Write-up 1.doc
Posted at Feb 15/2011 11:00PM:
Wiki post 1: Ore and Fuel Group Exercise
Our group’s ironworking site is situated at the foot of the mountains three miles up the Raquette River, Adirondacks. Given little labor and equipment, we decide to harvest bog ores from nearby marshes. Next to the strong river current and heavy forestation, we attempt to construct a water-powered bloomery and use charcoal as fuel. Charcoal burns quickly and generates twice as much heat compared to burning wood. The ore itself is roasted, crushed manually and subjected to magnetic separation. When production starts to mature, we may also start obtaining mineral ores from surrounding mountains. This practicum is useful in showing us some of the factors ironmasters have to consider prior to establishing a work site. In analyzing the area’s topography and nearby natural resources through map reading and literature review, we try to arrive at methods of extraction and operation that will put our limited equipment and labor to full use. At times when more than one location is desirable (a large piece of flatland versus a spot next to a strong current), each location’s characteristics are carefully reviewed so as to determine which site gives rise to an optimal production rate in the long term. However, relying on research and theoretical assumptions alone are far from adequate in establishing a real life ironworking site. Accessing climate and other seasonal factors on site, being able to make sound judgments based on systematic field observations, and effectively negotiating with different parties of interest are some other basic criteria to achieve pragmatic iron production.
