Sqwertz wrote:
>Brooklyn1 wrote:
>
>> Where I live I find most pasta shapes, The markets carry several
>> brands including imported. between all the brands I find most shapes.
>> The only shape I don't regulary find are alphabets.
>
>That's just *too* precious.
>
>> My understanding
>> is that alphabets are the most expensive shape to produce as it
>> requires 26 separate extrusion dies, which all need regular
>> maintenence and/or replacement. I find alphabets in a couple of the
>> imported brands but they are priced twice as much at the other shapes
>> in those brands, and the letter shapes are some strange font.
>
>Every Mexican pasta maker sells 'alphabets' in America for $.25-$.50 a
>3.5-4oz package. They are stamped, not extruded. They're right next
>to the fideo noodles at Walmart.
>
>You really think they have dies that cut off 26 little vowels and
>consonants? In Italy? Mamma mia!
>
>-sw

Idiot dwarf, Italians invented extruded pasta and alphabets are indeed
extruded... in fact I've never seen alphabets that are stamped, that
would make them cost more than prime beef. I haven't shared this web
site here previously, very interesting and enlightening. Btw, I have
over fifty years experience as a Tool & Diemaker, I've personally
fabricated many extrusion dies:
http://maldari.com/
http://maldari.com/wp-content/upload...ie_catalog.pdf
http://maldari.com/free-seminar/