John F. Adams

In the design here given for a student's desk, the aim has been to provide ample storage rocm for writing materials, shelves for books, etc., and yet retain an unobstructed surface for work, which shall receive as much light from all directions as possible. Possessing these requirements, it will undoubtedly interest others than the class for whom it is specially provided.

Oak is the most suitable wood of which to make it, and the finish should be a deep brown or green stain, and dull polish. Black iron or oxidized brass hinges and pulls should be used if obtainable.

The top measures 40 in. long, 24 in. deep and 1 in. thick, and the several pieces should be carefully matched as to grain. At the back is a board 39 in. long, 7 in. wide at the center, 5 1/2 in. wide for a distance of 6 in. at each end and | in. thick. The ends of the wide portion are rounded down to the narrower part as shown in Fig. 2.

The fronts of the two covered pockets are 8 in. long, 2 in. wide; all the pieces in the same are 1/2 in. thick. The top pieces are 9 in. long and 2 in. wide, the front edges being bevelled square with the slope of the cover. The outer end pieces are 8 in. long, 6 in. wide at the back and 2 in. wide at the front. The joints with the back piece are mitred. The inner end pieces of the pockets are 7 1/4 in. long and 7 1/2 in. wide. A shelf 17 in. long, 3 in. wide and 1/2 in. thick is placed 3 in. above the top of the desk. It is secured in place by nailing through the inner ends of the pockets and the back.

The under framework requires two pieces 26 1/4 in. long, 8 in. wide and 8/4 in. thick: two pieces at the

Fig. 2.

front the same length and thickness and 11/2 in. wide. Also, two base pieces, 24 in. long, 3 in. wide and 1 1/4 in. thick, the under edge being cut out as shown in Fig. 3. The cross pieces at the ends are 14 in. long, 7 in. wide and 7/8 in. thick. The joints, for all these pieces are mortised and firmly glued when put together.

The front cross piece over the drawers is 37 in. long, 1 in. wide and 3/4 in. thick. The piece under the drawers is 2 in. wide at the ends, cut down in a long curve tol1 1/4 in. wide at the center. The piece dividing the drawers is 5 in. long and 1 in. wide. These dimensions all allow 1/2 in. at each end for tenons.

The under framework is attached to the top by means of strips fastened to the inner sides of the ends, and by screws through the front piece over the drawers.

The shelf at the bottom is 37 in. long, 19 in. wide and | in. thick, mortises $ in. deep being cut in the base pieces for it. At the back is a stop piece 36 in. long and 1 in. wide, nailed on. The other shelf is 36 in. long, if nailed in place, 37 in. long if mortised, which is preferable, and 8 in, wide. It is located 10 in. above the lower shelf.

Fig. 3.

The two drawers are 17 1/2 in. long, 22 in. wide and 4 in. deep . A frame work is glued up to form the run, the construction of which can be learned by examining any bureau or similar piece of furniture, as can also the proper way to make the drawers. The principal requisite to get a rigid desk is to have all joints carefully fitted and well secured with glue, adding nails sparingly where it may seem desirable.