CHAPTER V.EQUIPMENT.

In the following discussion, effort is made to suggest type forms of equipment rather than to offer a complete treatise. The equipment offered may be added to or reduced as the exigencies warrant. While it is complete enough to do the work planned in the outline of the course in woodworking as given herein, and lists everything necessary to do the work in a most approved manner, it does not go to the extreme of listing every tool that might be used in a cabinet shop. It lists every tool that must be used for the work outlined.

While it lists an equipment for grammar school and another for high school, the grammar school equipment with slight additions can be made to serve the purpose of high school work just as well in communities where the same equipment must serve for both.

THE GRADE SHOP. The best arrangement of benches and other equipment, so far as completeness and convenience is concerned is that shown inFig. 8. This is a floor plan of a grade school center. Montclair, N. J. An extended teaching experience does not indicate any way in which this arrangement could be improved.

We quote from a description of this shop which appeared in the April, 1911,Manual Training Magazine.

The shop shown in the accompanyingillustrationis one of six in the town of Montclair, N. J., and what is said of equipment holds true of the others. It is unique in that it is housed in a structure especially built for the purpose. This shop measures 29 by 54 feet, and, having windows on all sides, allows the arrangement of equipment with but little reference to space or light. The equipment consists of twenty-four single benches with the usual tools, and a few essentials for simple metalwork. The benches are partially equipped with rapid-acting vises, the old wooden ones being replaced as they wear out.The demonstration theater was designed for a class of twenty, but larger classes have made twenty-five seats necessary. The demonstration bench has both woodworking and machinist’s vises. It is used also by students for such metalwork as comes in connection with the shop projects. This bench is provided with drawers for tools and compartments for sheet metals, etc.The lumber rack was made by bolting five pieces of 4 × 4-inch chestnut to the side wall, and inserting six 21-inch lengths of 13⁄4-inch gas pipe in each upright. Such a rack is convenient, serviceable and inexpensive.

The demonstration theater was designed for a class of twenty, but larger classes have made twenty-five seats necessary. The demonstration bench has both woodworking and machinist’s vises. It is used also by students for such metalwork as comes in connection with the shop projects. This bench is provided with drawers for tools and compartments for sheet metals, etc.

The lumber rack was made by bolting five pieces of 4 × 4-inch chestnut to the side wall, and inserting six 21-inch lengths of 13⁄4-inch gas pipe in each upright. Such a rack is convenient, serviceable and inexpensive.

Bellevue Ave. Shop—Montclair, New JerseySchoolT TEACHER’S ROOMD DEMONSTRATION THEATREL LUMBER RACKS SINKF FINISHING BENCHG GLUE BENCH1 CASE FOR UNFINISHED WORK2 EXHIBITION CASE3 TEACHER’S DESK4 SUPPLY CASES5 OPEN SHELVES6 GENERAL TOOL CASE7 DEMONSTRATION BENCH8 GRINDSTONEFig.8

Bellevue Ave. Shop—Montclair, New Jersey

T TEACHER’S ROOMD DEMONSTRATION THEATREL LUMBER RACKS SINKF FINISHING BENCHG GLUE BENCH1 CASE FOR UNFINISHED WORK2 EXHIBITION CASE3 TEACHER’S DESK4 SUPPLY CASES5 OPEN SHELVES6 GENERAL TOOL CASE7 DEMONSTRATION BENCH8 GRINDSTONE

Fig.8

The glue and finishing tables, not shown in the pictures, have zinc tops, and are provided with drawers and compartments for keeping the materials used. They provide the means for doing with cleanliness and order what sometimes is a rather troublesome part of shopwork.

Fig. 9.INTERIOR OF GRAMMAR SCHOOL SHOP, MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY.

Fig. 10.LOCKERS FOR STORAGE OF UNFINISHED WORK, GRAMMAR SCHOOL SHOP, MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY.

