When gluing up the side rails and posts, first put on a coat of glue on the ends of the side rails and let it dry. This will fill up the pores in the end grain of the wood which will make a strong joint when finally glued together. The dowel pins are made 3/8 in. square with a slight taper at the ends. These can be easily forced into the holes, when the ends of the side rails are coated with glue and ready to be put together, by clamps pressing on the outside of the posts.
The bottom is held in position with narrow strips tacked on the lower edge of the side rails. Square up the top pieces to 8 by 16 in. and fasten one piece to the top with cleats and screws as shown in the drawing. The other piece is hinged to the first one with two 2-in. hinges.
The shoe rest can be made from a block of wood and covered with sheet tin, copper or brass, or a cast-iron rest can be purchased. The rest is fastened to the under side of the hinged top. Stain the wood any dark color and apply a very thin coat of shellac. Put on wax and you will have a finish that can be renewed at any time by wiping with a little turpentine and rewaxing.
HOW TO MAKE A ROLL TOP DESK
The Desk Complete
The materials for this roll top desk can be purchased from a mill dressed and sandpapered so the hardest part of the work will be finished. The wood must be selected to suit the builder and to match other articles of furniture. The following list of materials will be required:
- 68 lineal ft. of 1 by 3 in. hardwood.
- 65 lineal ft. of 1 by 2 in. hardwood.
- 3 lineal ft. of 1/4 by 24 in. hardwood.
- 45 lineal ft. of 1/4 by 10-1/2 in. hardwood.
- 36 lineal ft. of 1 by 12 in. hardwood.
- 35 lineal ft. of 3/8 by 9 in. soft wood.
- 100 sq. ft. of 1/2 by 12 in. soft wood.
- 1 piece 34 in. wide and 54 in. long hardwood.
- 30 pieces 1 by 1 in. 48 in. long.