The Bench here illustrated was designed by the author in 1889. It differs from the ordinary carpenter's bench in that it is adjustable to suit the height of the worker. Instead of the common iron bench-stop for planing, it has an end vise and holes for wooden stops or pins along the bench-top. These hold the wood securely at both ends while planing bevels, cylinders, etc., and in modelling different forms. A single stop may be used for straight - surface planing. As a general rule, such work as requires strong muscular effort should be done in the direction of the length of the bench, and any hammering or pounding should be done over the upright supports. The top is glued up from four or more strips of maple to prevent warping, and the lower part is fastened together by keyed joints. Vises and screws are made of maple. Wood screws are considered better, although iron screws will be furnished if desired.

Fig. 1.

Two sizes of this Bench are made. The smaller size is designated by the manufacturers as No. 6, and is large enough for any work which may be done by children in grammar grades.

The extreme length and width of Bench No. 6 is forty-two by twenty-eight inches, and Bench No. 5 is one foot longer. The height may be adjusted from thirty to thirty - three inches, which is suitable for pupils from eight to twelve years.

The Benches should be placed in such a way as to have the light come from the left and back as the worker faces the Bench.

The distance between Benches should not be less than two feet. Benches should be securely fastened to the floor by means of a leg screw at each end.

Tools most frequently used are kept on the bench, in racks, and on hooks, all within sight. This arrangement allows the teacher to observe readily the order in which the tools are kept, and in this respect it is superior to the use of drawers and lockers. The back-board with the tool-rack may be lowered, if desired, so as to make it level with the bench-top. Great care should be taken not to injure the bench-top. To keep it in good condition it should be rubbed down occasionally with raw linseed oil.