With this tool, saw on the lines exactly as in thin wood, and file the edges smooth. The holes for the heavy nails are drilled. If suitable big-headed nails cannot be found, brass screws may be used, and when in position, the heads filed to any desired shape.
An ancient green effect can be produced on such brass ornaments by painting with ammonia.
The cover of a large chest like this will need to be reinforced by strong cleats on the under side across the grain. They should be 3 × 7⁄8 inches, just long enough to allow the cover to close readily, and should be secured by five or six screws on each cleat.
The bottom may be pine or white wood, secured by nails or screws to 7⁄8-inch square cleats screwed on the inside of ends and sides. A chest of better proportion, but slightly more complicated in construction, is shown at b. Here the front is broken up into three panels, and a better space arrangement secured. The whole front in this case may be put together with mortise and tenon joints, as in panel door construction, or the simpler method just described may be used. The mortise and tenon form is the better way, and as usual takes more time.
Carved panels suggest a very rich and valuable piece of furniture, but they are not necessary, as a good flat polish showing the natural grain of the wood is very satisfactory.
[XLIII]
THE DRAWING OUTFIT
An equipment for mechanical drawing, except the instruments, can be easily made in the shop by any boy who has had some practice with tools.
The drawing board is the first thing needed, and several makes are in use, the object of all of them being to insure a true flat surface by overcoming the natural tendency of wood to warp.