[Illustration: Piano Bench in Black Walnut]
The piano bench shown in the accompanying picture was made of black
walnut and was finished natural. The finish was applied in the following
manner: First, all the parts were well scraped and sandpapered, then the
surface was covered with a coating of boiled linseed oil. After this had
stood several hours, or until it had had time to penetrate the wood, the
surplus liquid was wiped off with a flannel cloth. After the oil had
stood for 48 hours, a thin coat of shellac was applied and allowed to
harden overnight. The next morning this shellac was sandpapered lightly
with No. 00 paper and a coat of floor wax was applied according to the
directions which are found upon every can. Two more coats of wax were
applied after intervals of half an hour and the finish was completed.
The effect is very pleasing. The oil brings out the rich color of the
wood and the shellac and wax serve to preserve the color. The following
stock is needed:
1 top, 1 by 16-1/2 by 40-1/2 in., S-2-S.
4 posts, 1-1/2 by 1-1/2 by 20 in., S-4-S.
2 rails, 7/8 by 4-1/4 by 36 in., S-2-S.
2 rails, 7/8 by 4-1/4 by 13 in., S-2-S.
2 lower rails, 7/8 by 2-1/2 by 13 in., S-2-S.
1 stretcher, 7/8 by 3-3/4 by 36 in., S-2-S.
6 slats, 3/8 by 1-1/4 by 11 in., S-2-S.
With the exception of the legs all the stock is specified mill-planed to
thickness upon two surfaces. The legs are specified planed on four
sides. Square the legs to length and the rails, stretcher, slats, etc.,
to width and length.
[Illustration: Detail of the Piano Bench]
Lay out and work the tenons of the rails and stretcher. The slats are
best made without tenons, the whole end of each slat being "housed" into
the rails. The reason for this is obvious--it is a difficult matter to
fit two or more pieces between fixed parts when their ends are tenoned.
When the ends are housed any slight variation in the lengths adjusts
itself. It is necessary, however, to chisel the sides of the mortises
carefully, but this is a simple matter compared with getting the
shoulders of the tenons, etc., all just alike.
Assemble the parts, using good hot glue. Put the ends of the bench
together first. When the glue has hardened on these, place the stretcher
and side rails. Fasten the top to the frame from the under side, either
by glued blocks and screws or by angle irons.