[TheForge] -time line Was--> Stupid comments

[Dave Brown]

At 09:02 04/30/02 -0400, you wrote:
> >>and what would the "power hammers" of the about 1850 look like.
>
> >Unless you were near a river or stream I would say that the pwr hammer
> >would look like your biggest apprentice. <smile>

Why would it be necessary to be near a river or stream?  Steam engines had 
been around for a long time by 1850's and engines from large ones down to 
little donkey engines were available to turn a line shaft in a shop.

> >>bottom blowen forge and wall mounted hand crank drill press.

Which begs the question:  When did post drills come in to play?  It is/was 
my understanding that they predate the 1850's by quite a bit.  This bit of 
info comes from questionable sources and could be wrong.  Anyone here know 
for sure?

>Meanwhile, build yourself a bellows.  Cheat, and use plywood, but make it 
>look like boards.  You'll love a bellows.

The big double chambered bellows are a joy to use if you have the space to 
hang one.  I think it takes less effort to use one than it takes to use the 
hand crank blowers.  Sort of wish I had room in my home shop for a bellows 
... sometimes, but not always ...

Dave Brown