Keeping tools sharp is an art all by itself, and one of the keys
to accurate work. Besides power grinders and oil stones, we use
this Belgian water stone, supplied by our colleague Alain Weemaels
of Brussels. The water stone gives the final polish to the tool's
edge to make it cut perfectly every time.
Here Ardal mimes playing on a newly-turned flute fresh
off the lathe. At this stage, of course, the flute does
not make a sound. The "furniture-making" part is over,
but that is just the beginning: the sections have no
toneholes or embouchure, and the instrument lacks a
key and a cork.
