Plywood is a modern composition that has become increasingly popular among 46 INDOOR FURNITURE CONSTRUCTION cabinetmakers in direct proportion to the increase in its tensile strength anc variety of exposed surfaces offered. Various plywood designs are offered in a section of this chapter. The dimensions tabulated under the lumber list in each project are the meas ments of the finished stock including all tenons, tongues, curves, and so on. decreasing height, width, and length, the worker can make children's furnit by increasing or decreasing certain measurements, he can build a piece to i restricted space. When such measurements are being changed, however, care sh be taken to maintain the proportion inherent in the design. folding screens Depending upon the type of covering or finish employed, the constructior folding screens can be so simplified that an astonishingly workmanlike, ornamen and useful article can be produced by the beginner. The first project selectee such a one, employing as it does not only the simplest of wood joints by the n inexpensive of materials. Wallpaper Screens. The customary height of folding screens is that of average person 5 ft. 8 in. tall. In a screen of this type the framework is to entirely covered; therefore the cheapest quality of lumber can be employed p vided it is properly seasoned. Lumber List (for one frame) Thickness, Width, Length, Pieces in inches in inches in inches Description 2 3A 68 Stiles 5 3A 12 13 Rails . The construction of the frames, which can be from three to six in numbt affords the amateur craftsman an ideal opportunity to practice a variety of simp joints. Inasmuch as the entire frame will be concealed, the only requirements a that the joints shall be flush, square, and firm. The easiest joint for such a project is of course the butt joint. It can t fastened in place by two 10penny finishing nails driven through the stiles int the rails, provided the latter are soft enough to resist splitting. If all five rails ai clamped together, squared, and cut at one time there will be no difficulty abot their fit. After the top and bottom rails are nailed in place it is a simple matte to insert the center rail, and then center the other two rails in the remaining space in. apart (Figure 2.1). Il Butt joints are the weakest of all joints because the end grain of one membe 48 . (in this case the rail) offers a minimum of purchase for nails, screws, or glue unless one or more dowels are inserted, Therefore six bracing blocks are cut with their long edges parallel to the grain of the wood. They are glued inside the four outer corners of the frame and to the top (or bottom) corners of the central stile as shown in A, Figure 2.1 and fastened with two 8penny nails. The blocks not only will prevent the 10penny nails from pulling out of the end grain of the stiles, but will also insure rigidity at the important corners. If preferred, angle irons can be screwed inside the corners instead of the blocks, as shown at B.