[TheForge] Chip forge

[Mike Porter]

Steve
Most refractory is pretty inert. High temp. refractories are not likely to 
include silica, as it depresses melting temperatures.

You would use a powered exhaust in order to protect your health (look up 
carbon monoxide for instance). You would also use it to keep your working 
environment from becoming uncomfortable.
Mike P.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Smith" <sos at alum.mit.edu>
To: "Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2006 5:09 PM
Subject: Re: [TheForge] Chip forge


> 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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>>
>>
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> _______________________________________________
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