rollersmen

A rollersman was a worker primarily associated with the textile industry, specifically in cotton mills. Their main responsibility was to tend to the "rollers" in a spinning machine, a crucial component in the process of turning raw cotton into yarn. These rollers, often made of metal or wood and covered with leather or cloth, were responsible for drawing out and attenuating the cotton fibers before they were spun into thread.

The rollersman's duties involved ensuring the smooth and continuous operation of these rollers. This included cleaning them, removing any tangled or broken fibers that could disrupt the spinning process, and making adjustments to their tension or alignment as needed. They also monitored the quality of the yarn being produced, identifying and rectifying any issues that arose from the roller mechanism. This role required a degree of dexterity and attention to detail, as improper maintenance of the rollers could lead to substandard yarn and machinery downtime. The term "rollersman" is largely historical, as the machinery and processes in textile manufacturing have evolved significantly over time.