Thread Question, Mark 2

[Northmount]

35 minutes ago, Sheilajeanne said:

Just took my neighbour's husband - exposure to construction materials back in the 50's and 60's

My neighbour died of it a few years ago.  Had worked most of his life as an electrician.

I worked on a steam turbine many years ago and patched up the high temperature insulation (asbestos) with more asbestos, powdered cement that we mixed with water and plastered it on.  So far, my x-rays are good.  I have a scar in my low in my left lung that is not related to asbestos.

 

[fredk]

The town called Asbestos in Canada recently changed its name;   https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-54608836

One of my uncles got asbestosis through his work in the Belfast shipyard

[Sheilajeanne]

My uncle was a mining engineer in Asbestos, Quebec. Fortunately, he knew enough to protect himself, and lived to a ripe old age. His breathing problems late in life were no doubt caused by smoking rather than asbestos. 

In Grade 4, we made models out of asbestos clay. The teacher who showed us how to do it did die of cancer, but I am unsure if it was due to asbestos or her smoking habit. SO many people smoked back in those days!

Mesothelioma causes the space between the lungs and chest wall to fill up with fluid, which prevents the lungs from expanding. 

 

[Sheilajeanne]

To get back to the topic of thread, I am making a mouse out of leather, and am struggling to find something to use for whiskers that won't droop. I had thought of using the fine wire from an old set of guitar strings, but that would be a hazard to a small child. 

I have some artificial sinew, and was thinking that might work, if I split it to make it finer, then waxed it heavily with beeswax.

Any other suggestions?  What about invisible thread? Can you buy that in a heavy enough gauge that it wouldn't droop?

[billybopp]

1 hour ago, Sheilajeanne said:

To get back to the topic of thread, I am making a mouse out of leather, and am struggling to find something to use for whiskers that won't droop. I had thought of using the fine wire from an old set of guitar strings, but that would be a hazard to a small child. 

I have some artificial sinew, and was thinking that might work, if I split it to make it finer, then waxed it heavily with beeswax.

Any other suggestions?  What about invisible thread? Can you buy that in a heavy enough gauge that it wouldn't droop?

Sone shoe makers still use boar whiskers for some sewing.  You may be able to get some of 'em.  What could be a better whisker than an actual whisker!?

- Bill

[Sheilajeanne]

16 minutes ago, billybopp said:

Sone shoe makers still use boar whiskers for some sewing.  You may be able to get some of 'em.  What could be a better whisker than an actual whisker!?

- Bill

Wow, yes, there are still used for that! How cool is that? But $55 is way too steep a price when I only need a very small amount: Genuine boar bristles

I could buy a small brush like a shaving brush, though, for much less: https://www.fendrihan.ca/products/omega-boar-bristle-shaving-brush-beech-wood-handle

Edited March 26, 2023 by Sheilajeanne

[billybopp]

1 hour ago, Sheilajeanne said:

Wow, yes, there are still used for that! How cool is that? But $55 is way too steep a price when I only need a very small amount: Genuine boar bristles

I could buy a small brush like a shaving brush, though, for much less: https://www.fendrihan.ca/products/omega-boar-bristle-shaving-brush-beech-wood-handle

YIKES!  I had no idea they'd be that expensive!!  LOL

Got a pig farm nearby?   :D

- Bill

[fredk]

10 hours ago, Sheilajeanne said:

. . . I could buy a small brush like a shaving brush, though, for much less: https://www.fendrihan.ca/products/omega-boar-bristle-shaving-brush-beech-wood-handle

Get a heavy bristle pasting or white-wash brush. From a $-shop or hardware store. They are cheap and have enough bristles for a lifetime. I've pulled them apart for using the bristles as 'thatching' on model houses. The bristles are stiff enough to stay straight but flexible enough to bend when pushed

a suggestion; hold the end of the bristle near the side of a candle flame. it will melt a wee bit and roll back slightly giving a more blunt end

[Sheilajeanne]

On 3/26/2023 at 8:36 PM, billybopp said:

Got a pig farm nearby?   :D

Unfortunately, none of the farmers in my family raise livestock any more. They're strictly crop farmers. And I think my cat and my dog wouldn't be willing contributors...

[toxo]

On 3/26/2023 at 7:06 PM, Northmount said:

I'm sure asbestos is gone now.  Must be using Nomex or other fire proofing/heat resistant similar materials.

This was many years ago. Don't know if it was pure asbestos or some kind of mix. That cloth is very thick. I think it was coated with something because there is usually an advert on it or it simply said "Safety Curtain"

I would hope the mix has been changed by now but it's not something that shouts out "Asbestos" and even in my day some had been in place for many many years.