Seventh. Square knife line around the four smoothed sides with knife and try-square as near one end as possible, carefully observing the precautions given in Chapter II.
Eighth. From the line just drawn, measure the required length along edge of working face and square a line on the four sides at the last point, as at first end.
Ninth. Block-plane first end to knife lines. If the second line is more than an eighth of an inch from the end of block, saw to the knife line with backsaw, and block-plane smooth and square.
The above method should always be followed in preparing stock for laying out the exercise.
23. Laying Out. Let it be assumed that the exercise to be executed is the middle lap joint shown at A, [Fig. 50].
Fig. 50. Successive Steps in laying out and making a Middle Lap Joint
First. Square up stock, leaving ends rough.
Second. Lay off the length of each piece, in this case 4½ inches, with an eighth of an inch between for sawing, as at a.