EXAMPLES FOR PRACTICE.

Several figures, [83] to [96], representing more or less familiar parts of machines, utilities, etc., are introduced for practice in free-hand, but—

It must be noted that even in free-hand the wise student will occasionally use the straight edge and compasses, so as to make his first attempts fairly creditable. Many good draughtsmen have begun by simply copying such figures and illustrations as are used throughout this volume and other similar sources; perhaps there is nothing better for practice or training than the copying and reproducing of samples of good mechanical drawings, yet it must always be remembered that advancement in free-hand must be made in the line of less to greater efforts, and that the why and wherefore will be constantly asked by the aspiring student; that good and correct drawings are to be aimed for at all times in every line and dimension—never forgetting the law of proportion in the smallest outlines of objects to be represented.

Fig. 78.

Fig. 79.

Fig. 80.

Fig. 81.

[Fig. 83] is a section, or end view of a bar of angle iron; the student will find helpful practice in attempting this figure; he may be allowed to use a straight-edge in drawing the lines, but no measurements; the work should be tested on completion by a rule, or better by penciling from the original on tracing paper, and comparing the free-hand with the copy, when the defective proportions, if any, will be clearly exhibited.

[Fig. 84] is a section of tee iron, and [fig. 85] is a section of channel iron. These three figures on [page 75] should be practiced alternately, although seeming similar in shape.

[Fig. 86] is a side and end view of an angle plate shaded. [Fig. 87] is a wrench shaded.

Examples of bolt ends are shown in the two next numbers; [fig. 88] exhibits the common square-head bolt, and [fig. 89] the hexagon or six-sided bolt-head; these are also examples of straight-line shading. [Fig. 90] is a lathe-dog, and shows an example of curved shading; [fig. 92] is an engine crank, and an example of straight and curved shading; [fig. 91] is a screw clamp.

[Fig. 93] is a section of boiler plates riveted together; a caulking tool is also shown.

In the example, [fig. 94]—a hand-wheel—the principal difficulty, even for the most advanced student in free-hand, will be in drawing the circles; a coin, if convenient, can be used to scribe about, in drawing these; the other parts can afterwards be filled in around the circle. [Fig. 96] is introduced for practice in penciling and shading; the figure represents a water-wheel on a stone pier.

The familiar oil can is shown in [fig. 95]. These all are excellent objects for practice.