A portable window seat of neat appearance, which is designed to take the
place of a cedar chest, is shown in the accompanying sketch. If care is
taken to make the joints fit well, the box will be practically airtight
and mothproof, providing a place in which to store extra bedding or
furs. The following list of materials will be needed:
36 ft. 1-in. thick cedar boards for the box.
1 piece pine, 2 by 2 in. by 12 ft. long.
32 ft. of 1/4 by 2-in. oak strips.
54 ft. of 1/4 by 1-in. oak strips.
16 doz. R.H. 3/4-in, long brass screws.
1 piece green burlap, 24 by 48 in.
2 pieces green burlap, 20 by 44 in.
2 pieces green burlap, 20 by 20 in.
20 pieces red burlap, 3-1/4 in. square.
The box as shown in Fig. 1 is made first. Nail the sides and the bottom
to the ends, being careful to get the box perfectly square. The corners
can be dovetailed together if desired. The extra time it takes in making
the dovetailed joints will greatly add to the durability of the box. The
box can be made much stronger by nailing the sides and ends to posts 2
in. square placed on the inside. Cleats should also be placed on the
inside, at the bottom, as shown. Fasten four blocks, 2 in. square, to
the bottom for the box to rest upon. These can be attached with long
screws run through from the bottom of the box.
[Illustration: Fig. 2--Design of the Covering Strip Put on Over the
Burlap]
The green burlap is glued to the outside of the box. Be careful not to
apply too much glue on the burlap, or it will soak through. This should
be tried out on a scrap piece, and when the proper application of glue
is ascertained, applied to one side of the burlap and stuck on the box.
Place the cloth on so the weave will run in the same direction on all
sides. The oak slats are cut and fit over the burlap as shown in Fig. 2.
Care should be taken to make the mitered joints a tight fit. After the
miters are all cut and the location of the squares, found, they are
marked so that pieces of red burlap may be placed over the green before
the slats are fastened permanently. The slats are put in place over the
burlap and fastened with small brass screws.
Cover the top or lid with green burlap, allowing the edges to lap over
the ends and sides and fasten under the side strips. This top can be
stuffed with excelsior, if desired, and tacks with large heads driven in
to hold it in place. The slats can be stained any color to suit the
maker. They should be removed from the box when being stained so as not
to spot or stain the burlap.