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Antikythera Fragment #2 - Ancient Tool Tech - The Original Dividing Plate?

5/15/2017

One thing about this machine that is truly surprising, is just how small the teeth are.

There's a well established theory as to how the tooth divisions were marked out, but employing that process to mark out multiple wheels has forced me to question whether it can reasonably be applied to the Antikythera Mechanism.

So in this video I propose an alternative process of wheel division, using only the non precision tools of the period.

2 Comments

Walt Scott

7/12/2017 05:10:57 pm

Awesome stuff Chris especially the case hardening video and file making. I am a blacksmith and I think that I shall try using your "wootz" case hardening method for making small friction folder blades. Can you please send some details of your salt bath quench medium. I Will be following your website and videos avidly. Walt

Chris link

7/12/2017 05:32:26 pm

Hey Walt,

Terrific to hear from you mate, and very pleased you enjoyed the vids :)

I wish I could be more specific regarding the salt concentration in my brine quench, but I confess I just toss in pool salt until it tastes about right! There are a few sources that state that traditionally it was mixed such that it was concentrated enough to float an egg, and of course today its done accurately with a hydrometer. Play around with it a bit, you'll see what works :)

I should also clarify that Wootz is a crucible steel, which is a different thing to the case hardening process in the video. There's a bit of info on Wootz here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wootz_steel and this old text on steel processes is simply outstanding, referencing Wootz and many other traditional steel types: https://ia801408.us.archive.org/33/items/manufactureofste00overuoft/manufactureofste00overuoft.pdf

Cheers mate,
Chris.

Antikythera Fragment #2 - Ancient Tool Tech - The Original Dividing Plate?

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