38 
THE YOUNG SCIENTIST. 
ber, with fine gradations between. In 
this matter, as in most things, the mean 
is the wisest. A set of tools consisting of 
ten tint tools, two gouges, two gravers, 
and one chisel, form a very good set. 
To these may be added some two or 
three oval or ellipse tools, 
something between a grav- 
er and a tint tool, and 
adapted to a large variety 
of work. These may be 
marked X, XX, etc. 
In the large cities we can 
obtain these tools, already 
made, and sometimes nice- 
ly graded, but engravers 
usually fit up " and grade 
their own tools, by rubbing them on their 
oil stones. 
Just here we will put in a caution ; in 
sharpening the tools, we do not apply the 
B 
Fig. 8. 
Fig. 9. 
sides of the tool to the oilstone ; that is 
only done in grading and preparing them 
for use. 
Engravers who have mechanical skill 
and knowledge, sometimes make their 
own tools, using worn out files for the 
purpose, the steel in flies being of excel- 
lent quality, and tempered so as to fit it 
for engraver's use. Some of our young 
readers may have skill to do this them- 
selves, and others probably have friends, 
with "shops" where these tools can be 
made, according to the descriptions we 
have given. 
For handles to the tools you may use 
wood, or cork ; the shape shown in Fig. 10 
is one very convenient for use. The tool 
Fig. 10. 
should be inserted in the handle, so that 
it is nearly straight, bending slightly up- 
wards, with very little of the handle below 
the tool. 
It is necessary to have a sand bag, or 
leather cushion filled with sand, so full 
that the block will not sink into it while 
you are engraving— and then again it 
must not be so hard that the block will 
slide off. You may put this cushion 
directly on a firm table, or on a turned 
piece of wood made for the purpose. It 
is more convenient to have the cushion 
raised a little above the table, but not 
essential ; but the table must be firm, and 
it and your cushion at such a height that \ 
you can have your body perfectly erect,, 
whether you sit or stand while engraving. 
You can commence learning to engrave 
without a magnifying glass and stands 
but you must not try to do fine work, be- 
cause you will strain your eyes, and once 
injured, you may suffer all through your 
life. The magnifying glass, should be of 
moderate power— an inch and a half in 
diameter is a very good size, and you can 
consult your fancy about the frame in 
which it is set — wood, shell, ivory, metal, 
etc. — though dark tints of shell, bone or 
rubber, are the most agreeable to use. 
For a stand, you may also consult your 
taste and means. You need an upright 
rod, with an arm which holds the glass, 
adjustable, on it. If you have nothing* 
better, take a thick piece of wood, eleven 
or twelve inches long and six inches 
broad, and at one end, midway from the 
sides, put a stout wire. Take a piece of 
cork, and make a hole through it so that 
it will slide up and down this wire. Now 
take a smaller wire, but one tha;t is stiffs 
and pierce the cork at right angles with 
the upright. This needs to be long enough, 
so that it will extend through the back of 
the cork an inch or two, and come for- 
ward to the front edge of the block of 
wood, which will also serve as a stand for 
the cushion. Bend the end of the wire 
into a round loop, just large enough to 
hold the magnifying glass. You need an 
oilstone for sharpening the tools, and this 
should be fine enough to make the tool 
smooth, while it sharpens; and should 
"take hold" enough to sharpen the tool 
quickly. Sewing machine oil, or sweet oil 
may be used. Put a few drops on the 
stone, and place the face of the tool flat 
on the stone. Hold it steadily, and rub 
from side to side, or forwards and back- 
