Modern blacksmithing 59 



too old to learn." It ought to suggest itself to every 

 smith that while oil is used in boxes to prevent cut- 

 ting, it will also prevent cutting in drilling. 



HOW TO DRILL CHILLED IRON 



First prepare a drill which is thicker at the point 

 than usual, and oval in form, then harden it as fol- 

 lows : heat to a low cherry red heat and cool in the 

 following hardening compound: two quarts soft water, 

 one-half ounce sal-ammoniac, salt, three ounces. Don't 

 draw the temper, for if you have the right heat you 

 will get the right temper. Now drill and use water, 

 not oil. Feed carefully but so the drill will cut right 

 along. If you have no chance to get the compound, 

 harden in water but draw no temper, let it be as hard 

 as it will. 



If the iron is too hard to be drilled and you can heat 

 the same do so, heat to a low red heat and place a 

 piece of brimstone just where the hole is to be; this 

 will soften the iron through, so the hole can be drilled. 

 Let it cool slowly. 



STANDING COULTERS 



Standing coulters are made of different materials 

 and of different shapes. Take a piece of iron 2}{ x }^, 

 twenty-eight inches long. Cut off the end after you 



