96 MODERN BLACKSMITHING 



comes down to the square in the throat. The other is 

 a blank share, straight in the point between Nos. 4 and 

 5, resting on the extreme heel and point with gap 

 between the edge of share and floor at No. 3. In most 

 blank shares the point is too straight, and the point 

 too much bent down at No. 4. Bend the share so that 

 the whole length from heel to point will follow the 

 floor. When the share is held in a position as shown 

 in this cut, don't fit the share to the brace, for in most 

 old plows the brace has been bent out of shape. Fit 

 the share to the square, and then fit the brace to the 

 share, and you are right. Many a blacksmith will 

 never think of this, but it is important. 



Next joint the share; that is, if the joint does not fit 

 the joint of the mouldboard, make it fit either by filing 

 or grinding. This done, make the holes, and when you 

 center-punch for same draw the holes a trifle; that 

 means make the center mark a little towards the inner 

 side of the mark, especially for the hole next to the 

 point. This is also an important point overlooked by 

 most blacksmiths. The holes that hold the joints 

 together should act as a wedge. If they don't the 

 joints will pull apait and leave a gap between, where 

 dirt and straw will gather, and if a slipshare the share 

 will soon work loose and the plow will flop. 



The holes having been punched and countersunk, 

 the share should be bolted to the biace. Next put on 

 the clamp. It is not necessary that the clamp should 

 be put on while the share is on the plow. I never do 

 that. I used to for many years, but there is no need 

 of doing it, for if the share has the right angle it must 



