[TheForge] Re: OT (?) What's this?

[Mike Spencer]

Peter Hirst wrote:

> Occam's razor:  the simplest answer that expalins all the facts is most 
> likely the correct one.

Okay.  But then I guess I have to put in my two bits worth. :-)

> The hooks rotate around   an axel.

Actually, we don't know that.  The four hooks could be attached to
chains (or something else appropriate for the special use of this
object) that hold the hook-unit stationary.  Objects attached to the
one or both ends of the axle could then rotate.

That stake is tapered and very sturdy.  If chains or other long thin
objects hang from (or, the other side up, support) the hooks, an
anvil, bench-top or stake plate would interfere so posit a long,
sturdy, pole-like object with a stake pocket.  The slot may be for a
key or a wedge.  The sturdy nature of the stake and the fact that it's
tapered suggest a wedge to me.

And here's a completely hypothetical possible arrangement:  Hole in
ceiling.  4 heavy eyebolts spaced in a square around the hole.  The
mystery object is hung from the eyebolts, stake-up, by links or
chains.  A shaft comes down through the ceiling and fits onto the
stake and is wedged there.  The long bolt-like end of the shaft goes
through a wooden crossbar (which is in turn attached to the frame of
the building) to stabilize possible lateral motion of the unit.

OTOH, I see no chafing wear on the hooks or the collar so long-term,
dynamic load maybe isn't a good solution.

Looks like a really elegant piece of workmanship so it wasn't some
real cheap, ad-hoc fix.

Ho hum, I'm not doing any better than anybody else, am I?

- Mike

-- 
Michael Spencer                  Nova Scotia, Canada       .~. 
                                                           /V\ 
mspencer at tallships.ca                                     /( )\
http://home.tallships.ca/mspencer/                        ^^-^^