Women in industry. Tool production. The hum of whirling machinery accompanies the work of these women cut-off machine operators who are processing small machine parts in a Midwest drill and tool plant. Although this work is relatively unskilled, industrial experience was new to most of these women, many of whom had previously been waitresses, schoolteachers or saleswomen. Republic Drill and Tool Company, Chicago, Illinois. Sourced from the Library of Congress.