"Artemia Salina" wrote in message
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On Wed, 21 Jan 2004 05:14:22 +0000, Ed Huntress wrote:


Outstanding write-up Ed. Thanks.

http://www.zianet.com/ebear/metal/heattreat7.html#1045

http://www.zianet.com/ebear/metal/heattreat0.html

I wonder if you could answer one question: In the description
of case hardening from the Machinery's Handbook above, it is
suggested that a cast or wrought iron box be used in the carbonizing
process. As is the usual case for old literature such as this, the
iron box is mentioned in an offhand way, as though everyone has some
laying around. As you know, wrought iron stock is effectively
equivalent to unobtainium these days. Is there any reason that wrought
or cast iron was preferred back when that book was written? Was it
just what was most commonly available back then, or is there some
advantage to it over, say, steel?

I really don't know. There are boats and muffles made of sheet steel today,
so my guess is that it doesn't matter. But I'd double check that before
betting anything on it.


Thanks again.

My pleasure.


Of course, acquiring the hooves and horns will be another problem! :-)

Charred leather or rawhide is supposed to be good. You could get one of
those rawhide bones at the pet shop and toss it on the barbie. g

Ed Huntress