Trying to Progress my skills

[Marc Bourget]

Nathan,


Nothing but support for your interest, but one characteristic of a True Craftsman is the ability analyze, adjust and reach success.


Consider fighting the battle with what you have, not speculate on what would be nice, can be just as, if not more valuable, than the best of equipment.


This is not to diminish the desire to get the best of equipment, not al all.


But there are other benefits.



I offer you Jaroslav and Kent White (RIP) as examples. There are more, for varied reasons, but I reference them in response to your point.



I learned to value Jaro from his significant body of posts on this forum.


My Kent experience was personal. I considered him as a Metal Shaping "Renaissance Man," due to his research into shaping practices "hidden in history."


Kent took on a project for a stair builder as a challenge. It pushed the limits of his experience (but not his talents) and, over a series of visits I learned a ton watching his approaches in dealing with new issues, not necessarily obvious at the beginning of the project. Many of these issues weren't technical, but he was involved in a car accident, a massive impact, that seriously affected his physical capabilities and led to the adaptation(s) I raise for your consideration.


As for fabricating your E-wheel, the "Rolls Royce" level employs a cast frame, but, with the assistance of a mechanical engineer, he determined that a wheel frame made from a I-Beam (W-156??) was the material equivalent.


Hope you continue to participate as we will all benefit from watching your progress.


mjb