This is a favourite problem in woodwork for boys, because the tabourette can be put to many uses. It may hold books or magazines, serve as a pedestal for a jardinière, for vases of flowers, for smokers' sets, etc. Its forms are many, and the methods of finishing and decorating infinite.
The five styles shown in [Figs. 177] and [178] are perhaps the most common ones, and they are arranged according to the difficulty of construction.
No. 1. Has a circular top supported by square legs, bound to a lower shelf.
No 2. Has an octagonal top supported by flat legs, which are held together by two strips halved together at the centre, and mortised through the legs. It is stronger than No. 1.
No 3. Is the familiar hexagonal form, with only three legs, made rigid by fastening to an hexagonal shelf.
No. 4. Is the standard square form in mission style, mortised together.
No 5. One of the simplest in appearance, is the most difficult to construct, because of the six long joints mitred at 120 degrees, the well-known Moorish style.
As it is easily possible for any boy to make any of these tabourettes with ordinary tools and ordinary patience, they will be taken up in detail.
TABOURETTE NUMBER ONE
Stock.—Four pieces for the legs, 11⁄2 inches square.