Homestead mailing list

[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

On Mar 2, 2008, at 12:31 PM, Clansgian AT wmconnect.com wrote:

> > And of course, with a proper rest, the wheel could turn toward or  
> > away
> > from the user, but the blade edge could be positioned as desired,
> > toward or away.
>
> That's the rub.   A rest is no often feasible.  If the wheel is  
> turning
> toward you, you are holding the piece up against the motion of the  
> wheel.  If the
> wheel is turning away from you, you are pulling the piece down  
> against the
> upward motion of the wheel.  The latter is far more tiring and less  
> exact.

Yes. I am trying to visualize how one might make a rest that would  
make the blade edge away from the user be a reasonable application.  
I've just been going through some  tool books. On page 31 of The  
Woodwright's Shop there is a photo showing what appears to be a chisel  
being sharpened on the sandstone wheel, handle toward the operator,  
tool edge away, resting on the top of the wheel. I do not see a rest.  
Apparently a skilled operator can get a reasonable edge holding the  
tool freehand. At least good enough to then use flat stones.