The heading and grinding of the needles process removed the excess metal from around the eyes which occurs when the needle eyes are stamped (Heading). Also, after the needles are broken in two, the tops of the head of the needle need to be smoothed and rounded off (Grinding).
1) This image shows ‘Schumag’ automatic needle grinding machines, operated by Amy Bayliss and Lily Day. Graham Ladbury is shown operating a ‘Rotary’ needle grinding machine. 1946
2) Hand Grinding with Lambert Roberts, A Court and W J Flight. 1946
3) Bernard Robinson is shown working a surface grinder. 1946
4) Mrs Beck is shown operating one of a battery of three ‘Schumag’ automatic needle grinding machines. Mrs Day is shown operating a Rotary grinder and her husband, Mr Albert Day (now totally blind), can be seen sitting in the background ‘spitting’ needles. 1947
5) A ‘Schumag’ needle grinding machine, operated by Mrs G Taylor. 1954