[TheForge] Re: Box billows.

[xlch58 at swbell.net]

You know, if I were looking for a compact period air source, I would 
build a smaller round double bellows.  In fact there used to be a small 
rivet forge with a double bellows under the fire pan.  I really like 
working with a double bellow when using coal as it will:  provide plenty 
of air,continue to provid air between strokes and even out the air 
provided.   You could builod one that fit inder the forge and was 
powered by your leg even.  It would collapse down fairly well too for 
transport.

Charles

Jerry Frost wrote:

> Phlip:
>
> Paint the sono tube to look like a hollow log or perhaps stitched 
> birch bark, like a canoe, or large dia. bamboo. While a box bellows is 
> perfectly okay, the tube version is much older and something a person 
> could improvize on the spot. Piston bellows came along right after the 
> blowpipe and lung system and is still in use today. Can't get much 
> more period than that. <grin>
>
> Something else to consider is how you mount it. Seems horizontal has 
> become the popular version of traditional but vertical is just as, or 
> more appropriate and is superior on several counts. If you mount your 
> bellows vertically it'll take up less space. There are lots of useful 
> places and uses you can put it to as well.
>
> You can:
>
> Put it under your forge
>
> Use it as a stool.
>
> Use it as a table.
>
> And so on.
>
> Vertically you use a lever and weight to work it. The lever can have a 
> cord running to a treadle for hands free operation. The counter weight 
> means you're only having to "work it" half the time as in the common 
> version double acting bellows.
>
> You can also make a vertical accordian bellows and be within the last 
> half dozen centuries or so.
>
> Frosty
> -------------------------------
> If it ain't forged
> it ain't real.
> Wrought iron is.
> The FrostWorks
>
> Meadow Lakes, AK.
>
> http://www.artmetalradio.com/
>
>
>
> From: "marilyn traber 011221" <phlip at 99main.com>
>
>
>>
>>> Why not get a piece of 12 inch cardboard tubing used as forms for
>>> concrete.  Then put a 1/2 or  3/4 inch plywood on each end. Then set
>>> up a rod  that has a  rocker type arm on it to pump  the billows.
>>> Light  weight, put a coat of paint it and then put some type of
>>> clear coating like  verathane to water proof it. Also could do
>>> something like a treadle pedal to  pump it.
>>>
>>> Just a few strange ideas I have.
>>>
>>> Later ike
>>
>>
>> Why do that? I want a period set up. Considering my persona and 
>> location, I
>> might well have run into the box bellows, so havinmg a set would be
>> reasonable ;-)
>>
>> Phlip
>>
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