[TheForge] re:burner question

[Andy Vida]

John Emmerling wrote:
> 
> I've always been a fan of the blown burner school. A recent storm here
> on the N.OR coast cost me 4-5 hrs today of lost forge time while the
> power co and our local electricitian repaired the damage. So I've
> decided to build a venturi forge and just sent LZ an order for stainless
> burner flares. Thanks Larry! Any helpful construction hints? Do the
> burners work better angled up? Some venturi forges I've seen  have hot
> spots under the burners when they are mounted on top. Is there an
> optimal distance to reduce that effect?  How many burners on a 12"l  x
> 10" dia pipe forge using 2" kaowool?

	I've thought of niobium tubing.  Refractory metal
	that melts at 4474 F.  I think it may be an ideal nozzle
	material.  It is extremely easy to forge and form, but a
	horror to machine.  The only difficulty is joinery.  Normal
	welding is out.  Flash welding works as do electron beam
	and laser but the latter two require inert atmosphere with
	Nb.  It's not as cheap as other materials, but would be
	quite maintenance free.