bench-hook

The piece to be planed with the block-plane may be held either in the vise, end up, or on a bench-hook, Fig. 109.

Handwork in Wood William Noyes

Then tap the bench-hook with a mallet and the piece will be found to be held tightly down on the bench.

Handwork in Wood William Noyes

The right hand holds the side of the plane flat on the bench and presses it to the left against the bench-hook and work.

Handwork in Wood William Noyes

In sawing, the wood may be held either in the vise or on the bench-hook.

Handwork in Wood William Noyes

The work may be placed on the bench-hook or held in the vise with the side up from which the groove is to be cut.

Handwork in Wood William Noyes

In planing, the left hand holds the work firmly against the block of the bench-hook, pressing it somewhat to the right against the plane.

Handwork in Wood William Noyes

This may be done either in a tail vise or by a handscrew, or by clamping the bench-hook firmly in the vise in such a way that the cleat of the bench-hook overhangs the piece.

Handwork in Wood William Noyes

The _bench-hook_, Fig. 179, is a simple device for holding firmly small pieces of work when they are being sawn, chisled, etc. It also saves the bench from being marred.

Handwork in Wood William Noyes

The block-plane was devised for use with one hand, as when it is used by carpenters in planing pieces not readily taken to a vise or in planing with a bench-hook.

Handwork in Wood William Noyes

In using the bench-hook the piece to be block-planed is placed with the working edge against the block, with the end to be planed to the right and flush with the edge of the bench-hook, in which position it is held with the left hand.

Handwork in Wood William Noyes