Fig. 11.—Portable counter or sideboard.
Fig. 12.—Detached parts of counter or sideboard.
The sections are illustrated in [Fig. 12], the pieces marked 1 forming the sides, 2 the top, and 3 the front. Steel eyes are numbered 4, and their purpose is to hold the sides, front, and top together by strong cord, attached as in the back view of [Fig. 11]. 5 in [Fig. 12] is a projecting panel, also seen in the front view of Fig. 11. 6 ([Fig. 12]) indicates the back supports to which the front joined boards are nailed. The beading which is fixed along three sides of the top is seen at 7 ([Fig. 13]).
Having thoroughly grasped the details outlined above, commence to make the sideboard from 3⁄4-inch boarding.
To each of the side-pieces add a bottom support of stouter material, marked with a cross in [Fig. 12]. The front is next placed across the supports in such a position that the top fits down on them and holds all three pieces in place. (See dotted line at 7, [Fig. 13]; this diagram also depicts the separate pieces in elevation.)
It is not worth while “spoiling the ship for a ha’p’orth o’ tar,” or, in this instance, the sideboard for a coat of paint. Before applying this latter, paste the structure over with brown paper, and then give it a coating of yellow ochre and size. A grained appearance may be produced by utilizing an old coarse comb, the fine grain being attained with the thin teeth and the coarse grain with the stout. To obtain the graining, proceed as follows: on the dry coating of yellow ochre put a second coating of dark brown ochre, mixed with size as before, and whilst wet comb in zigzag lines.
Fig. 13.—The separate pieces in elevation.
The great advantage attaching to all the scenery and artificial furniture described is that it can be easily fitted together, taken to pieces, and packed flat, thus occupying a minimum of space. For practical purposes it will be found quite equal both in appearance and for durability to that for which many dollars are charged at a theatrical supply dealer’s.