Fastening The Mirror In Position

Gut a piece of blotting paper, or any other soft paper, the exact size of the mirror; lay it in the bottom of the opening before putting in the mirror; this will prevent the mirror from becoming scratched. Press the mirror firmly in position, and cut the piece of rattan long enough, so that when it is laid around the outside edge of the mirror in position, it will fit perfectly tight. A little glue should be placed in the joint which is to receive the rattan; it should then be pressed closely in position. The work should be left undisturbed for several hours for the glue to harden. Use but little glue or it will ooze out and mar the surface of the work; if any glue gets on the surface, it should be removed before it hardens.

Finishing

After all tool marks have been removed, and the work has been made absolutely smooth, it should be finished with shellac. As this piece of work is made of fine cabinet wood, it possibly will not be desirable to stain it. The French polish will be a very suitable finsh (Chapter IV., Paragraph 57). In rubbing the work with sandpaper or pumice stone and oil, be very careful not to rub the glass, for these materials will scratch it. Do not leave this piece of work until a beautiful polish is made.

Optional and Home Projects Employing Similar Principles.

Round Mirror

1. A round mirror, as shown in the illustration at the opening of this lesson, will be found very convenient as a part of a traveling bag equipment.

Elliptical Mirror

2. An elliptical mirror may be made using the plan given in this lesson. The ellipse may be laid out after the manner suggested in supplementary problem P in the chapter on mechanical drawing.