[TheForge] Re: Box billows.

[marilyn traber 011221]

> So other than it being all wrong, you like the idea....  I had 
> forgotten what period your trying to emulate.    I don't use coal in 
> my shop anymore ( and never used charcoal), but did use coal and 
> sometimes still do at a living history museum.  Having used electric 
> and handcrank blowers, double single bellows and double bellows, I 
> have to say my favorite is the double bellows at the living history 
> museum.  Easygoing, quite and controllable, it tends to make working 
> with coal a lot more relaxing for me personally.   I have never used 
> the box bellows you are describing, but assumed the experience was 
> much like the double single bellows.
> 
> Charles.

No, if set up properly, the box bellows are as easy to use as the double lung 
bellows, since they actually pump on each stroke, both ways. I've used a 
friend's set, and it will do what I want quite handily. Trouble is, we've not 
been able to coincide so he can give me a copy of his plans, and since I'd 
like to make them this summer, I needed plans to look at. I'm sure I could 
figure them out, but I'd really like to save myself the inevitable stupid 
mistakes ;-)

I really like double lung bellows, and I like my hand cranked squirrel cage, 
but these look like they'll be just as nice to use, and both more period and 
more portable- for one thing, I can set them on the ground next to the forge, 
rather than having to hang them as most doubles are done. In fact, if I 
arange things right, I intend to have the whole shebang set up so I can do 
most of what I need to do sittling- generally a lot easier on my back and 
knees.

Phlip