Pete Knobloch wrote:

> But is the computer data file for the punch an accurate
> description of the real master?"

Yes.  It is observably as accurate as any reverse engineering effort
can be.  There's quite a lot of math and research involved in creating
that master file.  I've worked with Wayne on two 10-tune rolls and can
assure you that this not an insignificant effort.

Note the use of the term "reverse engineering."  That's the goal here.
In most cases, the original master is gone -- either rotted away or
thrown away and one has to deal with the best available first generation
copies -- so that's all you have to go by.  We have a pretty good idea
of what Greek sculpture and drama was like even though a lot of the
statues are broken and the plays are in shreds.

Weight of empirical evidence shows that Wayne's method of scanning
produces the best and most accurate digital representation of the
original master's punch pattern.  One can always make the observation
that we can never be sure that it is _absolutely_ correct (the "black
swan" argument).

However, similar to the theory of the circulation of the blood in
humans --- in which we have observed that in each and every case where
we cut open the veins and arteries to see if the blood was really
flowing (thus killing the patient) we have seen that it was indeed
flowing (before they died), and therefore don't have to keep killing
patients to "make absolutely sure" the blood is really flowing ---
if in each and every case where we have scrutinized a Stahnke-produced
data file and seen that it is the best and most accurate reverse
engineering of the master roll's punch pattern available, we can
probably assume that the next such data file will be the best available
as well.

The same can be said of Dave Saul's perforating equipment.  If we see
that each result is the best and most accurate replication available,
then we can probably assume that the next replication will be as well.

> By using the example of 1/8th inch steps for the paper advance makes
> me think George is making rolls for a smaller instrument.

No, I just figured that people would have an easier time picturing
things in inches and 1/8ths and 1/4's as opposed to hundredths of
inches, micrometers and Angstroms.

Cheers,

George Bogatko
http://www.inluxeditions.com/