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

[Peter Hirst]

Important first element of Occam's razor:  the SIMPLEST answer . . .

Hey, we haven't heard from the guy who started this in a while.  Rich:  any 
other related stuff in that shop?


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Spencer" <mspencer at tallships.ca>
To: <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, February 01, 2008 3:11 AM
Subject: [TheForge] Re: OT (?) What's this?


>
> 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/                        ^^-^^
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