See C, Topic 92. New subject: Dovetailing. Wood: Oak, or poplar. Preparatory.

A.   Make working drawing. Cut a piece long enough to include all three pieces, with a working allowance of 3". Exercises. 1. A. Plane one edge straight, and both ends square with the face side and edge.

B.   From each end cut one piece 3/4" longer than is required for the end of the book rack. This allows for the possibility that the first attempt at dovetailing may not be successful.

2.   Block-plane each end of the remaining piece square with the face side : and edge. This is long enough to allow the student to make one unsuccessful at-tempt at dovetailing upon each end, and still keep his work up to size. It should be a matter of pride to the student to finish this model as much larger than required as possible, as it is an evidence of skillful work.

3.   See C, Topic 78. Remember that all ends to be joined should be squared and gauged at once. The back edges of the pieces have not been planed yet to their exact dimensions; consequently, in laying out the dovetails, the line to which the pieces are to be dressed must be marked, and the dovetails planned to be the same distance from each edge, after the model is finished. Do not try the pieces together more than is necessary, as it makes the joints loose.

4.   After the joints are satisfactorily completed, cut the ends to conform to an original design, and plane the bottom to width.

5.   A. Plane and sandpaper the inside of the ends and the bottom, being careful that as little as possible is taken off of the pins of the latter, as this tends to make the joint loose. The plane cut should begin at the bottom of the pins.

6.   Using glue sparingly, so that it will not squeeze out on the inside, put the pieces together; use a hammer very judiciously upon a piece of scrap wood, to prevent bruising and to minimize the danger of splitting the end. Be sure that the ends stand perfectly square with the bottom.

7.   After the glue is set, plane (scrape, if oak is used) and sandpaper the outside of the bookrack. Be sure that the plane is carried from the ends on to the piece, instead of the reverse, or the wood will be broken off the same as in injudicious block-planing.

8.   A. Smooth edges of the bottom and the ends,

B. Inspect for blemishes, and correct them. 9. Stain and finish as desired.