An easily made arrangement to put on the back of a table or desk is shown in Fig. 281, and can be made of stock of from 1/2" to 7/8" thickness, according to the size of the rack.

Fig. 281.

Before beginning work read carefully Marking, Rule, Square, Saw, Plane, in Part V., and look up any other references.

First make the two boxes (see Box-making, page 219), and then the shelf above them. This can be fastened to the tops of the boxes by screws from underneath. The edge can be slightly rounded. The rail or guard at the back and ends of the shelf should be made independently. The back and ends can be joined as shown in Fig. 282, and the whole then fastened to the shelf by screws (see Boring and Screws) from underneath before fastening the shelf to the boxes, or it can be dowelled on, as shown in Fig. 282a (see Dowelling).

Partitions can be fitted in the boxes, forming pigeon-holes or compartments, if desired. These partitions can be nailed in place or, to be more workmanlike, can be fitted in grooves (see Grooving and Shelves).

Fig. 282.

Fig. 282a.

See end of introduction to this chapter for directions about smoothing, putting together, and finishing. See also Scraper, Sandpaper, and Finishing, in Part V.