There are many styles of bench stops from the simple square wooden pins to the adjustable and reversible iron stops. One style of iron stop is shown in Fig. 128. Do not think because the stop is made of wood that it does not matter how it is used. The more particular you are to keep the stop in order and at the proper height, the faster you will be able to work. See that the stop is enough above the top of the bench to hold firmly, and keep in mind that many irons tops have a tendency to split the end of the piece. Sometimes when the piece is crossgrained the stop will split a corner or edge entirely off. It is seldom or never best to use a hammer or mallet or anything else with which to drive the piece against the stop. It is not necessary for most work that the piece stick to the stop.

In using the adjustable stop be careful not to strain the adjusting screw. Turn it but a very little either way. You will observe that the stop will stay in place even though the adjusting screw is tightened but a very little. Be sure to have the stop sufficiently low to avoid hitting it with the planes.

Fig. 128. Bench-Stop.