The size of the pedestals and the connecting pieces will depend upon the size of the arch. These connecting pieces should be well mortised into the post, and if you own your own home and intend the pedestals to become a fixture, they should also be mortised into the sides of the arch. If not, they may be fastened to the arch with blind screws. The amount of material required will depend upon the size of the arch.
A LADY'S WRITING DESK
This desk of mission style is a little more complicated than some of the other pieces of mission furniture that have been described, but anyone who has a fair knowledge of tools will not have much trouble in constructing it in the home workshop if the plans are carefully followed. Quarter-sawed oak is the best wood to use, as it is easy to work and looks best when finished. Order the stock from the mill ready cut to length, squared and sanded. Following is a list of the stock needed:
- 2 front posts, 2 by 2 by 30 in.
- 2 back posts, 2 by 2 by 50 in.
- 1 bottom rail, 3/4 by 3 by 31 in.
- 2 end rails, 3/4 by 3 by 18 in.
- 1 stretcher, 3/4 by 8 by 33-1/2 in.
- 2 end slats, 3/8 by 8 by 15 in.
- 1 back slat, 3/8 by 8 by 15-1/2 in.
- 2 back slats, 3/8 by 3 by 15-1/2 in.
- 1 front drawer rail, 3/4 by 1-1/4 by 31-1/4 in.
- 2 side drawer rails, 3/4 by 3 by 18-1/4 in.
- 1 drawer front, 3/4 by 6 by 30 in.
- 1 desk lid, 3/4 by 18 by 31-1/4 in.
- 1 desk board, 3/4 by 19-1/4 by 31-1/4 in.
- 2 end boards, 3/4 by 19 by 21-1/4 in.
- 1 top board, 3/4 by 10 by 34 in.
- 1 top back board, 3/4 by 5 by 31-1/4 in.
- 1 back board, 3/4 by 30 by 22 in.
- 2 drawer sides, 1/2 by 6 by 19-1/2 in., S.W.
- 1 drawer end, 1/2 by 6 by 29 in., S.W.
- 1 drawer bottom, 1/2 by 18 by 29 in., S.W.
- 2 pieces for pigeon holes, 3/8 by 7 by 23 in., S.W.
- 8 pieces for pigeon holes, 3/8 by 4 by 6-3/4 in., S.W.
Start with the back posts, being sure they are square and of the right length; place them side by side and lay out the mortises for the lower rails, the desk rails and the top back boards, as shown in the accompanying detail drawing. Lay out the front posts in the same manner. Cut the tenons on the ends of the rails to fit the mortises in the posts. Also cut mortises in the rails for the back and end slats. The end rails have a mortise in them for the tenons on the ends of the foot boards. Clamp the ends of the desk together, with the end rails in place; then fit the side boards. Bore holes through the posts into the side boards for dowels as shown. After the dowels are in place the holes can be plugged.
Details of Writing Desk
Cut and fit the top back board, the bottom rail, the back board and the stretcher. Cut the top and desk boards at the back corners to clear the posts. The top board is to be fastened to the side boards with blind screws. The back board is fastened to the posts with dowels as shown.