AsterAnts

>
>>A lot of things are cast. Casting isn't particularly difficult, but
>>
> Casting is a very skilled proecedure if you want any degree of quality
> and consistently to the material produced.
>
> The crucible design and construction is critical.
> Special materials must be used to assure that
> the melt does not mix with the crucible and that purities are not
> introduced,
> and that the rate of cooling is uniform and just right.
> The design of the crucible is different for each alloy that is cast.

Ok, depends on what you mean by 'particularly difficult'; I mean
its something that people certainly know how to do already.

>>Drill bits I'm not totally sure about, but I think they cast them,
>>and then sharpen using millstones. Clearly you need a less
>>malleable and more brittle metal for drill bits; the metallurgy is
>>important- carbon levels.

Actually drill bits are forged.

> Every type of part you need has to have a different crucible.
> Nuts, bolts, girders, beams, washers, rivets, fittings, casings,
> pipes, hammers, wrenches, pliers, vices, grips, screws, nails,
> sleeve bearings, ball bearings, hinges, rails, frames, doors,
> panels, etc etc etc
>
> Each of the types of parts come in a huge range opf size and shapes.
>
> Each inidivudal part requires a special casting crucible and finishing
> equipment.

Not really, well for bolts and screws yes. Girders are extruded, so
you need a range of dies, most of the rest can use an older
technology. Doors and frames are usually made from plates and such
like.

For a lot of these parts it used to be called a 'Blacksmith' didn't
it? And yes, it's a highly skilled profession.

> An enormous investment any way you look at it.

I wouldn't call a few crucibles an enormous investment.