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CABINET WORK FOR HOME WORKERS
are fastened together at once. Then the back is put in and is held in place by small blued oval - headed screws. After
this the letter and blotter rack may be sprung into place and, with a little button at the top under which is a leather washer, the desk is complete except for the basket, which should be woven of willow withes to fit the shelf.
Figure 15 shows a simple desk or writing table for the library or living
room. The two little upper drawers with the letter file between give a very convenient arrangement for stowing away letters, writing paper, etc. This is a piece which might easily be made crude and heavy, by just a little awkwardness in getting the right proportions and lack of skill in the use of tools; but if carefully made and well finished it possesses a sturdy attractiveness that is very interesting.
Figure 16. This design for a library table should not be attempted until experience in woodwork has taught the worker how to use his tools and materials well. Everything depends upon care both in construction and finishing and especial attention should be given toward maintaining in their integrity all the lines and proportions, as these details have everything to do with making or marring the design. The end pieces, while massive in effect, are relieved from over-heaviness by the use of slats and the shaping of the broad strips on the outside. The top of the table is fastened firmly with table irons so that it is quite solid. Where the shelf tenons come through the end pieces there is aprojection of three-sixteenths of an inch and the edges are chamfered off to give a smooth rounded effect. The tenon itself should be wedged and glued so that it cannot be pulled out. The dovetailing on the drawer may need a little practice before it is successfully executed, but if it is well done it will be a satisfactory evidence of the cleverness of the worker.
Figure 17 shows a large library table that is practically a companion piece to the round table illustrated in Figure 13. In this case, however, the natural massiveness of the construction is emphasized rather than modified, although the severity of the solid ends is softened by the curved lines and open spaces which serve to take away all appearance of clumsiness. The projecting tenons and keys form a suitable structural decoration and add to the strength of the piece. A strong brace just beneath the top keeps the ends firm while the lower shelf acts as another brace.
Figure i8. The lines and proportions of this small sideboard make it an unusually satisfying piece for the home worker to try his skill on because, if it is well made, it is a piece
FIGURE TWENTY-SIX.-CHILD'S HIGH CHAIR.
FIGURE TWENTY-SEVEN.-PORTABLE SCREEN.
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