_Stock._--Four pieces for the legs, 1-1/2 inches square.
The height varies, usually being between fourteen and eighteen inches.
It is purely a matter of proportion. Sixteen has been adopted in
the drawing as a good average. The top, a circle thirteen inches in
diameter, is cut from a piece thirteen inches square and 7/8 inch
thick. The shelf may be an exact duplicate of the top, but it appears
much better, as shown in the drawing, as a square with corners cut off
to fit against the legs. The method of getting this form is shown by
dotted lines on the circular top.
The method of construction is very simple. The top piece being laid
out, is cut close to the line with turning saw, and finished to line
with chisel and spokeshave. The square openings for legs are sawed out
and the wood removed with a chisel.
[Illustration: Fig. 177. Three styles of tabourettes] All chisel work
should be done on a bench hook or on a piece of scrap board, as a
cutting block.
In preparing to assemble, lay the four legs side by side on the bench
top or fasten in the vise. Make sure they are equal in length. Four and
a half inches from one end draw a pencil line with try square across
all four. Half an inch from the other end draw a similar line; this end
is to be the top. These pencil lines are for locating the holes for the
screws, so that they will all be on the same level. Bore a hole on each
line with a bit or drill, large enough so that the body of a round-head
blue screw either 2-1/4 or 2-1/2 inches long will just slide through.
Before assembling, bevel or round the top of each leg about 1/8 inch.
Fasten the four legs to the top with the screws, slip the shelf into
position, and make fast in the same manner. Stand the tabourette on a
level surface, and if it needs levelling, proceed as explained in the
making of saw horse.