Anvil firing: Difference between revisions
m Citation parameter fixes, , editor2-first using AWB (7701) |
Murcielago (talk | contribs) m "hundreds" of feet is a gross exaggeration. At most 10 ft. |
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Typically, two anvils are used: one as a base (placed upside down), and another one (also known as the "flier") as the [[projectile]] (placed right-side up, atop the base).<ref>{{cite book |editor1-first=Angie |editor1-last=Cheek |editor2-first=Lacy Hunter |editor2-last=Nix |others=Foxfire Fund |title= The Foxfire 40th anniversary book : faith, family, and the land |url= |year=2006 |publisher= Anchor Books|location= |language= |isbn=9780307275516 |
Typically, two anvils are used: one as a base (placed upside down), and another one (also known as the "flier") as the [[projectile]] (placed right-side up, atop the base).<ref>{{cite book |editor1-first=Angie |editor1-last=Cheek |editor2-first=Lacy Hunter |editor2-last=Nix |others=Foxfire Fund |title= The Foxfire 40th anniversary book : faith, family, and the land |url= |year=2006 |publisher= Anchor Books|location= |language= |isbn=9780307275516 |
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|oclc= 65538811 |pages=193–196 |chapter=Anvil Shooting |chapterurl=http://books.google.com/books?id=PohdYKIXMrYC&pg=PA193&lpg=PA193&dq=%22Anvil+shooting%22+Foxfire&source=bl&ots=OIcxTdEaEv&sig=HMCzEHqZiOd9LsxJiPel-3T_hXo&hl=en&ei=FyanTMaZM4nJnAfJp8jZDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&sqi=2&ved=0CBUQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false |quote= }}</ref> |
|oclc= 65538811 |pages=193–196 |chapter=Anvil Shooting |chapterurl=http://books.google.com/books?id=PohdYKIXMrYC&pg=PA193&lpg=PA193&dq=%22Anvil+shooting%22+Foxfire&source=bl&ots=OIcxTdEaEv&sig=HMCzEHqZiOd9LsxJiPel-3T_hXo&hl=en&ei=FyanTMaZM4nJnAfJp8jZDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&sqi=2&ved=0CBUQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false |quote= }}</ref> |
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Alternatively, a single anvil can be fired from a [[Rock (geology)|stone]] base. The space formed by the anvil's concave base is filled with [[black powder]] (not modern [[double-base powder|gunpowder]]s, which have much higher energy densities) and a [[Fuse (explosives)|fuse]] is made to project out. The fuse is lit, and the resulting [[deflagration]] (the rapid [[combustion]] of the powder rather than [[explosion]]) sends the projectile anvil |
Alternatively, a single anvil can be fired from a [[Rock (geology)|stone]] base. The space formed by the anvil's concave base is filled with [[black powder]] (not modern [[double-base powder|gunpowder]]s, which have much higher energy densities) and a [[Fuse (explosives)|fuse]] is made to project out. The fuse is lit, and the resulting [[deflagration]] (the rapid [[combustion]] of the powder rather than [[explosion]]) sends the projectile anvil several feet into the air. |
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An alternative method is to place the bottom anvil right side up, and fill the hardy hole with black powder. A torus or washer, often made from a playing card, is placed over the hole, with a space for a fuse or powder trail. The top anvil is placed upside down, face to face with the bottom anvil.<ref>{{cite book |last1= |first1= |authorlink1= |last2= |first2= |authorlink2= |editor1-first= |editor1-last= |editor1-link= |others= |title=A Tennessee folklore sampler : selections from the Tennessee folklore society bulletin, 1935-2009 |url= |accessdate= |type= |edition= |series= |volume= |date= |year= |month= |origyear= |publisher= |location= |language= |isbn= |oclc= |doi= |id= |pages=131 |at= |trans_chapter= |chapter= |chapterurl= |quote= }}</ref> |
An alternative method is to place the bottom anvil right side up, and fill the hardy hole with black powder. A torus or washer, often made from a playing card, is placed over the hole, with a space for a fuse or powder trail. The top anvil is placed upside down, face to face with the bottom anvil.<ref>{{cite book |last1= |first1= |authorlink1= |last2= |first2= |authorlink2= |editor1-first= |editor1-last= |editor1-link= |others= |title=A Tennessee folklore sampler : selections from the Tennessee folklore society bulletin, 1935-2009 |url= |accessdate= |type= |edition= |series= |volume= |date= |year= |month= |origyear= |publisher= |location= |language= |isbn= |oclc= |doi= |id= |pages=131 |at= |trans_chapter= |chapter= |chapterurl= |quote= }}</ref> |
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Revision as of 22:17, 12 July 2011
Anvil firing (also known as an anvil launching or an anvil shooting[1]) is the practice of firing an anvil into the air with gunpowder.
