| Build a slatted mission-style piano bench. |
You will need:
- 1 top, 1 by 16-1/2 by 40-1/2 in., S-2-S.
- 4 posts, 1-1/2 by 1-1/2 by 20 in., S-4-S.
- 2 rails, 7/8 by 4-1/4 by 36 in., S-2-S.
- 2 rails, 7/8 by 4-1/4 by 13 in., S-2-S.
- 2 lower rails, 7/8 by 2-1/2 by 13 in., S-2-S.
- 1 stretcher, 7/8 by 3-3/4 by 36 in., S-2-S.
- 6 slats, 3/8 by 1-1/4 by 11 in., S-2-S.
With the exception of the legs all the stock is specified mill-planed to thickness upon two surfaces. The legs are specified planed on four sides. Square the legs to length and the rails, stretcher, slats, etc., to width and length.
Detail of the Piano Bench Construction
Lay out and work the tenons of the rails and stretcher. The slats are best made without tenons, the whole end of each slat being "housed" into the [7] rails. The reason for this is obvious—it is a difficult matter to fit two or more pieces between fixed parts when their ends are tenoned. When the ends are housed any slight variation in the lengths adjusts itself. It is necessary, however, to chisel the sides of the mortises carefully, but this is a simple matter compared with getting the shoulders of the tenons, etc., all just alike.
Assemble the parts, using good hot glue. Put the ends of the bench together first. When the glue has hardened on these, place the stretcher and side rails. Fasten the top to the frame from the under side, either by glued blocks and screws or by angle irons.
*Note: We are not sure the "hot glue" they refer to in the paragraph above is the same thing as our "hot glue" today. Use your judgement.