Date:         Fri, 25 Oct 2013 22:04:16 -0400
Reply-To:     "kimbrennan@mac.com" <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "kimbrennan@mac.com" <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: Friday: Dumb way to start a fire, Friday or any day
Comments: To: Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <CAFnDXk1f+yaNOfMu9b=UgFOGSmhfnV5Aaa40xH5ZGbHraK6pTQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

I have a hand-me-down 8 foot step ladder (expandable to a 16 foot ladder) that is made out of magnesium. Aluminum ladders are so incredibly heavy in comparison. I can't imagine what that step ladder would cost now a days. I believe that there are a few hand trucks made (partially) out of magnesium. It's a wonderfully light metal. 


On Oct 25, 2013, at 5:42 PM, Jim Felder wrote:

> This happened last weekend.
> 
> I was making a mount that would allow me to put an old Evinrude engine on a
> canoe. I grabbed a piece of angle that has been lying around my shop for
> about thirty years, used as a prybar, etc. I had always assumed that it was
> aluminum.
> 
> I sawed it into the shape I wanted and then finished the edges with a
> grinder. After I dressed it out like I wanted it, I started in on my next
> project, a skid plate to go under my propane tank. As soon as I started in
> on the steel, the whole workbench lit up in an intense glow for a few
> seconds. I managed to get away without having holes burned in my shoes or
> setting the workbench on fire.
> 
> Be careful when working with magnesium and then working with steel! This is
> one case where it really pays to clean up early.
> 
> Jim