" In order to insure uniformity, a strip of paper whose length is equal to the circumference of the turned leg is marked into equal divisions of the desired width of the reeds. When the strip is wrapped around the turning, the marks can easily be transferred to the circumference of the piece. For working, a bottomless reeding box (Figure 2.26) is constructed a fraction longer than the turning. The latter !s fastened in place by a screw in the center of each end near the upper edges of the box. A wedge is placed at the side to steady the piece. A marking gage is now adjusted to bear against the side °f the box so that each reed can be marked off vertically the length of the turning. In hand reeding, each scratch mark must be Vcut with a veining tool, then rounded with a skew chisel to form the convex shapings between cuts. Fig. 2.26. Reeding box. 80 . Fluting. The reverse of reeding is fluting, with concave flutes scooped out. A router plane with a roundnosed cutter is excellent for fluting. Both reeding and fluting can be more easily accomplished with a routing machine, which will insure uniformity. Stem legs. Unless draw bore pins are used on a mortise and tenon joint, as in A of Figure 2.27 or a sliding dovetail joint is cut as in B, the curved legs of a stemleg assembly must be glued and clamped separately. Fig. 2.27. Stemleg joinery. With either the plain mortise and tenon or the doweled joint, clamping will be simplified if a small shoulder is left, cut parallel to the tenon, as shown in C. If this shoulder is absent, a gripping surface for the С clamp can be provided by use of a hand screw, as in D. End Elevation j |_5" Scale !'• f' • ? л__, "S7 x!T .....> • У " \ 0>i , I |. у5" Side Elevation ЗО Bottom Plan Fig. 2.28. Earlv American coffee table. INDOOR FURNITURE CONSTRUCTION An Early American Coffee Table. The pleasing effect of this simples designs (Figure 2.28) depends upon the balanced symmetry of its splayed '. Originally constructed with a single slab top, it will be found safer in these ( of steamheated homes, to glue up two pieces to prevent future warping splitting. Short dowels inserted between the edges will give added strength. Lumber List Thickness, Width, Length, Pieces in inches in inches in inches Description 2 1 15 30 Top (15 in. wide) 4 20 Legs 2 34 3 12 Cleats 2 H 2У2 2il2 Rails 2 у - 11 Stretchers (dowels) The corners of the top are rounded off before the upper and lower edges i chamfered by planing. If the bevels are smooth and parallel, the edge will requi but a light sanding "as is"; additional planing and heavy sanding will produ the familiar rounded edge. The legs are planed down as shown in Figure 2.28, with the upper ends wh tied or spakeshaved, then sanded into round tenons 4 in in diameter and 2 i long. If preferred, the edges of all legs may be slightly chamfered. To insure against warping or splitting, flat cleats are mitered as shown ar screwed to the underside of the table, between and beyond the leg holes.