>When I bought a house in the US in 1972 I purchased cut nails (from a
>now-extinct local hardware chain) to use in repairs. As best I can
>remember, there was no particular problem and no one suggested that there
>was anything eccentric or old-fashioned about my buying them.
>
>Michael McNeil
Friends:
Treemont Nail Co - the address I sent earlier - is still in the cut nail
business. They sell about 20 or so different types, from fine brads for
period cabinet making to large construction type nails for barns. They have
a 'wrought head' cut nail that substitutes pretty nicely for hand forged on
reconstruction / reproduction work. Prices run about $2.50 to $3.50 a lb
(USD). I know many 'traditional' tool and supply outfits will re-sell the
product. (Here in Canada, Lee Valley Tools.)
The drive to produce a machine to allow nails to be produced in mass was
driven by the American Revolution. With the industrial supply from the
British 'cottage industry' cut off, plus a quickly growing population,
supply far outstripped demand. If I remember correctly, the US Congress had
put up a cash reward for the invention of a practical nail making machine.
Reguardless, by the turn of 1800, nail making machines using slit wrough
iron flat bar were in use.
Treemont is using the same methods (perhaps even the same machines!) with a
slighly harder than mild steel material. (Hint - the metal handles like it
is 1030 / 1035. Softer than spring, but harder than mild. The larger cut
nails (in the 4" range) make great fine punches for working on silver or
copper.)
Darrell
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Darrell Markewitz
Interpretive Program Designer
the Wareham Forge
RR # 2, Proton Station, Ont. N0C 1L0
phone/fax 519-923-9219
[log in to unmask]
Information on the 'Norse Encampment' program can be found at:
http://www.pipcom.com/wareham_forge/encamp.html
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