[pianotech] CF Stein

[Ron Nossaman]

On 11/16/2012 1:52 PM, Terry Farrell wrote:
>> What do you think all those holes in plates are for, to whistle at
>> high speed?
>
>
> For looks! Seriously. I've never cooled liquid cast iron, so I had no
> idea. I've always thought they were decorative and to perhaps let
> some sound out. A party guest at my home some years back thought they
> were drink holders! Seriously.

Well, I'd guess there were some pretty heavy drinkers in the foundry 
industry, but a 6" diameter drink holder is pretty ambitious.


> Thanks for the info - ya learn somethin' every day!

Part of the fun in casting iron (besides losing eyebrows) is that shrink 
factor. Sand casting patterns have to be made bigger than finished size, 
and even distorted in a manner that the shrinkage of the finished 
casting will end up where it's wanted. Back when everything imaginable 
was made of cast iron and every street corner had an iron foundry, first 
rate pattern men were cheap and plentiful. Not any more, at least in 
this country, but there may be equivalent software to do that now.
Ron N