The permanent exhibit case measures 20 inches by 5 feet 6 inches by 12 feet. It has adjustable shelves, glass doors, and is provided with the same style of lock as are the general tool case, supply cases and demonstration bench.The cabinets for pupils’ unfinished work have been planned to meet the problem of providing a satisfactory place in which a pupil can keep his work from lesson to lesson. The first requirement of the shop seemed a standard size locker; secondly, it must be adjustable to provide for various sizes of projects; and lastly, local conditions demanded a system which could be moved without difficulty. The idea has developed into what is the most satisfactory system with which the writer (Albert F. Siepert) has had experience, either as student or teacher. A sectional case was designed which meets equally the needs of all classes in the art and handwork department, whether they be bookbinding, woodwork or sewing. Each section measures 20 in. by 24 in. by 36 in. The open case in theillustrationshows the maximum number of compartments, eight pupils to the section, each pupil having a space 81⁄4in. by 105⁄8in. by 181⁄2in. for his work. By removing four or six of the upright partitions, the space may be given to four or even to two pupils. Thus any piece of work up to 11 in. by 181⁄2in. by 34 in. can be kept out of the way and under lock and key. Alternate sections are assigned to a class to avoid congestion and confusion.The cost of the building several years ago was $3,500. Local carpenters built the demonstration theater, lumber rack, cabinets, etc. The demonstration bench cost $27; the stain and glue tables approximately $4.50 per running foot; and the cabinets for unfinished work $12 per section.

The cabinets for pupils’ unfinished work have been planned to meet the problem of providing a satisfactory place in which a pupil can keep his work from lesson to lesson. The first requirement of the shop seemed a standard size locker; secondly, it must be adjustable to provide for various sizes of projects; and lastly, local conditions demanded a system which could be moved without difficulty. The idea has developed into what is the most satisfactory system with which the writer (Albert F. Siepert) has had experience, either as student or teacher. A sectional case was designed which meets equally the needs of all classes in the art and handwork department, whether they be bookbinding, woodwork or sewing. Each section measures 20 in. by 24 in. by 36 in. The open case in theillustrationshows the maximum number of compartments, eight pupils to the section, each pupil having a space 81⁄4in. by 105⁄8in. by 181⁄2in. for his work. By removing four or six of the upright partitions, the space may be given to four or even to two pupils. Thus any piece of work up to 11 in. by 181⁄2in. by 34 in. can be kept out of the way and under lock and key. Alternate sections are assigned to a class to avoid congestion and confusion.

The cost of the building several years ago was $3,500. Local carpenters built the demonstration theater, lumber rack, cabinets, etc. The demonstration bench cost $27; the stain and glue tables approximately $4.50 per running foot; and the cabinets for unfinished work $12 per section.

It should be noted that the building was planned originally for twenty benches and that it now contains twenty-four. Twenty benches ought to be the maximum number so far as the giving of proper instruction is concerned. When more are given the instructor the conditions for the most efficient work are not good. This problem of accommodating twenty-four boys will have to be met, and may as well be planned for just so long as school directors insist upon crowding fifty pupils in the regular classroom when the teacher ought to have but thirty-five or forty to do her best work. Then, too, it frequently happens that a room contains more boys than girls. Some of these boys might be sent to another and adjoining center. It is best to plan to care for twenty-four boys, however, where the regular room enrolment runs above average. In this case the dimensions of the building as given in the preceding text should be changed. Enlarge the width of the building by six feet. This will permit the placing of the extra demonstration seats upon the platform and also allow sufficient floor space near the lumber rack for cutting out stock, and about the finishing table, etc.

In placing benches, plan to have the light enter over the back and the left end of the bench. That is, when standing at his bench, the light should strike the pupil in the front and left.

An amphitheater is very desirable both in the high school and the grade school shop. In large classes it is a necessity. With small classes it is possible to make use of desk stools arranged about a bench. Many manual training centers, in fact, most manual training centers, do not have the amphitheater. This is no argument against its desirability. It simply means that the boys get but an imperfect understanding of the demonstration and that their work must suffer accordingly.

The locker problem is one that has been a source of trouble. Thearrangementdescribed in connection with the description of the Montclair shop is by far the best solution of this problem that has come to the author’s attention. The extreme length of pieces that can be accommodated is 34″. A few pieces will be longer than this. These can be accommodated outside the locker or the locker sections may be planned large, say 40″ in the clear.

