Every board has two sides, two edges, and two ends, as in Fie:. 32.

Fig. 32.

The gauge consists of two principal parts - the stick and the block, as in Fig. 33, which figure also shows the method of holding the gauge while adjusting it. (The steel point should be filed to a goose-bill shape so as to cut, not scratch, a line. See two views of it at A.) .

Problem I. Gauge-Drill

Hold the gauge-stick as in Fig. 33, the fingers of the left hand grasping it securely, while the left thumb is free to move up and down the stick, and be kept in constant contact with the block. With the right hand turn. the set-screw about one-half a revolution to loosen it, then raise or lower the block, keeping hold of the set-screw meanwhile with the right hand, and keeping the left thumb meanwhile in constant contact with the block.

Requiring the observance of the above instructions, give the class a drill in unison in setting the block at inch and at half-inch graduations, then at quarter-inches, then at eighths, and finally at sixteenths.

Fig. 33.

Problem II. Gauge Practice

For convenience in holding work, have a rabbit cut in the right-hand end of the bench-top, 9 in. long, 1 in. wide X 1/8 in. deep, as in Fig. 34.

Fig. 34.

Provide a quantity of boards prepared by machinery, 8 in. X 2 in. X 5/16 in. The thickness of 5/16 in. is chosen because 7/8 in. boards resawed and planed will finish to that thickness. The dimensions, 8 in. long X 2 in. wide, are chosen for con- . venience. The chief requisite is that the boards have straight edges. For a class of 25 pupils provide at least 100 boards. Supply each pupil with one of the above pieces. Hold it in the rabbit on the bench by means of the left hand and hold the gauge on it with the right hand, as in Fig. 35.

Fig. 35.

Of that portion of the gauge-stick marked ef, the corner which is lowest and which is farthest from you must rest on the work as in the end view, A. Fig. 36, where the steel point does not touch the wood. {Important feature No. 1.)

Then roll the gauge toward you till the point touches the wood, as at B. Do not roll it till the point stands vertical, as at C, for then the point will enter the wood too deeply and make too heavy a line. Skill must be obtained to make any depth of line called for by holding the gauge rolled at the desired amount between the positions A and C. (Important feature No. 2.) That face of the gauge-block which rests against the edge ab of the work must also be placed in perfect contact throughout its entire length and kept so while a line is being gauged. (Important feature No. 3.) There are, therefore, three important features to be noted simultaneously in every act of gauging, and the pupil should drill till he can note them intuitively.

Fig. 36.

With the gauge set at 1/2 in. and observing diligently all of the above instructions gauge a line from each edge on one side of the board, as in Fig. 37. In doing this drive the gauge forward; that is, from a toward b in Fig. 35.

Fig. 37

Repeat the process on the other side of the board, making four lines in all with the 1/2 in. setting. Set the gauge 7/16 in.

and make four more lines as above, then set it 3/8 in., or 6/16 in., and repeat. So continue till 1/16 in. setting is reached and a side of the board will appear as in Fig. 38.

Request each pupil to write his name neatly in the unlined space on one side of the board, and then, setting the gauge at successive sixteenths above 1/2 in., fill the back side with lines, as in. Fig. 39. These should show improvement over the previous lines.

Fig. 38.

Fig. 39.

Rapid workmen may repeat the problem on another board. Every workman needs to master the problem as a necessary condition to his success with future lessons.

Mark 2 off from 100 for every line that is left broken or crooked.

Problem III. Gauging On Edges And Ends Of Boards

Set the gauge 1/16 in. and gauge on the edges and ends of the boards used in the previous problem. Set the gauge 1/8 in. and repeat. This will be found more difficult than Problem II. The work will appear as in Fig. 40.

Fig. 40.

Further practice in edge and end gauging can be had on boards which will be used in the next two lessons.

Require each pupil to write his name on every piece of finished work.