The stock necessary to make a tabouret of craftsman design as shown in
the accompanying illustration can be purchased from the mill ready cut
to length, squared and sanded. Quarter-sawed oak is the best wood to use
and it is also the easiest to secure. Order the following pieces:
4 legs, 1-1/2 in. square by 22 in. long.
1 top, 3/4 in. thick by 14 in. square.
4 top rails, 3/4 by 4 by 12 in.
4 lower rails, 3/4 by 3 by 12 in.
First square up the four legs. Bevel the tops at an angle of 30 deg. and
hollow out the lower part of the legs as shown in the detail sketch.
Clamp them together with the ends square and lay out the mortises all at
once. Cut the tenons on the rails to fit these mortises. Lay them out in
the same manner as the posts so as to get them all the same distance
between shoulders. The upper rails should be cut out underneath as
shown.
[Illustration: Detail of Tabouret]
The rails and posts can now be glued together. Be careful to get them
joined perfectly square. When they are dry cut and fit the top as shown.
This is fastened to the top rails by means of screws from the inside.
Remove all surplus glue from about the joints, as the finish will not
take where there is any glue. Go over the whole with fine sandpaper and
remove all rough spots, then apply the finish you like best.
[Illustration: Finished Tabouret]
[Illustration: Complete Porch Swing]