Gents,
While I'm waiting for the paint to dry, I was reflecting on your posts.
Based on David's comment, I wonder if it makes sense for me to cut the flares down. (BTW, I noticed/remembered yesterday that I'd removed the threads inside the bells, making the cavity even larger!)
A is what it looks like today. B and C are options.
Always compromises:
-I worry about the mechanical stability of B and C. The sleeve walls are thin, and the cap screws loosen every time I fire up the forge.
-the space between the sleeves and the reducers will get larger in B and larger still in C. Frosty, you said this might keep them cooler, though I wonder if it will also allow heat and possibly flame back up.
What are your thoughts?
PS. What about using the stainless sink strainer flame holders?