# Sovereignty Module: Swing the Arm

## Complete Fireplace Crane and Pot Hanger: From Bar to Hearth Cooking System

The fireplace crane is the heart of hearth cooking, allowing pots to swing over and away from the fire. This campaign covers crane design, pivot mechanisms, adjustable hangers, and the complete hearth cooking system.

### Chapter 1: Crane Components

| Component | Material | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical post | 3/4-1 inch bar | Pivot axis, mounts in fireplace |
| Horizontal arm | 3/4 inch bar | Swings over fire, holds hangers |
| Pivot pins | 1/2 inch rod | Top and bottom pivot points |
| Trammel hook | 3/8-1/2 inch bar | Adjustable pot height |
| S-hooks | 3/8 inch bar | Hang pots from arm |
| Pot hooks | 3/8 inch bar | Various lengths for different heights |

### Chapter 2: Crane Construction

Fireplace crane: 1) Vertical post: 3/4 inch square bar, height of fireplace opening. 2) Forge pivot points at top and bottom of post. 3) Top pivot: tapered point fits into hole in lintel. 4) Bottom pivot: tapered point sits in hole in hearth stone. 5) Horizontal arm: 3/4 inch bar, extends 2/3 across fireplace width. 6) Forge arm perpendicular to post (forge weld or collar joint). 7) Arm must be rigid (no flex under load). 8) Arm swings in and out of fireplace on post pivots. 9) Maximum load: 30-50 pounds (full pot of stew).

| Dimension | Small Fireplace | Medium Fireplace | Large Fireplace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post height | 24-28 inches | 28-34 inches | 34-40 inches |
| Arm length | 18-24 inches | 24-30 inches | 30-36 inches |
| Arm bar size | 3/4 inch | 3/4 inch | 1 inch |
| Load capacity | 30 lbs | 40 lbs | 50 lbs |

### Chapter 3: Trammel Hook

Trammel hook (adjustable hanger): 1) Two flat bars, one inside the other. 2) Outer bar: 1 inch wide, 18-24 inches long. 3) Inner bar: 3/4 inch wide, slides inside outer. 4) Holes punched in both bars at 1-inch intervals. 5) Pin locks bars at desired length. 6) Hook at bottom holds pot. 7) Hook at top hangs from crane arm. 8) Allows precise height adjustment (controls cooking temperature).

| Trammel Type | Adjustment Range | Complexity | Historical Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ratchet trammel | Continuous | High | 17th-18th century |
| Pin trammel | 1-inch increments | Moderate | Medieval onward |
| Chain trammel | Link-by-link | Low | All periods |
| Sawtooth trammel | 1/2-inch increments | Moderate | 18th century |

### Chapter 4: Complete Hearth Cooking System

| Item | Function | Hangs From |
|---|---|---|
| Crane arm | Swings pots over fire | Fireplace wall |
| Trammel hook | Adjusts pot height | Crane arm |
| S-hooks (various lengths) | Quick pot hanging | Crane arm |
| Pot chains | Heavy pot support | Crane arm |
| Griddle | Flat cooking surface | Crane arm or trivet |
| Toasting fork | Toast bread at fire | Hand-held |
| Roasting spit | Rotate meat | Andirons |
| Drip pan | Catches meat drippings | Below spit |

### Chapter 5: Installation

| Installation Step | Method | Critical Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Mark pivot points | Plumb bob from lintel to hearth | Must be perfectly vertical |
| Drill top pivot hole | Masonry bit into lintel | Hole must be plumb |
| Drill bottom pivot hole | Masonry bit into hearth stone | Aligned with top hole |
| Install post | Insert pivots into holes | Must swing freely |
| Test swing | Swing arm full range | No binding, smooth motion |
| Load test | Hang maximum weight | No deflection, smooth swing |

### Reference Card

1. The crane must swing freely (the entire purpose of the crane is to swing pots over the fire for cooking and away from the fire for serving; any binding or stiffness defeats this purpose). 2. Pivot points must be perfectly aligned (the top and bottom pivot holes must be vertically aligned; misalignment causes binding and uneven wear that eventually prevents the crane from swinging). 3. The trammel hook controls cooking temperature (raising the pot moves it away from the fire, lowering temperature; lowering the pot brings it closer, raising temperature; the trammel is the hearth cook's thermostat). 4. The arm must not flex under load (a full pot of stew weighs 20-40 pounds; if the arm flexes, the pot swings unpredictably and may spill into the fire; the arm must be rigid). 5. The crane transforms a fireplace into a kitchen (without a crane, cooking over a fire requires awkward reaching and dangerous lifting; the crane makes hearth cooking safe, efficient, and enjoyable). 6. S-hooks of different lengths provide quick height adjustment (while the trammel provides precise adjustment, a set of S-hooks in 2-inch increments allows quick pot changes without adjusting the trammel). 7. The complete hearth cooking system is the blacksmith's greatest domestic commission (crane, trammel, hooks, spit, andirons, and tools together represent a major project that showcases every forging skill). 8. Hearth cooking produces extraordinary food (the radiant heat of an open fire, the slow cooking on a crane, and the smoke flavor create dishes that no modern oven can replicate; the crane enables this ancient culinary art).