keeping the chisels sharp
Blacksmiths were crucial to Hallowell society and industry. The blacksmith’s skills were needed, as with any other community, for shoeing horses, creating nails, repairing wagon wheels, etc., However, the blacksmith was crucial for the granite industry to keep the granite cutting and carving tools sharp and in form. One source states one blacksmith was required for every three stone cutters to ensure the tools were ready for the days work in the quarries or stone yard.
Note how thin the neck of the handle is on the hand hammer. Tony Masciadri told me this is so the impact of the hammer hitting the chisel and the hard granite does not telegraph up the handle–to relieve stress on the cutters hand after a day of chiseling granite.
artist, Chris Cart
tools
The granite tools here include a Point, Chisel, Hand Plug Drill and a Hand Hammer.
Michael Frett #61 of Hallowell posed as the blacksmith in the mural.
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