[TheForge] Chip forge

[Mike Porter]

If you should come to have such a dust problem, you'll know it. However, 
even if you did, I expect anyone taking the trouble to build a ceramic ball 
or ceramic chip forge would use a powered exhaust, so a possible very minor 
dust problem would be less of a health risk from ceramic balls than 
breathing on a windy day outside.

Most ceramic fibers are spun alumina/silica, and once they're brought up to 
red heat they form crystabolite; it is a much more serious health risk than 
alumina dust. BTW the greater portion of natural dust is made up of silica 
and alumina.

Nevertheless, I've never considered natural dust as belonging in my lungs 
either. If you want to have the ability to enjoy your old age, take care of 
yourself while young. However, if you want to have a life at all, use common 
sense--not over-reaction. Nobody is completely safe, and the attempt to 
cover all your bets will simply foreclose all possibilities but misery for 
the rest of your days.
Mike P.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Smith" <sos at alum.mit.edu>
To: "Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2006 4:25 PM
Subject: Re: [TheForge] Chip forge


>
> So a different question. Fibrous insulation can give off particulates 
> which aren't good for the lungs. How about ceramic balls, particularly (I 
> had to put it that way) home made ones? They're going to get a lot of 
> abrasion, being shovelled around all the time.
>
> Steve
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