This plate rack can be made of any kind of wood and finished to match
other pieces of furniture in the room, but as it is of mission design,
oak is the most suitable lumber, as it takes the mission stain so
nicely.
The material required is as follows:
4 posts, 1-1/2 by 1-1/2 by 28 in., S-4-S.
1 top, 7/8 by 7-1/4 by 48 in., S-2-S.
2 plate rails, 7/8 by 6-1/4 by 32 in., S-2-S.
2 back boards, 7/8 by 7-1/4 by 25 in., S-2-S.
2 side boards, 7/8 by 5-1/4 by 25 in., S-2-S.
4 shelves, 7/8 by 6-1/2 by 8-1/4 in., S-2-S.
2 plate rests, 7/8 by 7/8 by 32 in., S-4-S.
[Illustration: Detail of Plate Rack]
This stock is specified to exact thickness, but some allowance is made
for trimming on the edges and ends.
Begin work by squaring up the posts to length and beveling the top ends,
then trim the back and side boards. These are nailed together, lapping
the back board over the side board. The posts are fastened with dowels
placed at equal distances apart. Hot glue is used in the joints.
[Illustration: Dining-Room Plate Rack]
The four shelves are now put in place. These are notched out to fit
around the posts and are nailed and glued.
While the glue is hardening on these, the plate rails can be cut. These
have 7/8-in grooves near the front edge to receive the lower edge of the
plates when resting against the two strips placed 5 in. above the plate
rails and far enough back to prevent the plates from falling forward.
The rails are fastened to the two sides with dowels, three at each end
being sufficient. The two strips fit in mortises cut in the side pieces.
The top is then put on. This fits around the posts and rests on the
sides. Hooks on which to hang cups are placed under the rails. All parts
are thoroughly sandpapered before the stain is applied.