[Harp-L] Re: Embossing v Burnishing

[HTownFess <Spschndr@xxxxxxx>]

Well, the problem I see is that according to the definitions of
swaging I can find, the term "swaging" does not fit the operation of
raising bosses along the insides of the reedslots to reduce clearance
between reed and slot as well as "embossing" does.  Swaging appears to
apply to changing the inner or outer diameter of *tubing*, or forcing
metal into dies to shape its exterior.  The boss on a reedslot does
not assume the shape of a die, nor is a die used to form it.  Swaging
may be used to reduce clearances, but it's a different physical method
(s).

I concede that dictionary and encyclopedia definitions may be
misleading me.  However, I'd say the verb needed is the one commonly
used, as my 1969 edition of Webster's Seventh New Collegiate
Dictionary defines "emboss" as "to raise in relief from a surface."
That's the aforementioned boss ("a protuberant part or body") on the
inside of a reedslot.  It defines "swage" as "to shape by means of a
swage," with the noun defined as "a tool used by workers in metals for
shaping their work by holding it on the work, or the work on it and
striking with a hammer or sledge."  I submit that anyone who tries to
reduce their reedslot clearances with a sledge will wish they had
embossed instead :-).

It seems to me one could develop swaging dies for reedslots, some kind
of giant pliers with swaging jaws: get the reed out of the way by
pivoting or removal, squeeze reedslot with tool to force entire sides
out.  Or create slot swaging dies for a press to stamp the slots a
little tighter.  Maybe the operation of rolling a glass cutter
alongside the slot qualifies as swaging, mechanically, or the way some
people increase the reed's width instead of narrowing the slot.

But I think swaging would be a misnomer where embossing is concerned.
Whereas with burnishing it was the physical action of rubbing back and
forth that misled people, with swaging I think it's mainly the concept
of reducing clearance that's deceptive, though the physical action
does not fit well either.

Having been part of the initial nomenclature dust-up ca. 2000, I
suggest we swage the lid on this can of worms firmly in place . . .
I'll bring the sledge :-).  Embossing is not perfect as nomenclature,
but gives the clearest idea of what the person working on the slot is
trying to do: if you understand it as raising a ridge (whose height is
controlled by you, *not by a die that ultimately restricts it*) from
the side of the slot, it's better conceptually, IMO.

Stephen Schneider

On Jan 2, 6:00 am, "Aongus MacCana" <amacc...@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> As a sometime mechanical engineer may I act the nerd and suggest that the
> appropriate term for this technique is swaging.
> Beannachtaí
> Aongus Mac Cana
>
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