Projects for Beginning Woodworking and Mechanical Drawing

"Projects for Beginning Woodwork and Mechanical Drawing" is composed of woodworking projects that have proved of exceptional service in introducing the subject-matter of woodworking in a systematic manner.

The aim thruout has been to provide successful rather than unique projects. For this reason a number of familiar projects will be found included. Some of these are already in print. Having been in use quite generally before they appeared in print, they may be considered as common heritage, and having proved themselves of exceptional worth, they are here repeated.

A few projects, notably the china wall rack, stool, picture frame and pedestal, are original only in that the dimensions or construction is modified. The first is after a design by John D. Adams, the others after models in use in the schools of Cleveland, Ohio.

The working drawings of these projects have been planned with special reference to the gradual introduction of the conventions of mechanical drawing. The simpler conventions are in keeping with the present trend in the practice of the best drafting rooms. The indefinite length of blocking-out line as used in these plates is a device intended to keep ever before the beginner the draftsman's method of attack. Experience has shown this to be a most effective way to discourage line drawing from point to point.

All of the projects for mechanical drawing here given are completely solved. Experience has shown that it is possible for a boy to make a very excellent copy of a drawing without fully understanding its meaning. The making of stock bills assists greatly in forcing the boy to interpret his drawing. In addition to this, however, it is advisable to give the pupils some work in problems that are unsolved. Problems in Mechanical Drawing by Charles A. Bennett is especially designed to meet this need, and the problems of Groups I-IV in his book have been used by the author in connection with plates of Groups VII and VIII with very great success. While not directly connected with the woodwork, they form a most effective method of reviewing the principles of drawing given in connection with the plates of Groups I-VI.

The directions under "Notes on Drawing" and "Notes on Woodworking Projects" are for the pupils use. They are not intended in any way to take the place of a careful demonstration, but are offered merely as guide posts to aid the beginner in his efforts to recall the order of procedure as given in the demonstration. When he has become accustomed to working in a logical manner there is no longer any necessity for definite directions in note form, hence the meagerness of the notes for the later groups.

While the projects and notes of the book are arranged especially for use with the courses outlined and discussed in Correlated Courses in Woodwork and Mechanical Drawing by the author, there is nothing in the form of the plates themselves to prevent their being used with any course in beginning woodwork.