Pfiel Tools

AlArchie · #11 02-03-2003, 09:48 AM

Can't tell you what the Swiss do, but coming from Iron Mining country, I can tell you that Magnetite is a type of iron ore that is pure enough to have magnetic qualities, or can be attracted by a magnet. It was one of the easier types of ore to extract because of this property. Â*It was extracted from the slurry by large electo-magnets. Â*The other type (one of many) that is mined around here, is Taconite, which is a common occuring low grade, non magnetic ore that is extracted by floating off in a chemical slurry. Â*

Either type produces plain old iron when reduced. Â*How this iron is alloyed after production, determines how the steel performs.

I do have several Pheil Swiss made chisles and gouges, and reall like them!

Al

#12 02-03-2003, 11:04 AM

hmmm, I would think if you could extract Magnetite with a magnet, you could extract Taconite with a tortilla.

Dave

AlArchie · #13 02-03-2003, 11:49 AM

They tried making tacos from it once, but it had kind of a tinny taste, and rusted when they used iceberg lettuce!

Al

mdallensr · #14 02-03-2003, 01:59 PM

Magnetite is also known as black iron spinel, or just spinel. It's FeOFe2O3 and can exist as an intermetallic compound or phase in some iron alloys. I doubt we would want it in a tool steel, but the magnetite ore was a very special ore many years ago. Today, anyone, anywhere, can make steel and alloy steel to standard specs. The Swiss and other European steel makers (Sheffield)were able to make some very high quality steels when it was very difficult to do so. It's all pretty standard now.

#15 02-03-2003, 03:06 PM

I have to say that I am in awe of the knowledge base on the message board.

#16 02-03-2003, 06:20 PM

Does the term 'Arrowhead Country' mean anything to anybody?

AlArchie · #17 02-03-2003, 06:52 PM

The 'Arrowhead Region' of Minnesota is the heart of the Iron Mining section of that state, up near the Canadian border on the Lake superior shore, if that helps.

Al

#18 02-03-2003, 09:07 PM

Hi Al!! Haven't seen you around in a bit, glad to see your posts (and as-always-wonderful sense of humor).

I agree, Rick - I just read through this thread, hoping to GOD I don't need to understand any of it :-)

Teri

#19 02-03-2003, 09:49 PM

Hi Al,

I grew up just south of Duluth. We used to go up to 'the range' quite often. I remember walking the RR tracks picking up taconite pellets to use in my slingshot.

Good whittlin, Cliff
Charles City, Iowa (but raised in 'God's Country' )

http://cliffordparker.tripod.com

AlArchie · #20 02-03-2003, 10:49 PM

Hey, Cliff, those taconite pellets were great ammo!
not many kids today can take advantage of them though. Â*Most of the taconite mines are shut now, and I don't know if today's kids know what the heck a slingshot is; I think they may even be illegal now. Â*Too Bad, everyone had their own sling shot when I was growing up, most made from a tree crotch and rubber from an old inner tube. Â*Later, my dad got me an aluminum one; still got it hanging in the shop!!!

We were gone for the month of January visiting karen's cousin and then my brother in Lower Michigan and Ohio for the cousin. Â*Made a trip to York PA with Karen's cousin to take in a model engine show; steam, hit and miss, sterling and just about anything else you can immagine. Â*Might have a new hobby there!

Checked your site, Cliff! Nice sticks. Where do you find them with those faces in them??? great work.

Al