Learning the Lingo

I could launch into a litany of words and phrases specific to goldsmithing that would not make a lot of sense to a non-smith.

No copper tongs in the pickle.

The girdle is uneven.

It’s time to sharpen the graver.

Pour the ingot through the flame.

Bleed the line.

I could continue, but I’ll spare you. The point is that any discipline or avocation is going to have its own vernacular. I’m learning the lingo of stone masonry.

Chinking helps to set.

The wall needs a good batter.

Two on one. One on two.

I found a book in the Cedar Cross library called Building Stone Walls by John Vivian.

I also managed to get another handy volume called Stonework by Peter McHoy.

As any good autodidact would, I’m finding it helpful to read/listen to several different perspectives and then engage each area somewhat methodically, taking note of what works and what doesn’t. Sometimes I don’t know what doesn’t work until it’s done and I notice that the drainage is off in a heavy rain, or that a wobble develops after some repeated walking.

So there are a few areas that I plan to revisit and improve. But for now I’m enjoying moving forward with what’s next. With the exception of a few tweaks to come, I have completed all the walkways at the main garden entrance.

Up next is The Pocket.

But first, let’s pause and celebrate this milestone!