In MEW 83, Mr Ted Wale described a rather super system for grinding lathe tools, and I know exactly why he went to such lengths. Recently, at an advanced age, and for family reasons I moved across this continent. Suffering from shingles, I left packing to the experts, so my beautiful Crompton Parkinson, 1/2 HP 8in.x 1in. bench grinder had its left shaft slightly bent, as a result of travelling on a bench top and suffering some unknown fate. So I bought another machine, which obviously came from the same stable as Ted's, though it has a local tool supplier's nameplate. The tool rests could only be described as pathetic (in polite society). Like Ted, I am a rank amateur, but of more than 70 years standing, and as a youngster I learned what could be done with hand tools. (I still own, but do not use, a breast drill!) 70 years is perhaps an exaggeration, as there were 6 years soldiering and rather more devoted to education. During the other years I graduated from a hand turned wheel, to the present day powerful bench grinders. 30 or so years ago I started grinding 1/4in.sq. HSS lathe tools for a small home-made lathe, and for twenty years have ground tools for a somewhat heftier machine. Even the C.P. grinder had to have its tool-rests modified. (The large platforms I provided extended over the edge of the bench, and one of them was driven into the L. wheel).
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