I was at Portland Works in Sheffield last week and wanted to share a couple of pics of Andrew at Wigful tools grinding a 3″ bolster chisel. I have learnt a lot from Sheffield folk about grinding, forging, hardening and tempering steel but when I see proper professionals at work I still feel very much an amateur with my metalwork.
Sheffield grinders always grind with the wheel going away from them, it is lubricated with running water and the slurry flings 4 feet high up the wall.
The bolster is held underneath a hinged board when the grinder sits on the board all his weight comes down forcing the edge onto the stone. The stone is huge and going very very fast. In the days of natural stones they occasionally exploded often killing several people but modern stones are all man made synthetics.
After the main primary grind has been put on the secondary grind is done by hand and eye.
Thanks for posting this Robin. I very much enjoy seeing (and reading) examples of those who have knowledge that isn't necessarily learned from simply reading a book. Rather, it is gleaned from those who came before them and is a product of the senses.Abi
Personally, I would be wearing safety glasses.An interesting post, thank you.http://woodsrunnersdiary.blogspot.com/
Fascinating! But where is his micrometer and bevel gauge? Gary RobertsThe Toolemera Press
This is a great post Robin! But just a reminder, you are not wearing any safety equipment. I notice this because I also operate using my cup wheel and grinder I used to have some safety equipments.