Select the 7/16 inch bit and put it in place in the bit brace. Place the shelf border in the vise and make an X on every second line where the lines cross the line which is 1/2 inch from the back edge, beginning with the third line from the ends. There should be sixteen marks.

Place the spur of the bit at the points indicated by the marks exactly where the knife lines cross the gauge line(Fig.71). Raise the brace to a position at right angles to the surface of the piece. These angles may be tested with the try-square (as in Fig. 34); but it is better to stand first in front of

Fig. 35. Boring.

the piece as shown in Fig. 35, to be sure that the bit is at right angles as seen from this side, and then step to the end of the piece as shown in Fig. 36, still holding the brace in the same position, and see whether it is correct a sex-amined from the end. A little practice in this manner will make it possible to bore holes at right angles to the surface without the use of the try-square. Do not make the mistake of attempting to examine the bit and brace from

Fig. 36. Boring. Compare this position with that shown in Fig. 35.

more than the two positions. As it is often quite difficult to apply the try-square, and as it consumes more time, it is far better to learn to do without it.

When you are quite certain that the bit is in correct position, turn the brace slowly, being careful that the upper end of the brace does not move sidewise. If the bit is a good make and properly sharpened, it will cut without any pressure on the knob. One hand should keep the brace perpendicular and the other hand revolve it. It is not important which hand is on the knob, or which on the sweep, for often, when many holes are to be bored, you will change hands in order to rest them. As soon as the spur can be felt at the other side, remove the bit and bore the next hole. Continue in this manner until all the holes have been bored from one side. Then place the piece in the vise, face side up, and finish the holes by placing the spur of the bit in the hole made while boring from the other side. Do not think that you need not be careful in boring from this side, for if the brace is not perpendicular to the surface, you will -be likely to split off some of the edge of the hole on the back side. It is to avoid this roughness that you bore from both sides.

If the board has a tendency to split it should be moved in the vise, so that the pressure of the vise will tend to keep it from splitting.