[TheForge] Chip forge

[Steve Smith]

Why in the world would you use a powered exhaust?

Guys, I'm not a safety nazi. I think my question was reasonable...I 
think Mike explained it well by pointing out the difference between the 
balls (alumina) and RCF (crystabolite). I now see the error of my ways 
wrt alumina balls.

Does the same logic apply to forming balls out of castable? I haven't 
looked up the ingredients, but I suspect the answer is different.

Steve

Mike Porter wrote:

> 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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