This model has been designed to serve a dual purpose: first that of holding books and second, that of an end table or stand. Your reading lamp will fit well on the top, and when this piece of furniture is placed along side of a comfortable chair, it will be very easy for you to remove a book or place it back again, since both the front and one end are open.

You will need a little better grade of lumber for this project, since it will probably occupy a rather conspicuous place in your room.

There is no standard size that you must make these shelves; that will be a matter for your own judgment to decide. The following dimensions however, will be found to be very satisfactory —height, 24" to 38"; width about 16" or 18" and depth about 10". Use any workable wood about 3/4" thick that is smooth on both sides.

Method Of Procedure

Step No. 1: Cut out four shelves to the sizes desired, square and true. Cut out the side piece, back and narrow front strip.

Step No. 2: The simplest way to assemble this model is to use 11/2" round head wood screws, about number

9 is a good thickness; put these screws on one end and back of each shelf. The corner strip, which should be about 7/8"x7/8" can easily be nailed to each shelf with finishing nails or brads (nails with small heads). The top should bef nailed to the sides and back with brads also. Use a No. 14 brad about 13/4" long. The heads must be countersunk, that is set below the surface, so that the holes can be puttied to conceal the nails.

Step No. 3: Lay out and cut the curved design on both the top strip and base piece; then securely nail these in place.

Step No. 4: The finish you put on this model will be entirely a matter of your own personal choice. You can imitate mahogany or walnut by first applying a stain of the shade you like, then when dry, apply about three coats of thin white shellac (thin with alcohol). Gently rub each coat with No. 00 sandpaper or steel wool and the final coat with fine steel wool; then wax. Before applying the finish, be sure to clean off all sawdust with a soft brush.

You may prefer a lacquer or paint finish, using a brilliant color for the main parts and running a black stripe on all edges. If paint is to be used, apply three coats as follows. The first coat should be made with one-half turpentine and one-half raw linseed oil and just a little drier. The second coat should be a flat paint and for the last coat, use an eggshell enamel. If lacquer is used, apply a thin coat of white shellac to the entire model; when dry, lightly rub down with No. 00 sandpaper. Then apply the lacquer, following the directions given on the can.