Elementary cabinetwork for manual training classes

PART I General Directions for Cabinetwork

Equipment for Elementary Cabinetmaking . . 9

Selection AND Arrangement OF Material . . 11

The Making of Drawers 53

Shelving 56

Planing 67

Veneering 69

Backing 71

Patching and Plugging 74

Fastening Tops to Frames 96

PART II Type Forms of Cabinetwork

Chairs i33

Hall Seat 165

PAGE

Clock Case 210

Shoe Box and Costumer 211

Ladies' Desk 219

Bookcase . . 223

Screens . 228

Hat Rack 239

Umbrella Stand . 242

PART III Description of Essentials for Cabinetwork

Tools and ]\Iaterials 245

The Index v

THE INTRODUCTION

THE AIM of this work is to make clear, through definite directions for making the articles illustrated, the general principles of furniture construction, so that the pupil may apply them in making other articles from designs found in trade journals and elsewhere. Although this book is the result of a teacher's experience in manual -training schools, yet it will also be helpful for self -instruction in the home shop.

Knowledge of the correct use of ordinary woodworking bench tools must be gained before any attempt is made in the construction of furniture. Such knowledge is imparted in the author's earlier volume, "Elementary Woodwork."

Elementary Cabinetwork is not to be used merely as a reference book at the instructor's desk, but is designed as an aid to study and is to be placed in the hands of each student. The instructor should see that the projects to be made by each pupil are of such a type as will demand a systematic study of the text.

Though designing and cabinetmaking are different subjects, yet the peculiar arrangement of the text, the variety of designs presented, and the suggestions for new forms and combinations will be found to teach, in the most effective way, the elements of furniture designing.

4 INTRODUCTION

It is assumed that the pupil already has such knowledge of the elements of woodworking and turning as may be gained from the author's preceding works on those subjects. This book aims therefore, to direct the pupil in further study through applying these elements to solving a series of typical problems in practical construction.

For convenience of study the subject-matter of the book has been arranged in three parts : Part I presenting such general directions as seem needful to add to the knowledge which it is assumed the pupil has already acquired; Part II presents a series of tested problems in actual construction found to be within the ability of the pupils of the secondary school; Part III treats of certain special tools and finishing processes not described in elementary study.

Suggestion rather than variety of designs, has been the aim. A few processes thoroughly learned and properly used in typical problems, are far better for educational purposes than attempts at greater variety made at the cost of incorrect practice, and the sacrifice of progressive study to a single exigency in mere construction. No provision is made in this work for the use of wood files and frame saws, because the author firmly believes that their use can easily be dispensed with. Moreover, their habitual misuse has not infrequently impaired the educational value of manual training in a marked degree. For a similar reason the use of the spokeshave has been reduced to a minimum.

The value of the shop work depends upon intellectual activity rather than muscular reaction. Hence problems are selected which encourage thinking and the develop-

INTRODUCTION 5

ment of definite mental activities rather than problems which, by repetition of their processes, lead to skill or the power to perform certain operations by muscular reaction, the mind, meanwhile, being passive or but indefinitely active.

The work of the pupil will be truly educational only in proportion as he is led to use his mind in each operation. Therefore, not only such problems as will tend to encourage mental rather than physical effort should be used, but the whole attitude of the pupil in his shop work should be one of study rather than one of acquiring skill by mere muscular repetition.

No pupil is expected to construct every article described in the text, but by selecting a typical form from each group, he may readily master all the essential problems of elementary cabinetmaking.

Upholstering is not taken up in this volume because of want of space for satisfactory treatment.

The typical designs given herein may be modified in many ways without lowering their value as studies, and the instructor should aid pupils in devising adaptations of wood, finish, and upholstering, suitable for their special needs; taking special care to keep each design within the proper limits of a study. If there appear to be no controlling factors of this nature, let convenience of material be the guide.

It is recommended, as promising greater educational service, that for school class-work the simpler forms of finishing and upholstery be employed, so that more time may be given to the study of woodworking problems. For this reason board and heavy leather seats have proved best suited for school use.

6 INTRODUCTION

Although the drawings in this book show exact dimensions, there is usually a very wide range for sizemodification in the various parts of the designs offered. The text suggests only a few of these size-modifications; but in adopting any such, care should be exercised to keep the designs suitable for school work and adapted to the progress of the individual student. For example, avoid attempts to construct articles with very small tenons, or parts which may be crowded or sprung into position.

Every part and joint should be of such form and size as will compel an intelligent and definite method of work. If there is carelessness, or indefinite method used, the result must be a failure.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE PUPIL

It is especially urged that before the pupil attempts the construction of any article described in this book, he read all the general directions. As he proceeds with each piece he should repeat this, reading all of the references given in the text, until he has a clear understand* ing of all parts of the directions, and is able to recall each part as he has use for it.

The purpose of the general directions is to give the pupil so clear an idea of the methods of combining two or more pieces, as to reduce the number of mistakes and the amount of spoiled material to a minimum. He will, therefore, save time as well as material by studying all of Part I before beginning any project. As he proceeds with the project, or type example selected from Part II, he will find references to various topics in Part I, and these, as well as all other topics that may assist in the work, should be thoroughly studied. If the pupil requires information not found in these topics, he should consult the index in the back of the book. Always proceeding on the supposition that the desired information is to be found in the book, he should continue to refer to the index until practically all information required for making any of the projects is found.

8 SUGGESTIONS FOR THE PUPIL

He should not attempt to make any article illustrated until he has learned to plane out of wind and straight. He should also learn to lay out and to make simple joints, and should be certain that they will be of correct shape and properly fitted, before attempting the study of any article containing combinations of joints. It is a waste of time to attempt the construction of any article, however simple, before gaining a knowledge of the more simple problems.

It should be borne in mind, however, that this book does not include directions for planing, use of knife, try-square, and other fundamental studies in woodworking, these topics being treated at length in the preceding volume, "Elementary Woodwork." Hence, before attempting any project in cabinetmaking the pupil should make himself thoroughly familiar with the instructions given in that work. The fundamental knowledge of tool operations acquired through such a systematic study of that text, will not only add much to his interest in cabinetmaking, but will prove a saving of time when he attempts to make any project laid down in "Elementary Cabinetwork."