How did John Wilkinson’s boring machine help James Watt perfect the steam engine?

John Wilkinson’s boring machine, constructed in 1775, was essential to the success of James Watt’s steam engine because it provided the precision necessary to manufacture engine cylinders with unequaled accuracy.1

While Watt had developed the concept of the separate condenser to improve the efficiency of the Newcomen steam engine, the mechanical execution of his design required high-quality components. Wilkinson’s machine, which was originally designed to bore cannon barrels, allowed for the creation of cylinders that met the strict tolerances required for Watt's engine to function effectively. This technological advancement enabled Watt to move beyond theoretical design and successfully perfect his steam engine for practical industrial use.231