Subject: Re: Floor covering

From: [email-masked] (Thomas Boudreau)
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 20:52:31 -0400

>Item Subject: Floor covering
>     Something I have wanted to try (however it is combustable):
>     End-grain wood blocks. Possible sources -- roof truss and pallet 
>     manufacturers scrap. Plan: cut in four inch long pieces, lay like a 
>     brick patio with grain vertical, wedge tight.
>     If you try it please let me know how you like it.
>     ??Has anyone tried this or similar?
>     
>     Dan Nibbelink
>     RedHawk Forge
>
>
>______________________________ Reply Separator
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>Subject: Floor covering
>
>I'm in the process of setting up a shop in my garage which 
>has a cement floor.  My concern is with fatigue from standing 
>on it for an extended period.  Does anyone have any 
>suggestions for a floor covering which could help out but 
>won't combust?
>     
>Thanks,
>Matt.
>     
>
>Hello Matt. Short of digging out your concrete floor.... you NEED something
else to walk on, especially if you Blacksmith a lot. One idea would be to
build up your floor, say 2" or so and, around where you work only, add fine
gravel and, or ashes to pack tight. This is the best,safty wise, that I
would say, and it easy to walk on. Keep wooden floors far away from your
main work area.
                                  Note fr. The Blacksmiths of Louisbourg
Yr.1744 (Tom)

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From: [email-masked]
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 21:38:42 -0500

I remember the new shop that Jack Hemingway built in Deere Isle Maine many
years ago, and it was the first time I had seen a wood block floor.  Jack was
very happy with it at the time and dropping hot metal wasn't much of a
problem apparently.  The endgrain faced floor (oak, I think), would smoulder
but not burn.  It may be a little bit of a niusance, but didn't appear to be
hazardous unless left unattended, I suppose.  It's very difficult to keep a
flame alive on the end grain of wood.  According to Jack, it was very
comfortable to stand on all day. His floor was set directly into the earth
inside of his shop and had a natural cushion because of that.   I don't think
 it would feel the same laid over a concrete floor.
Chris Ray

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From: [email-masked]
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 1996 08:46:29 -0500

I use one of those rubber floor mats made of old tire strips that are wired
together. It will burn , but it won't burst into flames. Another advantage is
that you know right away if there is anything on it, unless your nose is
completely dead. I got mine for nothing, so I had nothing to lose, now I
would get another if I needed it. It also helps to insulate when it is cold,
I like warm tootsies.

Good luck
Kenny Valdejo
Bittersweet Forge
Millstadt IL

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From: [email-masked]
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 1996 19:51:08 -0500

HI,
     I use rubber mats ,they burn a little if you drop yellow hot 
metal on them ,But I just pick it off with a pair of tongs or kick 
it away with my foot ,so far they have lasted about five years 

                                                                          Bob
trout

                                                                      ontario
, NY