Learn something new every day More Info... by email The term
“grindstone” is used to describe two different things, both made
from stone. In one sense, a grindstone is a stone which revolves
on a central axis at varying rates of speed, designed for
grinding and polishing. In another sense, a grindstone is a
millstone, a specialized stone which is designed specifically
for grinding grain. The grindstone in question is usually clear
from the context; both are also used to describe a sense of
burden or work, as in “keep your nose to the grindstone.” In the
first sense, a grindstone is a disc of thick, porous stone with
a hole in the middle. A rotating axle can be mounted through the
hole to turn the stone; it is common to mount a grindstone over
a tub or basin, so that filings are ground into an easily
cleaned container, rather than all over the floor. Using an
electric motor or foot pedal, the grindstone can be turned at
varying rates of speed, which are altered depending on the
project underway. Grindstones ar