The purpose of the following studies is, (I) to give to beginners in woodworking an opportunity for the acquisition of skill in the handling of tools, and, (II) some practice in designing simple projects in wood.

I. This series of projects is not offered as a hard and fast course. The training of the hand does not depend upon following a fixed order, like a course in geometry. Many roads lead to the goal. This course claims to be a practical one because, tho constantly changed, it has been a successful one. No greater misfortune could befall a course in handiwork than that it should be stereotyped. Indeed, my chief misgiving in publishing the course is lest it seem to have found final shape.

To obviate this impression, other projects involving the same or similar processes are suggested and illustrated.

It will be noted that the course here outlined is so planned that:

1. A variety of woods is employed, each appropriate for its particular project. They are: cypress, whitewood, maple, white pine, mahogany, chestnut, hickory, sweet gum, oak, and black walnut.

2. In general, the technical processes involved increase in difficulty thru the series, but esthetic considerations are not sacrificed to this formula.

3. Several types of construction are employed, involving such joints as: end-lap, rubbed, miter, middle cross-lap, doweled butt, and ledge.

4. A few simple processes in copper working are included because their employment considerably extends the range of useful and ornamental projects available.

5. A variety of finishes is suggested, including several methods of staining, as well as the use of such polishes as oil, wax, and shellac.

In a word, the course involves a considerable variety of experience in technical processes.

The attempt is here made to reduce the practice of the shop to words and pictures, in order that it may be available to those who must work alone. The author, however, does not at all presume to believe that, however helpful books may be to the worker, they can ever fill the place of individual instruction and demonstration.

II. In this series all but two of the projects, the picture-frame-clamp and the mallet, are such as to invite the worker to create his own designs. To this end a considerable number of suggestive illustrations are introduced. Design may begin with pure imitation, but it never ends there. It is my hope, therefore, that as the student worker proceeds thru the series, he will more and more freely design good things. Some general suggestions for help in designing will be found in Chapter II (Wood A Medium Of Artistic Expression), and these are supplemented in each succeeding chapter by concrete application of the general principles to the project in hand.