The Top

Boring the hole in this top piece is a very delicate operation. If you have a Forstner bit, it can be used for this purpose. If not, an ordinary bit, if very sharp, will do the work satisfactorily, if you will be very careful not to bore too rapidly. You can take further precautions to prevent splitting by laying this small piece on a scrap block of the same width, then tightening the two slightly in your vise. Do not attempt to bore this hole entirely through from one side (Chapter II., Paragraph 9). After the hole is bored, lay out and cut the material the size given in the drawing. Finish the edges carefully with a wood file, or a block plane and sandpaper. Make sure that all edges are perfectly square, and that the corners are sharp and distinct.

The Handle

Square the stock for the handle (Chapter II., Paragraphs 2, 3, 4). Lay out the shape of the handle as shown in the drawing, or any other design which you may desire. Whatever design you use should have well-defined lines to correspond with the general idea of the design of the candle stick. With the coping, or compass saw, saw out the shape of the handle. Carefully finish with the wood file and sandpaper, leaving all edges distinct and square.

Assembling

This piece of work is to be assembled with screws and brads. Fasten the upright to the base by a large screw up through the bottom of the base. Bore the hole in the base large enough for the screw to pass through freely (Chapter II., Paragraph 9). Make sure this hole is bored exactly in the center of the base. You can locate this center by drawing pencil lines across the bottom from one corner to the other. Countersink this hole freely so the screw will go slightly below the level of the baseboard. Also be sure that the upright stands perfectly square when it is in position. Fasten the top to the upright with four small brads in the corners. Make sure that it projects equally on all sides of the upright.

The handle is to be fastened to the base and upright with brads; holes should be made for the brads (with a very fine brad awl) entirely through this piece of material, for it is very delicate. You will have to use a fine-pointed nail set to finish driving these brads.

Finishing

The finishing on this piece of work is very important; it must therefore be done with great care. Stain it the desired color (Chapter IV., Paragraph 54); finish with shellac (Chapter IV., Paragraph 57) or wax (Chapter IV., Paragraph 56).

Optional and Home Projects Employing Similar Principles.

Vase

The vase shown in the photograph will be found a very interesting companion piece for this candle stick. You should make a working drawing of your own for this piece of work. It will be suitable for dry flowers, or to contain a small, glass vase of water for a bouquet of fresh flowers.