Hello Listers, Would anyone on the list know what an "Ironmaster" and an "Iron Planer" did for a living back in the 1800`s. I am totally unfamiliar with these terms or trades, and i was hoping that someone on the list might enlighten me. I apologise if the posting is not strictly genealogy. Regards, Norm. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.532 / Virus Database: 326 - Release Date: 27/10/03

Hello Norm, an Iron planer did what it says. The machine planed the iron or steel, but not like wood, it took a sharp pointed 'V' tool to make a stroke across the metal. and with each stroke it removed metal to what ever depth you set the tool. Such as 1/16" or 0.062" deep, plus the width of the tool. The tool would pass over the surface of the metal one stroke at a time. The finish might look a grooved surface depending on the machine setting, But would never looked like a planed piece of wood. A fine machine finish on the planer was obtained by the tool shape, plus filing and then hand scraping with a chisel produced the final finish. I did this on Robinson rubber mills, a Salford company in the 1950s. Kind regards Mike Morris Toronto Canada ----- O.iginal Message ----- : Norman Archibald To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2003 10:36 PM Subject: [ENG-LAN-MIDDLETON-L] re Trades and Professions Hello Listers, Would anyone on the list know what an "Ironmaster" and an "Iron Planer" did for a living back in the 1800`s. I am totally unfamiliar with these terms or trades, and i was hoping that someone on the list might enlighten me.