John, assuming that hemp rope was used, the weight of the rope in pounds per
fathom (6 feet) is: Circumference squared X 0.18
Therefore 2in diameter rope would weigh 0.72 Lb per fathom, and a 3in rope
1.62 Lb per fathom. This would be about 40 Lb and 90 Lb respectively for 330
ft of rope.
As it was worked by convicts I assume that the welfare of the workers was not
a great concern.
Callon in his 'Lectures on Mines' stated that a man can lift the equivalent
of one ton 450 feet in a day. This is equivalent to lifting 1.37 tons from
330 feet.
Coal also weighs much less than most metal ores.
Hope this helps, Richard Amies.
|