How to Fit up the Home Shop

HOW TO FIT UP THE HOME SHOP At no time has there seemed to be so much earnest interest taken in handicraft work for the home shop by boys and men, professionals and amateurs, as at present. One can hardly enter a home without finding there enthusiasts who are anxious not only to make known the various interesting hand-made pieces contained therein, but also to introduce him to the place— or workshop, as he proudly calls it—in which the owner does his work and in which he finds much pleasure and interest.

That this interest in manual work is making itself widely known, is evidenced by the fact that far-sighted and progressive architects are putting into their house plans rooms which they choose to call "workshops." The workshop is situated in a desirable loca tion on the first floor, convenient to the living room, and is intended for the lighter types of home work. It can be used also as a study or a sewing room.

Tools.

In regard to the tools that should properly go to fit up a home shop for wood working purposes, the beginner should under stand that it is best to have a few tools, and those good ones, rather than to stock up on a lot of cheap ones. A cheap tool that will not "keep an edge" is a poor investment from any point of view. It is not necessary to purchase all the tools listed here at once. They can be procured as needed. However, we have listed only those which will be almost a necessity; and, as most firms make liberal discounts on quantities pur chased, one who has the money to spare will be making good interest on the money invested if he buys all at one time.

First the bench. If one wishes to have every thing of the best in appearance as well as in use fulness, he can purchase a cabinet-worker's bench for almost any price he cares to pay—the price depending on the size and quality. An

excellent bench, with a top made of 21/4-inch maple strips glued up to prevent warping, hav ing a length of 78 inches and a width of 24 inches, can be bought for $8.50, list price. A smaller size, 22 by 54 inches, can be secured for $8.50, including a rapid-acting vise.

A rapid-acting vise, while not a necessity, is a great saver of time. A person who has never used one should investigate before purchasing a vise of the old kind.

The person of an economical turn of mind may easily and cheaply put up his own bench. He should build it to the wall, so placing it as to bring his light upon the work in hand.

A plank of oak 2 inches by 12 inches should be used for the front of the top. The rest of the top may be made of one-inch stock "furred" up to the same level as the plank. A vise, such as is found on carpenters' benches, can be made. The fixtures can be purchased for about sixty cents.

When it comes to the question of purchas ing tools, the greatest latitude must be allowed. The following list represents tools which will be found absolutely necessary for ordinary cabinet work: 1—Jack-Plane, 2-inch bit. 1—Boxwood Marking 1-6-inch Try-Square. Gauge. 1-10-inch Swing Ratchet 1-6-inch T-Bevel.

Brace, ball-bearing. 1-6-inch Dividers. 1-12-ounce Claw Hammer. 1—All-bristle Brush.

1—Hickory Mallet. Stone, fine, 6 by 2 1-6-inch Screwdriver. by 1 inch.

1—Oil Can. 1-1-inch beveled-edge, 1-10-inch Back-Saw. handled Firmer Chisel.

1-24-inch Crosscut Saw. same.

1-26-inch Rip Saw. 1—%-inch same.

1—Spokeshave. same.

To these might be added a SMOOTH PLANE, JOINTER, BLOCK PLANE, and COMPASS SAW.