Dory next handed up a large bundle of bits. “This is an augur-bit,” the carpenter continued, holding up one of this kind. “This is a pod-bit, and this a centre-bit. Here is a reamer, used to enlarge a hole in a piece of metal, as a hinge. This is a countersink, to fit the opening of a hole in wood or iron to the head of a screw.
“This is an iron square, to be used mainly in heavy work, such as framing a house. These are try-squares, very handy for bench-work. This is a bevel, with which you get the slant of any thing, and reproduce it in your work. Here is a package of two-foot rules. I shall give one to each of you, for a mechanic should always have
his rule about him. Carry it in your pocket. A level: in putting up a shelf, for example, you will ascertain when the board is horizontal by applying this implement.”
Many other tools were taken from the box, but the master-carpenter’s method of describing such things has been sufficiently shown.
“Now, my lads, the next thing is to dispose these tools where you can get at them,” Mr. Brookbine proceeded. “We have six benches, and more will be put up when they are needed. Each of them is provided with a bench-hook and a wooden vise, or bench-screw.”
“What is a bench-hook?” asked Phil Gawner.
“This iron with half a dozen teeth like a saw. Under it is a lever, so that it may be raised or lowered, according to the thickness of the board you are planing, which it holds in place. Behind each bench we shall put a shelf, on which the planes are to be kept.”
“Can’t we keep them on the bench, as most carpenters do?” asked Dory.
“You can, but I don’t think that is the best way. You see that each bench is provided with a dust-brush, to be used in removing the shavings;
and a neat workman will keep his bench as free as possible of rubbish. If you want to brush off your bench, you must move your planes twice, or put them on the floor. On the shelf they are always out of the way when not in use. We will make this shelf at once. We will have it four feet long, and six inches wide. It will be large enough to accommodate some other tools.”