[TheForge] suggestion for abana and local blacksmith groups.

[Andy Vida]

"terry l. ridder" wrote:

> there would also need to be an objective way to score the quality
> of the cuts.
> how much cleanup work is required?
> warpage?
> deformation?

	Also absolute thickness of material that can be cut and
	what the quality is like.  Thinnest material the torches
	will cut and the quality there.

	What is the potential for precision in cutting?  Can the
	torch be used with mechanized cutting machinery?  What is
	the flame front like?  Does it obscure the cut line or is
	the line clearly visible during cutting such that the user
	can see where they are going?

	Ergonomics of the torches themselves.  How easy is it to
	change tips?  Can they be changed without tools?  Can they
	be safely changed "hot"?  Does it require special tools or
	standard wrenches?

	What is required for standard maintenance?  How is the torch
	built and what are the potential dis/advantages when something
	major must be repaired?
> 
> cutting speed vs thickness of metal would be a good test.

	Fuel consumption v. thickness.  As claimed on the
	Petrogen page, the thicker the cut the more economical,
	which seems very plausible to me.  But is it actually
	true?
> 
> an good all day demonstration would benefit everyone.

	Video-captured, multiple cameras, professionally edited and
	produced.
> 
> would be nice to video tape the complete demonstrations and make the
> video available either for download or on a cdrom/dvd.
> 
> i would be tempted to arrange a demo in northern illinois but i have no
> idea how many blacksmiths/metalworkers would be interested in attending.
> depending on the number attending may require a different location to be
> used.

	Asking here is a good place to start.  Put out a call to the
	local groups and ask for responses, giving plenty of lead time,
	like three months, but not much more so people don't forget.
> 
> it would be nice to have a ballpark number of attendees to give the
> potential demonstrators.

	That's what RSVP is for.