Channel. The Brunton machine, was an improved version of a machine patented in 1868 by John D. Brunton, operated by means of two "chucks" or "face-pla

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In 1882, the French Channel Tunnel Company tested two different machines for tunneling under the English Channel. The Brunton machine, was an improved version of a machine patented in 1868 by John D. Brunton, operated by means of two "chucks" or "face-plates" each mounted with six disc cutters. The chucks were mounted on an eccentrically located shaft, or spindle, which was attached at opposite ends of the crosshead and revolved around the central shaft. By the use of a worm gear and the eccentrically placed spindles, the chucks were adjustable to compensate for cutter wear. The Brunton machine failed to perform well and was dismantled by the French in favor of the Beaumont/English machine.

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