The two cross slats forming the braces are 3/8" × 3/4" × 13". A center lap joint is made by cutting through half way on both slats at such an angle as will cause the outer edge of the slats to be about five inches apart. The ends of the slats should be sawed at such an angle as will make them flush with the sides of the legs and small holes drilled and countersunk so that they may be attached with 3/4" No. 4 flat-head screws.
Two 3/8" dowel rods should next be cut, one being 12-1/2" long and the other 14" long.
These dowels should be held in place in the legs by 3/4" brads, care being taken not to nail where there is to be a moving joint.
All pieces should be carefully sanded with No. 1/2 sandpaper.
No other finish is necessary.
[CHILD'S STEP LADDER.]
This step ladder may be made in various sizes, the one shown here being suitable for children up to seven or eight years of age. ([Plate 27].)
The two front legs should be cut first, 5/8" × 2-1/4" × 21". It will be noticed that the two ends are cut off at an angle. This angle is obtained by measuring back on one side 1" and drawing to this point from the opposite corner. Make all of these angles equal and if possible cut them in a miter-box.
The two rear legs, or braces, are cut 5/8" × 1-1/8" × 17-3/4", and the two ends are rounded. The semicircle is marked out by setting the dividers, or a compass, at a 9/16" radius and striking the curve tangent to the sides and ends of the legs.