The working drawing shown in [Fig. 64] gives the dimensions of the pieces, the material of which is to be worked out in one piece, as directed in the previous exercise, and then cut up into lengths suitable for the exercise. The student should commence work on a piece with a full understanding of what is required to be done in order to finish the work as called for, and not try to make any kind of work do in order to proceed to the next task.
Notice what is required in this exercise:
1st. That the pieces be perfectly straight and square.
2nd. That the tenon piece be exactly in the center of the mortise piece, and that the angles be right angles or “square.”
3rd. That the work be laid out systematically, with the lines in their proper places.
4th. That the tenon be made altogether with the saw.
5th. That the mortise be cut out with the hand mortising chisel.
6th. That the tenon fit into the mortise, and not be squeezed.
7th. That the joint fit closely, and that the work be finished off smoothly on the sides, with all the corners sharp and the end of the pieces sawed square.
The following methods if carried out will help the student to finish the work as required.