Here's a Great Historical Reference About Sharpening

[RichColvin]

For those who want to read the wisdom from our elders, this book :

Turning and Mechanical Manipulation, Vol. III
Abrasive and Other Processes not Accomplished with Cutting Tools

by

Charles Holtzapffel

was published in 1850, and then updated by Charles' son, John Jacob Holtzapffel, in 1894.

Recently, it was digitized by Microsoft, and is available at :  http://huk1.wkfinetools.com/02-Toolmakers/Holtzapffel/pubs/1850-turning-mManipul/1850-TurningAndMechanicalManipulation-Vol.3.pdf

There is some really good information about abrasives used in sharpening and honing that many might find interesting.  If nothing else, there are some really cool pictures like these :

• Volumes 1 through 4 are available at that same site (to access them, change the volume number at the end of the web link above).
• Volume 5 is considered the bible for ornamental turners, and it is not available via a digitized copy (though you can buy a Kindle copy). 
  
  
  
  • The Holtzappfels' contributions to that craft were so critical, that a whole host of information is published about that book alone.  Some really good information is at http://holtzapffel.org/index.html.
  • They made beautiful machinery, and one is no longer considered the owner of the lathes they built :  merely the current care-taker.  That is assuming you can find one for sale, and can also afford it.  (The last one sold was in 2012 for $228,000 - https://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/2623M/lots/232 ).
• The Holtzappfels never finished Volume 6, but it was published in 2011 using gathered data by John Edwards, a British ornamental turner.

Just some fun for your day !

I'm just happy my Tormek doesn't have a treadle to drive the wheel !

Kind regards,
Rich

[Ken S]

Tich,

Great find! Thanks for posting it!

Ken