The grindstone is best suited for pupils’ use in sharpening edge tools. Where a small motor is used for power, it is very desirable to have a small dry emery grinder for the use of the instructor. Ten dollars will cover its cost and it will pay for itself quickly. It can be placed near the grindstone.

Unless the centers have frequent delivery of lumber supplies, or if there is no central cutting-up station, it may be found advisable to add to the building described a small room for the storage of quantity lumber with, possibly, a power saw in it.

The individual bench is to be preferred to the two- and four-pupil bench. Aside from the fact that the double benches are not conducive to good order and system, it is next to impossible to get such benches to remain rigid without going to an initial expense that would be sufficient to purchase the individual bench. Unless they are rigid, it is an injustice to ask a boy to return accurate work. The effect that violent work at one side of a double bench will have upon fine or accurate laying out by some boy on the other side of that bench is not difficult to imagine. The only argument in favor of a double bench is economy of space. If space must be economized, it is better to place the individual benches back to back with just enough space between them to keep them from touching and thus shaking each other.

The rapid-acting vise is desirable, if it is a good one. Some rapid-acting vises now on the market are not as desirable as the old fashioned continuous metal screw vise. A vise is in almost constant use and should be most carefully investigated before being specified.

This estimate does not include lockers, shelving, machinery, etc. The cost of lockers, shelving, etc., can be roughly estimated by noting the price per foot as given in thedescriptionof the Montclair shop. A grindstone with motor power can be purchased for $30.00 for stone and $60.00 for motor.

Where the instructor must do much grinding, a No. 101 Cortland Corundum Wheel Co. Grinder, cost with tool rest and two grinding wheels complete ready to belt $10.00, will be found an extremely satisfactory investment.

Where power is not obtainable a Pyko Peerless Dry Emery Grinder, cost $6.00 with tool rest attachment, will give excellent service. It cuts much more rapidly than a grindstone and is therefore not so tiring on the one who turns it.

In justice to other makers of tools it must be explained that the mentioning of the firm names is due to the fact that indefinite specifications are worthless. There are other tools as good as those named,some of which are preferred by some manual training men to those mentioned. Those mentioned are first class in every respect and will serve to give the dealer an idea of the class of goods you want. It will be for the purchaser to see that he gets equal quality. By all means, avoid the poor grade tool whatever its price. Were it not for limited space the author would like to list other makers of first class tools. If one is not conversant with the different brands let him consult some of his mechanic friends.

The prices given are list price for 1911-12, Chicago. A discount of at least 10 per cent. will be allowed for quantity purchase.

The individual plane-iron is not absolutely necessary. It is very desirable since the plane is in constant use. To make use of the same irons class after class is unjust to the good worker. He will spend a good part of the period getting his iron in condition only to find when he comes again the next week that it all has to be done over again. It puts a premium on slovenliness. True, the same argument holds for the chisels, and it would be well if individual chisels could be provided. The chisel is not used nearly so much as the plane-iron and can, therefore, be used in common much better than the plane-iron.

No machinery for cutting up stock, is included in the estimate. In most cities the high school machinery can be used for this purpose. According to the course outlined, there will be little stock cutting by machinery required. What little there is might well be done as “busy work” by the more rapid workers thruout the year. Such stock could be stored away until needed.

Since the teacher of woodworking must also be the teacher of mechanical drawing in the grade center, no special room for drawing is advisable. With the first twelve weeks devoted to drawing, the woodworking benches can be used as drawing tables, the woodworking tools not being placed until all the drawing work is completed. When the shop is properly cleaned during the summer vacation there is no reason for its not being kept as clean as any special drawing room during the drawing period of twelve weeks. The benches should be scraped clean and shellaced.

A blackboard is needed for both drawing and woodwork and may as well be placed in the woodworking shop.

For the most efficient presentation of drawing there will need to be plenty of blueprints or plates from which the student may work. These must be so well executed, as to technique, that the pupil will have before him only the best as models. No one would think of placing before the writing class other than the best models of style and execution in penmanship, yet it is not infrequent to find mechanical drawing students copying from blueprints that are far below standard as to excellence.

In presenting the problems, models will be found of very great help to the student in his efforts to interpret the conditions. Too much dependence should not be placed upon models in the work of older pupils.

