Tim
Fenton, Alexander 1978, The Northern Isles: Orkney and Shetland ISBN 0
85976 019 7, pages 237-8 has a description of how the black smiths made
peat charcoal for smithing. Apparently even when imported coal was
available they found mixing it with peat charcoal improved it. Books on
Orkney/ North Scotland (being largely treeless) tend to be the best
sources of info. on this subject. Try Gerry McDonnel who has been
working on the Old Scatness Project.
All the best
Jane Cowgill
In message <42D56697.23123.16755DF3@localhost>, Tim Young
<[log in to unmask]> writes
>Do any list members have any information on the metallurgical use
>of peat? I have been searching for any practical information on the
>use of peat in the smithy. I have found some somewhat anecdotal
>information indicating the use of peat charcoal in the past, but am
>looking for something a little more concrete.
>
>Thanks
>
>Tim
>
--
James Rackham
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