I think an advantage to the system that Lee Sauder and Skip Williams are using
lies in its repeatability. Since they are using a modern refractory that does
not appreciably degrade, they can run multiple trials with the same furnace.
This allows for them to either repeat the exact same run, or alter specific
parameters to see how it effects the smelt. This is not possible with many
"historic" recreations as the furnace itself is often seriously degraded, or
even destroyed, during the smelting process or subsequent removal of the bloom.
Since they are hand made, it is likely that each furnace's operating parameters
are different. In some cases significantly.
Another advantage to the Rockbridge design is that it can be used to simulate a
number of configurations. If only the lower module is used it operates as a
bowl furnace. Add the next piece and one has a low shaft furnace. With all of
the pieces it approximates a "high" bloomery. It is possible that if they built
a couple more sections they could have an operating blast furnace.
The fact that Lee is a professional blacksmith, and not an archaeologist, may
also be a benefit. It is entirely possible that he understands a great deal
more about the operating characteristics of wrought iron than most
archaeologists ever will, or can. After all smithing is his business. And
given the success of Rockbridge, he is one of the most experienced bloomsmiths
in the world. Sims may have written a Ph.D. on bloomsmithing, but Lee has
worked a great deal more iron.
Jamie Brothers
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