Question for hand cranked grinder experts. . .

[valariefarnham]

I have some questions for folks who have knowledge of antique hand cranked grinders and other woodworking tools from the early 20th century. I'm writing a childrens' book that will highlight the main important steps in wooden boat building. It's not written like a boat building instructional manual, but rather will pick and choose the steps that children will find most interesting.

For example, I am having the character's father start out by showing him how to polish and sharpen the tools. I've done quite a bit of research on hand cranked grinders of this time period and think it might make sense for a father to start teaching his son how to use one by replacing the grinding wheel with a soft muslin wheel and using that to clean/polish the metal parts of his hand tools.

So my first question is: hypothetically, if either an early 20th century woodworker's hand tools had become a bit dirty/rusty and/or if he wanted to show his son how to use a hand grinder in a non dangerous (to the tools and him) way, would it work to replace the grinding wheel on the crank with a muslin wheel, soak the muslin with coal oil, and clean the tools by spinning the crank and running all of the metal parts of the tool across the wheel?


I have more questions also so any help that anyone can give would be greatly appreciated.

[Papaw]

I suppose that would be a way to show the tool's use, but actual use can be taught by example and practice with the tool.

[Branson]

I'm wondering how the tools would have become dirty or rusty.  A workman knows that he has to take care of his tools because his tools take care of him.  Barring an accident of some kind, they wouldn't be allowed to get rusty .   I was taught care of tools by my grandfather (born 1906) who learned from his father, a master carpenter.  But if I had  "borrowed" one of my grandfather's tools and let it get rusty, he would have made it my task to restore it to good condition.

As for sharpening, the old timers would hone any tools used, either at the end of the day or at the beginning of the next.  A bench stone does this far better than a grinding wheel. 

Learning use from example and practice is how most trades were taught. 

I'd think cleaning and polishing were more likely done with a rag than a buffing wheel.  And I think working an edged tool over a buffing wheel would be more dangerous that grinding it -- edges can catch in a buffing wheel if you are unwary, and toss the tool out of your hand.

[mikeswrenches]

VF, If you decide to soak a muslin wheel in coal oil, or any other oil for that matter, it would be a good idea not to stand in front of the wheel while someone cranks it up to speed...an oil bath is not a fun thing to take.  Most muslin wheels are charged with an abrasive such as tripoli if you are trying to polish something. 

As Branson pointed out, no workman worth his salt would have allowed his tools to become rusty in the first place so there would have been no need to put a muslin wheel on a grinder.

If you haven't already done so, you might want to take look at Woodenboat magazines web site.

Mike

[john k]

Ditto on the above.  A boat builder would have been doubly careful of rust, due to the moisture present.   A poor craftsman indeed would have let his tools become rusty.   I have a dozen or more hand cranked grinders, all have grind stones, turning one at sufficient speed would have been a chore, for polishing.   I agree the polishing would have been done by hand, for instance with steel wool.  Writing a childrens book about a craft is a fine thing to do.

[oldtools]

grinding wheels are best used to reshape metal, grinding a new edge on a tool, then use a sharpening stone to refine the edge each time. 

[valariefarnham]

Hi to everyone,

  Thanks for your answers and great information. I reread my question and spotted that I mentioned there might be rust on the tools I should've left that out.  My character's father "George" was a meticulous person and a perfectionist in his work. I completely agree with you guys that the tools would have been kept clean and in good condition at all times.  Thanks for the suggestions on how the tools would've been cleaned and sharpened. I am doing a great deal of research on sharpening and will use various examples of sharpening methods in my book.  I may have the character use a hand grinder because I want to intrigue the reader. I find them interesting and fun. As a fictional writer I have a great deal of leeway and it allows me to put details in my book to perk a child's interest.  It seems like there are various perspectives on ways to start teaching someone to use a grinding wheel.  Some guys on another woodworking tools discussion site thought that polishing tools like chisels on a spinning muslin wheel might be a way to get used to how the wheel slows down and also how the wheel grabs and pulls on the tool. My grandfather was an amazing wood carver, self taught and his feathers floated on his birds. His father was a carver and a boat builder and he gave me enough info about the life by the bay and the art of wood working. But there is a lot I am finding out that he did not tell me or show me. So thanks again for your info. I hope if I have any other questions you will answer. If anyone wants more detail about my book I am glad to give it.
Valarie Farnham

[Papaw]

Happy to be of whatever help we can be.
Some of us are avid redaers and might like to read at least some excerpts from your book. Especially when tools are mentioned.