There will be needed in addition to the above a knife, scale, compass, and sandpaper block. The knife and rule used in the woodwork will serve equally well in the drawing. The sandpaper blocks or pencil sharpening blocks can be made in the shop.

In connection with these blocks, it will be found expedient to have them so fastened to the bench that pupils cannot get them on top of the bench in sandpapering a point on the pencil. This can be done by fastening the block to the bench with a screw in such a way that it can be revolved from under the top of the bench when wanted. Otherwise beginners will have the bench top and then drawings covered with the fine lead of the pencil.

In getting equipment avoid “baby” sets. A taboret drawing, to be well made, must be on a scale of1⁄4″. This, with marginal lines will mean a paper of 12″ by 18″.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT.

Excelsior or Eagle Pencil Compass.Pencil, Dixon Manual Training, 2H.Eraser, Ruby Pencil.Envelope for holding drawings.Thumbtacks, two.

The personal equipment to be uniform should be purchased by the school and sold to the pupils.

While this personal equipment may be kept in the woodworking lockers, some instructors prefer to have a special case of drawers to hold the drawing envelopes, and blocks of wood with suitable holes for holding the pencils, erasers, and tacks, monitors being appointed to look after them.

The paper used need not be as expensive as that of the high school where problems are to be inked. A manilla paper such as is used in the regular or freehand drawing classes will answer admirably and can then be provided by the school. Such paper is usually purchased in sizes 12″ by 18″ and 9″ by 12″. The former is the desired size for the eighth grade work and the latter for the seventh grade. A 6″ by 9″ size will be found suitable for stock bills, where printed blanks are not to be provided.

In the matter of paper, it is possible to practice economy without detracting from the drawing. All that are not wanted at the close of the year should be kept and the reverse sides made use of where experimental penciling is required.

Drawing equipment will be stored when woodwork is begun.

The general plan of the wood shop for the high school will depend so greatly upon its relation to other shops in which wood is worked that the most that can be hoped by discussing it is that the plan offered may offer a starting point from which to work. In some communities the one shop will be all that is needed both for cabinet work, first year joinery, and pattern-making with, possibly, wood-turning. In other communities the number of students taking the work may warrant separate shops with full machine equipment for each. In still others it may be advisable to have adjoining shops but still necessary to make use of the same machinery. Some schools plan to have all the classes in one big room, sometimes having as many as seventy boys with three instructors. If this latter plan is followed, tho it is not advised, there should certainly be provided an adjoining demonstration room where the instructors may talk to the boys without the competing noises of other classes.

Fig. 11is a suggestive sketch. It provides for lockers similar in make-up to those discussed in connection with the grammar school.

1. GLUE TABLE2. GRINDSTONE3. BAND SAW4. JIG SAW5. LOCKERS FOR UNFINISHED WORK6. WALL RACKS7. FINISHING TABLES8. TEACHER’S DESK9. TOOL AND SUPPLY CASES10. EXHIBIT CASE11. LUMBER RACKS12. CUT-OFF SAW AND TABLE13. CIRCULAR SAW14. PLANER15. JOINTER16. INDIVIDUAL LOCKERS17. GRINDERFig. 11.SUGGESTED FLOOR PLAN FOR HIGH SCHOOL SHOP.

Fig. 11.SUGGESTED FLOOR PLAN FOR HIGH SCHOOL SHOP.

General tools are to be kept in a tool room which may be placed in charge of a student assistant. Each boy is then to be provided with metal checks. When a tool is asked for the assistant will hang the student’s check in the place of the tool taken out. Upon the return of the tool the check will be returned.

First year students may be safely taught to use the band-saw and jig-saw, with proper safe guards about the former. Other machines are best kept in a separate room.

Since high school pupils ought to be taught how to apply more difficult finishes, such as rubbed varnish, than those taught in the grammar schools, a special room will be necessary in order to avoid the shop dust. This room should be made fire proof, if possible, and should have racks about the walls upon which to place work being finished.

The benches for the use of high school pupils are best when of the cabinet type having drawers below in which each student may keep his individual edged tools. Such a bench with drawers enough to accommodate all the boys that will be able to make use of the bench during the day, with a hinged or revolving board upon which may be fastened the general tools that belong to that bench will cost approximately thirty dollars. This includes a first class rapid-acting vise. The individual bench in the high school is as desirable as it is in the grades.

