Culturespy

The old MAPP formula ended production in the US in 2008. It was seen as a safer alternative to acetylene and according to some sources(easy Google search) burned as much as 2000F hotter than he current formula. The current formula may burn as much as 150F hotter than propane but more sources lean toward the 50F hotter range(more easy googling), not much. Stocks of old MAPP can still be found but acetylene or oxi-acetylene combos are more the go to gas for higher temps. Those temps are often pointless for forge work because the metal burns. From my experience it's a hassle to weld with oxi-acetylene/acetylene without a nitrogen gas flux but that's an even bigger hassle. Acetylene torches are nice for cutting but forge work is as well accomplished and far easier to manage, cheaper, with pro…

The old MAPP formula ended production in the US in 2008. It was seen as a safer alternative to acetylene and according to some sources(easy Google search) burned as much as 2000F hotter than he current formula. The current formula may burn as much as 150F hotter than propane but more sources lean toward the 50F hotter range(more easy googling), not much. Stocks of old MAPP can still be found but acetylene or oxi-acetylene combos are more the go to gas for higher temps. Those temps are often pointless for forge work because the metal burns. From my experience it's a hassle to weld with oxi-acetylene/acetylene without a nitrogen gas flux but that's an even bigger hassle. Acetylene torches are nice for cutting but forge work is as well accomplished and far easier to manage, cheaper, with propane. If you need higher temps add oxygen. Easy enough to do with a simple fan. We've been doing it for thousands of years with everything from blow tubes to bellows and now electric fans.

I bought scraps of Latigo in a store. It wasn't bad. I still have the ones I made for this but I haven't worn them in a while. I made others and didnt need to wear the first ones. I also got both pro climbing and cycling contracts which led to a lot less pure hiking but huaraches make great pack shoes for when you want out of technical shoes in camp. I'm not sure where you'd get pig skin. eBay maybe if Tandy doesn't have it.

I just bought the thickest stuff I could find. I have some Latigo leather i keep meaning to use that I'm sure will make good sandals but haven't tried it. They sell it at Tandy. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latigo_leatherI have also been told you can use heavy pig skin and get it wet so it mold to your feet. Basically make your huaraches, put them on, stand in water until they get soft and wear them until they dry.

Hey! Thanks for sharing. I left my caving pals back in Indiana and don't get underground much here in CA but I miss it. Cavers are a unique bunch. Some of my favorite stories over the years have been caving stories.