t is, the stone may be kept truer circumferentially, as
all stones have soft spots or sides.

IN THE USE OF GRINDSTONES.--There are certain things to avoid and to
observe in the use of stones. Never use one spot on the stone, however
narrow the tool may be. Always move the tool from side to side. Never
grind a set of narrow tools successively. If you have chisels to grind
intersperse their grinding with plane bits, hatchet or other broad
cutting tools, so as to prevent the stone from having grooves therein.
Never use a tool on a stone unless you have water in the tray.

[Illustration: _Fig. 17. Correct manner of holding tool._]

[Illustration: _Fig. 18. Incorrect way of holding tool._]

CORRECT WAY TO HOLD TOOL FOR GRINDING.--There is a correct way to hold
each tool; see illustration (Fig. 17). The left hand should grasp the
tool firmly, near the sharp edge, as shown, and the right hand should
loosely hold the tool behind the left hand. There is a reason for this
which will be apparent after you grind a few tools. The firm grasp of
the left hand gives you absolute control of the blade, so it cannot
turn, and when inequalities appear in the grindstone, the rigid hold
will prevent the blade from turning, and thus enable you to correct the
inequalities of the stone. Bear in mind, the stone should be taken care
of just as much as the tools. An experienced workman is known by the
condition of his tools, and the grindstone is the best friend he has
among his tools.

INCORRECT WAY TO HOLD TOOL FOR GRINDING.--The incorrect way of holding a
tool is shown in Fig. 18. This, I presume, is the universal way in which
the novice takes the tool. It is wrong for the reason that the thumbs of
both hands are on top of the blade, and they serve as pivots on which
the tool may turn. The result is that the corners of the tool will dig
into the stone to a greater or less degree, particularly if it has a
narrow blade, like a chisel.

Try the experiment of grinding a quarter-inch chisel by holding it the
incorrect way; and then grasp it firmly with the left hand, and you will
at once see the difference.

The left hand serves both as a vise and as a fulcrum, whereas the right
hand controls the angle of the tool.

[Illustration: _Fig. 19._]

These remarks apply to all chisels, plane bits and tools of that
character, but it is obvious that a drawknife, which is always held by
the handles in grinding, and hatchets, axes and the like, cann