John F. Adams

Swing seats for the piazza are becoming very popular, and the near advent of warm weather leads one to think of fittings which will add comfort during the -season when out-door rest is desirable. The seat here described is easy to make and will be found very useful. About any kind of wood may be used except the softest, like pine. It should be stained a dark green or brown to present the best appearance. The lumber required is as follows:

12 pieces 4 ft. long 3 in. wide, | in. thick.

2 " 5 " "and 2x3 in.

3 " 20 " " " " "

4 " 13 " " I 1/2 X 2 "

3 " 20 " " l 1/2 X l "

The two long pieces and three short pieces of 2 x 3 in. stock are used to make the seat frame, the three cross pieces being blind mortised into the long ones, the mortises for the ends being cut to bring the outer edges of the cross pieces 6 in. from the ends, the other being midway between these two. Good, firm joints should be made, as the strain is considerable. One inch from each end of the long pieces bore holes for the suspension ropes which should be at least 1/2 in. diameter.

The arm posts are made from the 1 1/2 x 2 in. stock, the lower ends being firmly screwed to the corners of the frame just made, on the outside of the cross pieces. The arms are 20 in. long, projecting 3 1/2 beyond the posts. They are attached to the posts by stout screws, the heads being countersunk, and covered with putty or wood buttons before staining.

The back is inclined at a regular chair angle and supported by two end pieces of l 1/2 X l in. stock, and a center piece, the two former being firmly screwed to the rear arm posts and the seat frame. The center piece is attached by screws to the slats only.

The slats for both seat and back are spaced equally and fastened with 1 in. wood screws, the heads countersunk.

Two spacing bars hold the ropes apart above the seat, making it more easily managed, as without such bars it is rather easy to get a spill if care is not used in keeping one's balance. These bars should be located as high as space will permit, and held in place by putting wire nails through both bars and ropes. The ropes are brought together above the bars, and it will be found convenient to have two loops to enable the height from the the floor to be changed, as short people will not find it convenient to use unless they can rest their feet on the floor.

The best way to fit the suspension ropes is to make the loops and splice at the top, to fit the spacing bars and fasten to the seat by tying strong knots underneath after the correct height has been found by test. It should be a little high at first if new rope is used, as the latter will stretch. This can be taken up by untying the knots and retying higher up.

The user must also observe care not to swing end-wise with the fingers on the arms where the suspension ropes will pinch them. Cushions and sofa pillows add much to the appearance of the seat and comfort of the user.