a1749 G. C. Deering (1751) App. 366 To it [sc. the hand bar]..the facing Bar is screwed, which makes a channel to receive the lower ends of the sinkers in.
1831 G. Henson 62 Facing bar, screwed on hand bar [in a stocking-frame], to confine sinkers and force them back when required.
1904 G. F. Goodchild & C. F. Tweney 214/1 Facing bar or work bar, a smooth iron plate about 4 in. wide and the full width of the lace machine, over which the web of lace travels on its way to the roller.
1960 3 The work will then pass up over the facing bar..to the work roller.