It is well to realize that cabinetmaking or furniture construction can be planned to include designs and methods that are so elementary that even the beginner can produce a utilitarian object of satisfying appearance. Examples of such items are included in various succeeding chapters as "kindergarten" projects-bait, if you will, for the timorous, in the belief that there is nothing like the completion of a successful venture to encourage more ambitious design and craftsmanship. With an increased understanding of the properties of various woods and materials comes a wider feeling for their possibilities; later the constructive imagination of the home mechanic will be limited only by his own confidence. From simple beginnings more ambitious enterprises will inevitably be undertaken, each requiring close attention to details. Cabinetwork demands careful concentration from its devotees, but no more so than any other successful handiwork, from sewing to barn raising. In constructing a piece of furniture, the amateur craftsman had opportunities for exercising not only a nice precision and patience, but also foresight and systematic planning. If planning is a prerequisite to successful performance in general, then its need will be particularly apparent in cabinet or furniture construction. No matter how crude the result, it will pay the amateur craftsman to sketch his plans before proceeding to dissect his material with saw, auger, or chisel. This is especially true in furniture design, because of the hidden jointing that must be employed at certain points. If the beginner will upend and closely study an available piece of furniture of good workmanship, he is sure to discover methods of construction that will be of value during the preliminary planning phase. The series of undertakings progressively suggested, is intended as an example of what can be constructed with hand tools, and is proposed as a guide for independent planning and development. Various methods of jointing and cabinetwork are illustrated, often in the construction of similar details, proving that, although '"common practice'' mav prevail in different localities for varying periods, in the final analysis each craftsman will inevitably work out individual details to suit his own feeling and technique. The ultimate criteria of the value of a piece of furniture must include affirmative answers to the questions: (i) Will it serve its intended purpose or purposes? (2) Does it provide eye appeal? CABINETMAKING . Obviously design in furniture cannot be considered as a mere abst tion. Artists often create designs that are of great beauty and high artistic me if they are not adaptable to utility, however, the basic purpose of the objec lost, or subordinated. Hence the artistcraftsman is his own best designer, foi will scrutinize and criticize his product from the essential viewpoint of sen Not only will he choose a bold or a delicate design according to the character of the material employed, but also he will insure that a chair is comfortable a table is sturdy and of the proper height.