John F. Adams

The design for the small desk here described is such that the construction is easy, and may be attempted with confidence by anyone having but ordinary skill in wood working. If care be taken in cutting the pieces to the right lengths and with square angles, a very satisfactory job will result. For these reasons it is thought that many readers, who are students in manual training, will find the design one which can be utilized by them in the construction of a useful piece of furniture. Oak is the most suitable wood, although gum wood is excellent.

The side pieces are 50 in. long, 12 in. wide and 7/8 in. thick, the curved openings at the bottom being 6 in. high and 8 in. wide. Have these sawed out at the mill, sending a drawing with the order. The bevel at the top is 3 in. each way or 45°. The four cross-pieces are 24 1/2 in. long, 7/8 in. thick ; two 12 in. wide and two 11 1/2 in. wide. The wider pieces are for the top and bottom pieces and have 3/4 in. rabbets cut on the back inner edges for the backing, which is of 1/2 in. matched stock. Grooves 1/4 in. deep are cut in the side pieces to receive the ends of these cross-pieces the upper piece being 5 in. from the top, the second 14 1/8 in. below the top one; the third and bottom one are spaced 10 in. apart, leaving a 8 1/2 in. space under the lower shelf.

The drop-shelf is 24 in. long, 14 1/8 in. wide, and will have to be glued up from two pieces. At each end cleats 2 in. wide and 3/8 in. thick should be fitted to corresponding rabbets cut on the upper side. These cleats should be carefully fitted, glued up and kept in clamps until the glue is thoroughly dry.

The pockets inside for paper, etc., may be made of maple, finished natural to give a contrast, or of oak and stained, as preferred. The stock is 3/8 in. thick and 10 in. wide. Two pieces 23 1/4 in. long, two pieces 9 in. long, two pieces 6 3/4 in. and two pieces 6 in. long, are needed. The two end pieces should be nailed to the ends of the cross pieces, the other two vertical pieces are then nailed in place after nailing to them the ends of the two short shelves, the other ends of the latter then being nailed through the end pieces. This frame is then attached to the desk with screws put through from the inside. It may also be supported by a 1/2 in. square strip screwed to the backing when the latter is in place. The backing should be in strips 36 1/2 in. long and enough is needed for a width of 24 in. and is nailed on with small finish nails.

The drop leaf is attached with ornamental T hinges of brass or black iron, as may be most conveniently obtained, and also with suitable side chains, as shown in the illustration. A lock is fitted to the outer edge. Stop blocks are glued to the inside upper corners of the case to hold the drop leaf flush when same is lifted.