Fig. 187. Method of making a checker-board
As in other woodworking problems, have a full-sized or half-sized mechanical drawing ready before using a tool.
A checker-board built up of 11⁄4-inch squares will be ten inches square without the frame. (See [Fig. 187].) With 11⁄2-inch squares, it will be twelve inches on each side. This is amply large and a satisfactory working size. The material should be either 1⁄4 inch or 3⁄8 inch thick. Plane the strips about sixteen inches long by one inch and a half wide.
Lay the four strips of dark wood on edge on the bench top and carefully fasten the four in the vise. Remove a light shaving to insure their width being all alike.
Treat the light strips the same way.
Next place all eight strips together and examine for inequalities. Too much care cannot be exercised at this point, as the success of the problem depends on it.
To make doubly sure, reverse every alternate strip end for end, and if inequalities appear place all eight strips in the vise and remove a light shaving. One of the best methods for making these strips of equal size and with perfectly square edges is to construct a shooting board, or arrange one already made, as shown at a.
The strip s is set to a gauge line made 11⁄2 inches from the edge. The strips are laid in this space and planed in the usual way, until the plane touches the stop. This makes the width of all pieces the same and gives true edges.