Four groups of four spokes each will result by following out the process described. Separate the spokes by drawing the outer ones into the corner spaces. They should have the appearance of spokes in a wheel, as in [Fig. 16]. Use two weavers of No. 4 reed, in the pairing weave, as shown in Fig. 16, and in detail in [Figs. 9 and 10]. Continue the pairing weave until a center, 8 in. in diameter, is woven. Crowd up the weaving closely, for the appearance of the top will depend much on the first few rounds. Hold the center with the left hand, and manipulate the weavers until they are well seated in their proper places.
When a few rounds have been woven, nail the center securely to its place on the middle of the top. This will leave both hands free for the weaving. After a disk, 8 in. in diameter, has been woven, begin the triple weave illustrated in [Figs. 17 and 18]. As the triple weave is begun, add another spoke, 8 in. long, between each pair, all around the top, making 16 new and 16 original spokes. When two or three rounds are woven, the new spokes will become secure. Continue the triple weave to the edge of the top. Measure and cut the end of the spokes to uniform length. Curve the ends over the edge to see how much will be needed before cutting, allowing about ¹⁄₂ in. for insertion into the holes in the edge.
Wet the ends of the spokes with water until they are pliable enough for the curve. Bending and tying them down while wet and permitting them to dry in this position, as shown in [Fig. 19], is desirable also. Weave down the curve of the roll and insert the ends of the spokes in their respective holes with glue. Then with the single, plain weave on the under side of the roll, weave well up to the ends of the spokes.
For the disk-center method of construction, as shown in [Figs. 14 and 20], use ¹⁄₂-in. maple, and cut it 5 in. in diameter for the centerpiece. To locate holes on the edge of the disk draw a line ³⁄₁₆ in. from the upper edge and mark off spaces 1 in. apart, except four, which are made ¹⁵⁄₁₆ in. apart, to make a convenient division, practically uniform. Bore the holes ³⁄₄ in. deep. Number 5 reed is used for the spokes and No. 4 reed for the weavers. The disk should be toenailed around its edge with brads, fixing it firmly to the top before the spokes are inserted. Proceed with the pairing weave, as in the other method described, until 2 in. of the spokes is covered; then change to the triple weave and add additional spokes. Proceed as with the other type from this point on.
The taboret is braced by two 1-in. dowel rods, placed 2 in. above the bottom roll of the sides and extending from one corner to the other, diagonally. Their crossing at the center may be made into a halved joint, by cutting away one-half of each rod on the adjacent edges. The ends are fitted closely into the corners, and are nailed to the legs.
A taller stand or small table, the side weaving of which has been described as applied to the taboret shown in [Fig. 1], is illustrated in [Fig. 2]. The construction in general is similar. A lighter roll is used for the top, and the bottom ends of the legs are curved outward slightly. The legs are curved by steaming the ends of the corner posts, clamping them into position, and permitting them to dry.
The footstool, shown in [Fig. 3], may be made as a miniature stand, with vertical legs, and the spokes set in a circle under the top board. The spokes and weavers will carry the form, if well woven. The stool may also be braced, to withstand hard usage. It should be about 12 in. in diameter at the top, 10 in. in diameter for the body, and 6 in. in height.
The method of forming the opening shown in the side of the taboret in [Fig. 1], and the weaving of the construction, will be readily understood from the method described. The principles and methods presented may be applied readily to other construction of the same general type. The physical limitations of reed, as a constructive material, and the necessity for a substantial framework must always be considered in such adaptations in order to obtain satisfactory results.
¶One ounce of nitrate of iron added to 8 oz. of hyposulphite of soda in a gallon of water and applied hot, produces a green finish on brass.