In a message dated 7/27/1999 3:27:34 AM, Tom wrote: <<"Jim B, thanks for answering some nagging questions I still had about knuckles.">> Well thanks Tom but I was trying to ask questions more than answer them :-) <<"(Jim, did we ever resolve the grain direction on backchecks question? After some thought, I'm changing my answer to downward, to stop the hammer from bouncing up, yes?) ">> Yes. Since it takes less force to move the hammer farther over the backcheck with the grain running down(toward the key) than when the hammer is moving against the grain, the holding power is greater when oriented that way and it takes less pressure to hold the hammer in check. Or to put it another way say 3 grams of pressure to move the hammer with the grain would translate into aprox 3.8 grams to move it against the grain. Of course these values change with different quality and condition of the buckskin. The holding power of a given backcheck depends on four things (at least) Grain orientation Condition/shape of hammer tail Strength of backcheck wire Angle of backcheck But that is a different discussion, huh? Jim Bryant (FL)
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