Fig. 1289.
To finish work that has been operated upon by a heel tool or by a graver, the finishing tool shown in [Fig. 1289] may be employed. It is usually made about 5⁄8 or 3⁄4 inch wide, as the graver is employed for shorter work. It is ground so as not to let the extreme corners cut, and is used at a slow speed with water. The edge of this tool is sometimes oilstoned, causing it to cut with a clean polish. The tool is held level, brought up to the work, and a cut put on by elevating the handle end. To carry the cut forward, the tool is moved along the hand rest to nearly the amount of its width, and is brought to its cut by elevating the handle as before. When the work has been finished as near as may be with this tool, it may be finished by fine filing, the lathe running at its quickest speed; or the file may be used to show the high spots while using the finishing tool.
Fig. 1290.
Fig. 1291.
For facing the ends of work the tool shown in [Fig. 1290], or that shown in [Fig. 1291], may be used, either of them being made from an old three-cornered file. The cutting edge at a, [Fig. 1290], should be slightly curved, as shown. The point of the tool is usually brought to cut at the smallest diameter of the work, with the handle end of the tool somewhat elevated. As the cut is carried outwards the handle end of the tool is depressed, and the point correspondingly elevated. It may be used dry or with water, but the latter is necessary for finishing purposes.