The Grindstone
Given the reliance men of the 18th-century placed on hand tools, this was an essential piece of equipment on most ocean-going vessels.
The Carpenter, in particular, had a myriad of tools in his care—all of which had to be kept sharp for optimum performance.
This was also vital for sharpening the crew’s weapons, as well as the tools of the Boatswain and the Armorer.
So far recovered from the site is one intact grindstone as well as a portion of a broken grindstone.
Such sharpening grinders were operated with a hand-crank, and were probably mounted in a tank similar to the late 18th-century example shown here.
The tank contained oil, or a similar lubricant, which kept the grindstone and the object being sharpened from overheating. This was important since excessive heat could draw the temper from a blade or tool.
