In a message dated 11/22/02 7:49:11 PM GMT Standard Time, fxc@....... writes:


> OK Cap as a member of the "these people" or the "they" ball bearing party, 
> I'll bite,
> I'll respond even though I think your purpose is to have a little fun and 
> stir the pot a bit.

Well, yes, Frank. As a matter of fact I did mean to maybe "have some fun" as 
you say, stirring the pot a bit and hopefully get some discussion going 
concerning some the wild claims you guys have made that are not in keeping 
with what others have said over the years on the PSN. First of all I'm sure 
most will agree John Cole's ball bearings have less friction than a simple 
point-in-a-dimple pivot. But good as they are, they are not as good as John 
Lahr's modified Sprengnether pivot that has no friction at all and can't 
slither and is simpler and easy to make. And what does pivot friction have to 
do with long term stability anyway? Recent postings have been about the pier 
and the soil it's on and how soil moisture and temperature and nearby traffic 
affect stability of the period. Nobody even mentioned the pivots until you 
guys came along claiming to solve all these problems with ball bearings. 
Where is your evidence other than testimonials? What are the mechanical 
principles and engineering evidence that pivot friction is the reason Lehmans 
are unstable? You say: "My only suggestion is to try it --- you might like it 
and become "one of these people". Well, I would, Frank, if I thought it would 
work but I already have a frictionless pivot that is better than John Cole's 
and no way can I set my Lehman's period at >20 seconds and have it stay 
there. I am not conviced the ball bearings will do what you say they will. I 
am not one to buy snake oil :-)

Best regards,
Cap
In a message dated 11/22/02 7:49:11 PM GMT Standard Time, fxc@....... writes:





OK Cap as a member of the "these people" or the "they" ball bearing party, I'll bite,

I'll respond even though I think your purpose is to have a little fun and stir the pot a bit.




Well, yes, Frank. As a matter of fact I did mean to maybe "have some fun" as you say, stirring the pot a bit and hopefully get some discussion going concerning some the wild claims you guys have made that are not in keeping with what others have said over the years on the PSN. First of all I'm sure most will agree John Cole's ball bearings have less friction than a simple point-in-a-dimple pivot. But good as they are, they are not as good as John Lahr's modified Sprengnether pivot that has no friction at all and can't slither and is simpler and easy to make. And what does pivot friction have to do with long term stability anyway? Recent postings have been about the pier and the soil it's on and how soil moisture and temperature and nearby traffic affect stability of the period. Nobody even mentioned the pivots until you guys came along claiming to solve all these problems with ball bearings. Where is your evidence other than testimonials? What are the mechanical principles and engineering evidence that pivot
 friction is the reason Lehmans are unstable? You say: "My only suggestion is to try it --- you might like it and become "one of these people". Well, I would, Frank, if I thought it would work but I already have a frictionless pivot that is better than John Cole's and no way can I set my Lehman's period at >20 seconds and have it stay there. I am not conviced the ball bearings will do what you say they will. I am not one to buy snake oil :-)



Best regards,

Cap