This is a good read documenting technology history in the first half of the 19th century. Babbage drew on his experiences trying to source manufactured parts for his Analytical Engine. At the time manufacturers just could not meet the specifications (tolerances) for the many mass-produced parts the project required.
I think by the end of Babbage's life the parts could have been manufactured, but by then both Babbage and his financiers had moved on.
I think by the end of Babbage's life the parts could have been manufactured, but by then both Babbage and his financiers had moved on.