Where a high standard of technique is to be demanded of the pupils, the following tools should be added to those specified for the grammar school bench equipment:

This list presupposes that the mortising of the first year will be done by chisel alone, no boring. If mortises are to be bored first, it will be advisable to equip each bench with a Barber’s 8″ ball bearing brace, cost $1.45.

In addition to the general tools specified for the grammar school, make the following changes and additions:

GENERAL TOOLS.Omit the rip- and crosscut-saws.Omit the plain braces in case the bench is so equipped.Omit handscrews and clamps, and glue heater.Add 1 doz. Handscrews, No. 812, cost each 40c.Add 2 doz. Carpenters’ Clamps, wood bar, 2-ft., @ 85c.Add 1 doz. Carpenters’ Clamps, wood bar, 4-ft., @ 95c.Add 1 Set Steel Letters,3⁄16″, @ $1.88.Add 1 Steam Glue Heater, O. & L. No. 9, @ $9.50.Add 2 Draw-Knives, 8″, L. & I. J. White, @ 65c.Add1⁄2doz. Steel Cabinet Scrapers, @ 10c.Add 1 Set Auger-Bits in box, R. J. @ $4.00.

GENERAL TOOLS.

Omit the rip- and crosscut-saws.

Omit the plain braces in case the bench is so equipped.

Omit handscrews and clamps, and glue heater.

Add 1 doz. Handscrews, No. 812, cost each 40c.

Add 2 doz. Carpenters’ Clamps, wood bar, 2-ft., @ 85c.

Add 1 doz. Carpenters’ Clamps, wood bar, 4-ft., @ 95c.

Add 1 Set Steel Letters,3⁄16″, @ $1.88.

Add 1 Steam Glue Heater, O. & L. No. 9, @ $9.50.

Add 2 Draw-Knives, 8″, L. & I. J. White, @ 65c.

Add1⁄2doz. Steel Cabinet Scrapers, @ 10c.

Add 1 Set Auger-Bits in box, R. J. @ $4.00.

MACHINERY.

For the highest type of work the following machines should be placed at the disposal of the first year high school classes:

Grindstone.

Scroll or Jig-saw.

Band-Saw.

These machines should have proper safety devices and should be placed where they will be under the immediate observation of the instructor. Machines for woodworking vary so greatly in price and desirability that it is not thought wise to specify any particular make. Only the experienced man will be called upon to equip with machinery and such an one will have the information necessary to make the purchase.

For the second year, or optional cabinet work, there should be placed at the disposal of the students, and they should be taught their use, the following machines in addition to those specified for the first year work:

Circular-Saw.

Machine Jointer.

Planer.

Boring Machine and Mortiser.

Trimmer.

It is possible so to arrange these machines that the circular-saw and planer may be used in getting out stock for other classes. The floor plan given contemplates such use.

EQUIPMENT FOR HIGH SCHOOL MECHANICAL DRAWING.

A special room should be provided for the teaching of high school mechanical drawing.

A north light is best and the tables should be so placed that the light may come upon the board from in front and the left. If artificial light must be used, employ the inverted system.

Fig. 12.TABLE FOR MECHANICAL DRAWING.

Tables have much to commend them over the pedestal. They are easily swept around and keep a room looking orderly.Fig. 12shows a type of table that is commendable. On the left are drawers for keeping the students’ instruments. On the right is a drawer for keeping general equipment that is used by the boys in common. Below thisdrawer is the cabinet for holding the drawing-boards. These boards are so locked that only the board belonging to the boy with the key can be released. Such a table with a top 24″ by 48″ and 41″ high will cost $30, list price. Estimate for individual equipment will be as follows:

There will also need to be cases in which to file the envelopes in which the students keep their completed drawings. If much blueprinting is to be done, there should be a suitable room with sink and running water. Where models are used, there should be a case for storing them when not in use.

Practice varies greatly as to the amount of material provided by the school. Some schools require the pupils to furnish their own instruments, as well as paper and other supplies. The advisability of requiring much or little will have to be determined by the social conditions of the community it is intended to serve.

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