Home Woodworking Shop
Following the plain directions herein given, anyone using ordinary care can produce substantial, home-made pieces of furniture of which he may justly feel proud.
Kids Workshop
Some simple pieces are detailed-very well worth while making, though easy of construction. Other pieces are more complicated, calculated to tax the skill and ingenuity of the most experienced craftsmen. All of them will be found to be attractive, sturdy, and practical. They will furnish very enjoyable and profitable work for the amateur craftsman, and will solve for a good many carpenters that old problem- what to do in dull seasons.
In the pieces selected, there is no sequence of models, each description, with its accompanying instructions, being complete in itself, so that the craftsman may begin work on any piece he chooses.
How To Outfit the Home Shop With Woodworking Tools
At no time has there seemed to be so much earnest interest taken in handicraft work for the home shop by boys and men, professionals and amateurs, as at present. One can hardly enter a home without finding there enthusiasts who are anxious not only to make known the various interesting hand-made pieces contained therein, but also to introduce him to the place- or workshop, as he proudly calls it-in which the owner does his work and in which he finds much pleasure and interest.
That this interest in manual work is making itself widely known, is evidenced by the fact that far-sighted and progressive architects are putting into their house plans rooms which they choose to call "workshops."
The workshop is situated in a desirable location on the first floor, convenient to the living room, and is intended for the lighter types of home work. It can be used also as a study or a sewing room.
Woodworking Tools
In regard to the tools that should properly go to fit up a home shop for woodworking purposes, the beginner should understand that it is best to have a few tools, and those good ones, rather than to stock up on a lot of cheap ones. A cheap tool that will not "keep an edge" is a poor investment from any point of view. It is not necessary to purchase all the tools listed here at once. They can be procured as needed. However, we have listed only those which will be almost a necessity; and, as most firms make liberal discounts on quantities purchased, one who has the money to spare will be making good interest on the money invested if he buys all at one time.
First the bench. If one wishes to have everything of the best in appearance as well as in usefulness, he can purchase a cabinet-worker's bench for almost any price he cares to pay-the price depending on the size and quality. An excellent bench, with a top made of 2 1/4-inch maple strips glued up to prevent warping, having a length of 78 inches and a width of 24 inches, can be easily made. A smaller size, 22 by 54 inches, can be made with a rapid-acting vise.
A rapid-acting vise, while not a necessity, is a great saver of time. A person who has never used one should investigate before purchasing a vise of the old kind.
The person of an economical turn of mind may easily and cheaply put up his own bench. He should build it to the wall, so placing it as to bring his light upon the work in hand.
A plank of oak 2 inches by 12 inches should be used for the front of the top. The rest of the top may be made of one-inch stock "furred" up to the same level as the plank. A vise, such as is found on carpenters' benches, can be made. The fixtures can be purchased for about sixty cents.
When it comes to the question of purchasing tools, the greatest latitude must be allowed. The following list represents tools which will be found absolutely necessary for ordinary cabinet work:
1-Jack-Plane, 2-inch bit.
1-Boxwood Marking
1-6-inch Try-Square.
Gauge.
1-10-inch Swing Ratchet
1-6-inch T-Bevel.
Brace, ball-bearing.
1-6-inch Dividers.
1-12-ounce Claw Hammer.
1-All-bristle Brush.
1-Hickory Mallet.
1-Oil Stone, fine, 6 by 2
1-6-inch Screwdriver. by 1 inch.
1-Oil Can.
1-10-inch Back-Saw.
1-26-inch Rip Saw.
1-Spokeshave.
To these might be added a Smooth Plane, Jointer, Block Plane, and Compass Saw.
Auger Bits can be bought as needed. A full set is convenient, though hardly necessary. A Nail Set, Countersink, Steel Square, and four Bar Cabinet Clamps will be needed. Also a Combination Plane, for making rabbets, grooves, etc.
The cost of this outfit of tools will not be so great as one might think, when purchased as a whole. Some firms have cabinets in stock, upon which they make special prices, in which the list of tools is not far different from the above. It is well to investigate their quality-only high-grade tools should be purchased. If you are not informed, ask someone who is. You may depend upon it that the kind your carpenter friend uses and will recommend will be satisfactory.
There can be no satisfactory work done with dull tools. A grindstone will be needed. The kind that is run with the feet is best, as it leaves both hands free to hold the tool.
A miter box is very convenient, and will save much time-and possibly material-in the hands of an amateur.
Of course, we might add to these many other conveniences. We know one suburbanite who has a lathe, power saw, etc., run by an electric motor. He spends no more upon this hobby of his than his neighbor does upon golf, and in the end has beautiful pieces which his children will be glad to treasure after he is gone. Nor is this all there is to it. He has two growing sons who find their place of pleasure and recreation in this same shop. The fellowship of father and sons is "good to look upon" in this day when so many fathers have "no time" to give to their sons, who, having nothing else to do, are apt to spend their time on the streets, running wild, causing trouble for law-abiding citizens who are so unfortunate as to live within the range of their depredations.
Woodworking Tools For the Home Workshop
Kids Workshop
