A. Knife Work For Schools Without Shops

Tools

Considerable work can be done in elementary woodwork in the regular schoolroom by using a whittling tray and the tools which accompany it, as shown in Fig. 149. The tray is designed for use on the desk top and is so constructed that it will not slip or mar the desk when in use. The tools which accompany the tray are the No. 7 sloyd knife, compasses, 2 triangles, rule, T-square, and try-square. A few small hammers should be in the equipment.

Fig. 149. Whittling tray and tools.

Measuring And Lining (Optional)

Stock

1 (3/16" x 2" x 6") basswood.

The stock, or materia!, needed by each pupil is expressed as above. 3/16" is the thickness and should be stated first, 2" is the width, and 6" is the length. The figure 1 at the beginning indicates the number of blocks needed for each pupil, Basswood is the kind of wood to be used for this exercise.1

Fig. 150. Measuring and lining.

Place the tray on the desk, as shown in Fig. 149, and put the tools in the trough of the tray to make room on the working bed. Work the exercise as follows: -

1. Place the 3/16 x2" x 6" block on the working bed of the tray with the long way parallel to the long way of the tray.

1 If thin wood cannot be obtained from local dealers, it can be obtained in the form of "basswood tablets" from Milton Bradley Company, Springfield, Mass., A. H. Pomeroy, Hartford, Conn., and others.

2. With the rule and pencil lay off points 1' apart, beginning at one end of the block. Now go back and divide each inch into halves, then divide each half into quarters. (How many quarters in 1" ? In 6"? etc., etc).

3. With try-square and pencil draw lines through these points across the face of the block. Get good lines, lines that are clean-cut and accurate.

4. Repeat 2 and 3, drawing the lines the long way of the block. The face of the block is divided into 1/4" squares.

5. In a similar way draw horizontal and vertical lines on the other side of the block. Draw the lines 1/2" apart, forming 1/2" squares.

6. Draw the diagonals of all of the squares on this side of the block.

The value of the above exercise is in learning to measure accurately and to draw lines that shall have definite meaning. Learn to use the tools correctly and with ease and rapidity. In everything that you do strive to master the best technique. Keep the block that you have used in this exercise for future use.

Match Strike (Fig. 151)

Stock

1. (3/16" x 5 1/4" x 6") basswood.

Supplies

No. 1 sandpaper, stain, glue.

In the making of the match strike proceed as follows: 1. Draw center line on the block of wood parallel with the length.

Fig. 151. Match strike.

2. Measure from the center line to get the width (2 1/2" each side of the center line) and draw lines parallel to the center line, as CH and AF.

3. From points B and C as centers, with a 2 1/2" radius, draw arcs which intersect above at D. From point D as a center draw the arc CB. In a similar way draw arc AB.

4. From point F as a center with a radius of 5" draw arc HG. From point H as a center, and with the same radius, draw arc FG. From the same centers, with a radius of 4 3/4", draw arcs JK and IK which mark the curved boundaries of the sandpaper. Draw a straight line from I to J. You are now ready to do the cutting.

5. Cutting (First Method)

The cutting is done with a sloyd knife as shown in Fig. 152. Cut in the direction of 1, Fig. 152, then in the direction of 2, finishing the cuts towards 12. Cut in the direction of 6, 5, 4, and 3. Be very careful not to split the block of wood. Get good square edges, edges that are clean-cut.

6. Cutting (Second Method)

Follow the outline of the match strike very carefully with the point of the knife blade, making a perpendicular cut in the wood (7, Fig. 152). Repeat the cut, cutting deeper into the wood. Then make a diagonal cut, 8, and lift out the shavings. Now make another perpendicular cut, 9, and then a diagonal cut, 10, lifting out the shavings. Make another perpendicular cut, 11, separating the waste lumber from the finished work.

Fig. 152. Cutting with knife.

7. After all the cutting is done sand the edges and surfaces a little, if it is necessary, with No. 00 sandpaper. Divide a sheet of sandpaper into four equal parts. Fold one of these pieces around a block, known as a sand block, so that the rough surface of the sandpaper is without. The sand block should be about 7/8" x 3" x 4". Sand back and forth parallel with the grain of the wood. Be very careful not to round the corners and edges. Sandpaper should never be used in doing work that can be done with a cutting tool.

8. Stain the block with burnt umber stain, covering all except the part which is to be covered with sandpaper. Apply the stain evenly with a brush. Let stand for fifteen minutes to dry. Rub with waste or a soft cloth. This will bring out the grain of the wood and will help to give a smooth surface. Apply a thin coat of hard oil evenly with a brush. Let stand over night to dry, then apply a second coat if necessary to give a good finish.

9. Bore hole used in hanging the match strike to the wall. In doing this be very careful not to split the block.

10. Cut out a piece of No. 1 sandpaper to the desired shape, apply a thin coat of glue to the back of the sandpaper, and glue in place. Clamp between blocks overnight until glue hardens. Remove the clamps, and the match strike is completed.

Fig. 163. Match strike.

Another design for a match strike is shown in Fig. 153. This is made similar to the one shown above. The teacher and pupils together may work out different designs. Wherever possible, it is advisable to encourage work in original designing.