granddad's Mortising chisel

I justed wanted to share my graddad's mortising chisel I restored yesterday

Hi Bret,

Gosh...

First I want to tell you how happy I am to see a young person interested and trying to share what they are learning...I commend you for that.

There are a few things I would like to suggest as a teacher of indigenous and traditional arts myself, it is important to have a clear perspective of your "possible" audience and the range of skills they may or maynot have.

I am concerned that some may take your videos as "good practice" in the way it should be done, and not view it as..."a way"...someone is trying to do it. There is a list of concerns I have in the modalities that are demonstrated, and safety concerns as well.

If you don't mind, here is a few critiques:

YOU MUST WEAR SAFETY GLASSES! AND PROPER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT!

I know we all do things that are "unsafe" at times...Folks like me probably do it way more than most, we don't do it on video. One the issues I have with much that is on "YouTube" is the lack of understanding in what is being presented. It is fine when someone validates with a comment like..."Hello, I am also new to this, so please understand, this is just the way I am trying to do it as I learn...." This is not a release or excuses for how something is done...but...it is an explanation to level of expertise the person in the video has or doesn't have.

As a teacher, we have the ethos that we must validate our level of competence in something and demonstrate the safest and most accurate information we can about something...plus...be very open and clear how much experience we have...or don't have...on any subject.

Speed grinding a chisel is a big "no no" if we want to keep it for any length of time. If we do use a grinder the mental can never be allowed to get warmer than being able to place it on our cheek. If you have to place it in water (quench it) to maintain a cooler temp, or place the tool in ice first, that is fine. However, if the metal has gotten so hot that it makes noise when you put it in the water the temper is now gone and the chisel is not what it once was. In general...never power grind, especially at high speeds.

Stones and Strokes:

There are many stones and strokes used on them depending on the tool and the stone. I tend to use only Japanese tools, and very good water stones of natural and natural based materials. If we are going to teach about stones, one must have the basics done, such as stroke styles, what they do and how they perform, the micron grit levels to go through when sharpening and related information germane to the subject.

If a video doesn't cover this information, then validate that this is not a demonstration of how, but is a presentation of basic steps one is "trying to do" or "learning to understand better themselves." It is not a "how to" video.

Please feel free at any time to contact me here at Permies of on my private email to discuss what your next project may be...I would love to assist wherever I can. Also, please take this as constructive critique only as I love what you are trying to do and show folks.

Regards,

j

Dear J,

Thank you for you appreciation and your time to comment and give me feedback.
I don't see my video's as a how to. the puprose is relaxation for people who are interested in this kinda stuff. I do not want to show expertise or anything. dutchhorse is focused on me learning and sharing my learning proces of the things that I like to do.
Don't get me wrong, I know speed grinding a chisel is the way to go. I make sure to not warm it up. I only grind a second or two and the water never sizzles when I quench it. I would rather restore an old motorized, low rpm sandstone and use that, but money is scarce on me though I plan on buying one as soon as possible. also, the stones. I saved up some money to buy japanese waterstones in different grits. and I will take the time to order these as soon as possible.

on safety equipment: I agree that you should always use protective equipment when necessary. the grinder doesn't make alot of noise, so far for hearing protection. also, the sparks on the wheel go downwards, and so does the debris, so eye protection solves nothing. Don't get me wrong, when using an angle grinder of circular saw I always wear both. debris flies all around and the noise is sparesly said unbearable. I am thrifty as for my eyes and hearing, so i take good care of both when needed.

I do thanks you for your participation and would love to hear any suggestions you have. contact me at contact.dutchhorse@gmail.com and I will look forward to hearing anything that could inspire me..

Thanks again for your time and concern,

Bert

I don't see my video's as a how to. The purpose is relaxation for people who are interested in this kinda stuff.

EXCELLENT!

That was a wonderful way to take feedback and I am so glad to understand better your goals for these videos as they are very wonderful in the body and presentation of them.

Now refine the presentation further...

Write a script for yourself, and have it proofed by others first, then work from it.

Outline the goals you wish to achieve with each video and in your script make sure that you are reaching these goals.

Validate your level of understanding so the watcher knows this is for "observation and sharing only" not a "how to."

If you choose to not use safety equipment...frame it as such...and warn others of how unsafe a practice you are demonstrating might be. Kind'a like the old adage..."do as I say...not as I do."

We all look forward to more videos...

j

thank you J!

A couple of thoughts on safety equipment. Hearing - Long before the noise level bothers you, it is already doing damage to your hearing. If you want to ask me how I know, be sure to speak to me from the left, as my right ear does not work so well

The sparks and debris are going down, eh? Your eyes, your call - but try something next time you use your grinder. Put a clean sheet of nice white paper down on the work table a couple of feet away. Leave it there for an hour or two while you use the grinder and generally work in the shop - then take a look at the paper and see whether it has debris on it. This might also apply to whether or not wearing a dust mask is a good idea.

you sound like you are speaking from experience, I will protective equipment next time!