"Yes. I first make a rough sketch of my idea, and then a careful drawing of its actual size, with the drawing instruments."
"That's the part that I want to learn: how to use the instruments."
A lesson in mechanical drawing followed, and as it is a very important subject to young woodworkers, it will be given in full in the next chapter.
[III]
MECHANICAL DRAWING
"In taking up mechanical drawing," said Ralph, "always remember that accurate and neat work, containing all necessary dimensions, is half the battle. You will probably feel, as I did at first, that it is a waste of time, but you can always consider that when your drawing is finished the work is half done. You can judge from it the number of pieces of stock required, and their over-all dimensions This saves much time at the wood pile, and tells at a glance to just what size you must square up each piece of stock.
Fig. 17. The outfit for mechanical drawing