The construction of the cabinet, however, brought new problems. The shelves, being short, did not require any vertical support except at the ends, where they were gained into the sides, and to give Harry practice the top and bottom were to be "rabbeted" into the sides. The sides then were the most important parts. All six pieces were first squared up to the dimensions called for in the drawing. The list of material was as follows:
| 4 pcs. 245⁄8 × 12 × 1⁄2 shelves |
| 2 pcs. 14 × 12 × 1⁄2 ends |
| 1 pcs. 251⁄8 × 14 × 1⁄4 back |
"The grain must run the long way," said Ralph, "so the grooves will be across the grain."
The four grooves were laid out with knife and try square, and the lines scored as deeply with the knife as possible.
Then another cut was made with the knife inside of the first, and with the knife held at about 45 degrees, cutting out a V-shaped groove, as shown at a.
In each of these grooves a cut with the buck saw was made down to the line, and the wood removed with the 3⁄8-inch chisel. There are special planes, called rabbet planes, and plows for doing this kind of work, but it is good practice for beginners to use the chisel.
The grooves finished, the cabinet was put together with 11⁄2-inch brads, except the back. This being of thin material, and having no special strain on it, was nailed on with 1-inch brads. The total width of the drawers in each tier was 1⁄8 inch less than the space. This gave clearance, so that they could be moved in or out easily.
Later, when all twelve drawers were finished, the boys bought a dozen simple drawer pulls, and screwed one in the centre of each box.
The centre was found by drawing the diagonals in light pencil lines. The front and ends were sand-papered, and given two coats of dark-green stain, and the cabinet was placed on a shelf against the wall.