All the stock for this bench should be of 7/8-in. oak, excepting the
slats, which may be of a cheaper wood. The following list of lumber will
be required to build it:
4 slats, 7/8 by 4 by 17 in., cheap wood.
2 cleats, 7/8 by 1 by 26 in., cheap wood.
4 end rails, 7/8 by 2 by 16-1/4 in., oak, S-2-S.
2 ends, 7/8 by 16 by 16-1/4 in., oak, S-2-S.
2 sides, 7/8 by 4 by 25 in., oak, S-2-S.
2 pieces, 7/8 by 5-1/2 by 25 in., oak, S-2-S.
[Illustration: Detail of the Hall Bench]
Start the work by first cutting the two pieces of 7/8 by 5-1/2 by 25-in.
material diagonally 1 in. from each corner, thus making the legs. The
edges are planed square and the ends should be rounded a little so that
there will be no splinters projecting. The legs are mortised 1 in. deep
for the side rails. The tenon ends are cut on the rails, care being
taken to get the right angle and a good fit. These can now be fastened
together, using hot glue on the entire surface of the joint.
[Illustration: Bench Made of Plain Oak]
While these are drying the ends can be made as shown in the plan. The 3
by 4-in. holes are cut at equal distances apart. Be sure that each end
is perfectly square, then glue and dowel the 2-in. strips at each end.
The ends are then glued and nailed to the sides, using finishing nails,
which are set and the holes filled with colored putty.
The cleats are now fastened, extra care being taken when fastening them
over the joints where the legs receive the side rails, as this will help
to strengthen the joints. The slats rest on these cleats and are placed
at equal distances apart.
The bench is now finished, but before applying the stain, see that all
parts are free from glue and are well sandpapered.
The leather cushion should be the loose kind and of a shade to harmonize
with the finish.