Amir Avitzur wrote:
>I have lost a great deal of sleep over Norris's comment about the ratio of
>spit to powder in flux ("SPiF Ratio").
>I mean, if Mark get's it wrong, how will he ever be able to create a proper
>Rene Herse?
>
>
>
>As a marginal brazer, I know how important these issues are, but I never
>even considered using spit instead of water.
>
>Now that Norris has opened my eyes, I'm overwhelmed by the possibilities ...
Metalworking is a very ancient craft, full of bizarre trade secrets.
Once in France I visited an ancient bell foundry. One of the apprentices was Australian, so he spoke English (after a fashion) and he gave me the tour. The technology was quite interesting.
I was surprised to note a large wooden crate which appeared to be full of horse manure off in one corner.
He informed me that a particular amount of horse manure was traditionally mixed into the clay used for casting the huge bronze bells, because it helped keep the clay from sticking to the bronze...
Sheldon "No S***" Brown
--
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