Greetings, fellow dialists,
I'm now clearer on the subject of lime production. After firing It seems
the quicklime was taken from the kiln in lumps, separated from the ash
and moved to a pit in the nearby slaking shed (cheaper than iron pots).
The pit was lined to hold water and the quicklime was (cautiously!)
added. It was in timer bailed out and sieved (large lumps might not be
completely slaked and could "blister" later as mortar, with damaging
consequences. The resulting slaked lime could now be safely transported.
Each firing produced several tons of lime and this was sometimes left to
mature for many weeks.
Thanks to all who replied. I hope to talk further on the subject with
the stonemason when he returns to Tynemouth in the summer to paint the
dial. I note he was careful to chose the correct colour of sand to mix
with his lime putty for the repairs.
Frank 55N 1W
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