Gnomon pattern just one-half actual size
Next make a shadow-piece, or gnomon, as it is called. Get a thin piece of the same kind of wood as is used in piece A, and lay it out as follows: With the fibres running in the direction AB, beginning at point A construct an angle equal to the latitude of the place where the dial is to be used. For example, if the latitude of a town is 41 degrees construct the angle D 41 degrees, or if it is 42 degrees, let D be 42 degrees. Then cut from A to C, and sandpaper carefully. Take the wooden shadow-piece and fasten it to the centre of piece A. Fasten by two brads or small nails about ¾ inch or 1 inch long, or glue it. Place piece A over piece B so that a margin of ¼ in. will be left on all sides.
Place A so that the fibres will run at right angles to B to prevent the boards from warping. These two pieces may be fastened together by driving a brad in each corner, or gluing, or both.
POT-REST
Use almost any kind of wood, as white wood, cherry or white oak.
Two pieces of wood 8 x ½ x 1½ in. are needed for the cross pieces. These should be planed. There are needed also four little pieces as feet or pads. The dimensions of these should be 1½ x 1½ x ½ in.
To make this stand, draw a line across the two long pieces 4 inches from either end. Lay off two other lines parallel to this ⅝ inch to the right and left. Transfer these lines down the edges by the aid of the try square. Saw on the inside of these lines down one half the thickness, or ¼ inch. Chisel out for a half-lap joint.
A pot-rest like the above is worth making because it lasts
The sawing and chiseling should be done carefully. It is necessary to saw on the inside of the lines or a loose joint will be had. Doubling the passage of the saw through the wood will often make the difference of ⅛ inch.