MODERN BLACKSMITHING 69 



out to the size wanted. The caliper should touch the 

 lips of the bit when measured diagonally so that the 

 bit has the size on all corners. Heat to a low red heat 

 and harden, the temper to be from dark straw color 

 to blue according to the kind of drilling to be done. 

 The trick, in two words, low heat. 



GRANITE TOOLS 



By granite tools is meant tools or chisels used by 

 granite or marble workers for cutting inscriptions on 

 tombstones. 



When a man understands how these tools are used 

 it is easier to prepare them. These are the kind of 

 tools where an unusual hardness is required. The 

 hammer used in cutting with this chisel is very small, 

 and the blow would not hurt your nose, so light it is, 

 therefore they will stand a high heat and temper. 

 The chisels should be very thin for this work. When 

 dressed and ready to harden, heat to a red heat and 

 harden in the following solution: one gallon soft 

 water, four ounces salt. Draw the temper to a straw 

 color. 



A blacksmith once paid a high price for a receipt for 

 hardening granite tools. The receipt was, aqua, one 

 gallon; chloride of sodium, four ounces. This receipt 

 he kept as a secret and the prepared compound he 

 bought at the drug store, thus paying 50 cents for one 

 gallon of water and four ounces of salt. The real 

 worth is less than a cent. It is said he succeeded 