Typically, two anvils are used: one as a base (placed upside down), and another one (also known as the "flier") as the projectile (placed right-side up, atop the base).[2] Alternatively, a single anvil can be fired from a stone base. The space formed by the anvil's concave base is filled with black powder (not modern gunpowders, which have much higher energy densities) and a fuse is made to project out. The fuse is lit, and the resulting deflagration (the rapid combustion of the powder rather than explosion) sends the projectile anvil several feet into the air.
An alternative method is to place the bottom anvil right side up, and fill the hardy hole with black powder. A torus or washer, often made from a playing card, is placed over the hole, with a space for a fuse or powder trail. The top anvil is placed upside down, face to face with the bottom anvil.[3]
Anvil firing was once commonly performed in the Southern United States[citation needed] as a substitute for fireworks during celebrations. One such noteworthy celebration was held on the day the state of Texas voted to secede from the Union. On February 23, 1861, Texas Ranger and prominent Union supporter, Thomas Lopton Campbell Jr., was held captive and forced to "fire the anvils" in the streets of Austin.[4]
Anvils were also traditionally fired on St. Clement's Day, honoring Pope Clement I, the patron saint of blacksmiths and metalworkers.[5]
Although its practice has lessened in recent years[citation needed], enthusiasts still participate in anvil launching events and competitions.
Dangers
Individuals may be crushed by a falling anvil, which can result in severe injury or death. The black powder can also prematurely ignite when the top anvil is placed, which can cause severe damage to any nearby individuals.
As in any case where an explosive is confined on all sides by metal, shrapnel presents a hazard. If a damaged or structurally weak anvil is used, the anvil base may shatter upon ignition.
Physics and Chemistry
The technique depends on the fact that black powder is a low explosive, which burns more rapidly when under pressure. [6]
Historical uses
A 21 anvil salute replaced the traditional 21 gun salute on Victoria Day 1860 in New Westminster, British Columbia, after the town's cannon and status as capital of British Columbia was taken away.[7]
Sources
- Postman, Richard (1998). Anvils in America. Berrien Springs, Michigan: Postma. ISBN 9780966325607. OCLC 40130801.
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References
- ^ “Anvil Shooting,” Tennessee Folk Series, Tennessee Arts Commission, The National Education Association and the Public Broadcasting System Radio Series, 1977-79.
- ^ Cheek, Angie; Nix, Lacy Hunter, eds. (2006). "Anvil Shooting". The Foxfire 40th anniversary book : faith, family, and the land. Foxfire Fund. Anchor Books. pp. 193–196. ISBN 9780307275516. OCLC 65538811.
{{cite book}}: External link in|chapterurl=|chapterurl=ignored (|chapter-url=suggested) (help) - ^ A Tennessee folklore sampler : selections from the Tennessee folklore society bulletin, 1935-2009. p. 131.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=,|trans_chapter=, and|chapterurl=(help) - ^ Rockwell, Stella Campbell (1978). "ch. 9, "Boom Of Anvils"". Tumbleweed Treck. Oklahoma: Enid.
- ^ Short, Walter (17 November 2009). "Blacksmiths celebrate St Clement's Day at Sticklepath's Finch Foundry - November 21st". okehamptonpeople. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
- ^ Gurstelle, William (2009). Absinthe & flamethrowers : projects and ruminations on the art of living dangerously. Chicago: Chicago Review Press. ISBN 9781556528224 1556528221. OCLC 273817829.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: length (help) - ^ "The Anvil Salute". Genes Reunited. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
External links
- "Anvil Shooting Site". Acme Anvils.
- "Anvil Shoot Page". Museum of Appalachia.
- Anvil Launching Videos