04-28-2009, 02:02 PM
Salve, Nerva. I do indeed have both Marsden volumes, and my wife wonders why I read them so often 
She is a English professor, which may explain much. I'll re-read that section you mentioned after work today, and thanks for the pointer.
I'm thinking braided would be easier to make, but reverse twisted rope may perform better, at least using horsehair. That is based not on scientific proof, but my instinct. They may act the same way in a torsion spring...I just don't know.
Once I actually get my rope jack out and make the rope, I will post photos, sometime this summer. I have access to a big wooden pavillion which will be ideal as a makeshift ropewalk. Rope is an interesting thing all by itself. Cordage is highly underappreciated...until one needs to tie something off. Primitive cordage made from plant fibers such as dogbane is really a lot of fun to make, too.
Duncan, I have a few strong bruises myself, self-inflicted mostly Do you happen to know if there are photos or drawings of those molds? I'm using sand molds for now, not Roman perhaps but I have some experience already making sand molds, so the learning curve is not so steep. I have the patterns pretty much all made up out of all kinds of materials, and will use a sand core when I cast the washers. The metal I am using is silicon bronze, but my understanding is that modern US pennies are similar to ancient bronze alloys (this I was told, and may not be right).
Dane
She is a English professor, which may explain much. I'll re-read that section you mentioned after work today, and thanks for the pointer. I'm thinking braided would be easier to make, but reverse twisted rope may perform better, at least using horsehair. That is based not on scientific proof, but my instinct. They may act the same way in a torsion spring...I just don't know.
Once I actually get my rope jack out and make the rope, I will post photos, sometime this summer. I have access to a big wooden pavillion which will be ideal as a makeshift ropewalk. Rope is an interesting thing all by itself. Cordage is highly underappreciated...until one needs to tie something off. Primitive cordage made from plant fibers such as dogbane is really a lot of fun to make, too.
Duncan, I have a few strong bruises myself, self-inflicted mostly
Do you happen to know if there are photos or drawings of those molds? I'm using sand molds for now, not Roman perhaps but I have some experience already making sand molds, so the learning curve is not so steep. I have the patterns pretty much all made up out of all kinds of materials, and will use a sand core when I cast the washers. The metal I am using is silicon bronze, but my understanding is that modern US pennies are similar to ancient bronze alloys (this I was told, and may not be right). Dane
Dane Donato
Legio III Cyrenaica
Legio III Cyrenaica
