Assembling

The side pieces are to be nailed on to the end pieces. Be sure to make them perfectly even on the outside. Use finishing nails and drive them carefully (Chapter II., Paragraph 21). The bottom of the shoe polishing box is to be made of one piece of 1/4" three-ply material. This bottom is to be fastened in position by small strips nailed on the inside of the ends and sides. It may be well to fasten these strips and the bottom in position before the top is put on. Fasten the stationary side of the top by nailing it down through the side pieces. Make sure it projects exactly the same at each end, and that it is parallel with the edge of the box. Hinge the other half on to this piece. Be very careful to cut neat gains in which to bed the hinges, so that the joint will be tight when the box is closed.

Foot Piece

Square the stock (Chapter II., Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) for the foot piece. Lay out and execute the shape of this piece of material. Much of this piece of work can be done with the drawing knife. Finish with the pocket knife and wood file. Fasten this piece in position with screws. It must not be fastened too near the outside edge, or it will strike the edge of the box when it is being closed.

The Drawer

Plane out the drawer sides and the back piece, making sure they are exactly the same width. Assemble with nails and test with the try-square to make sure that it is perfectly square. Nail a three-ply bottom on to this drawer frame. Turn the box upside down and nail the drawer carriers in position. Do not nail the drawer carriers too tight, or the drawer will not work well.

Finishing

With a sharp block plane smooth any joints which may not be perfectly even. With a steel scraper (Chapter II., Paragraph 16), remove all pencil and tool marks. Set all nails slightly below the surface; putty the holes; smooth with fine sandpaper (Chapter II., Paragraph 17). Stain the desired color (Chapter IV., Paragraph 54); finish with shellac (Chapter IV., Paragraph 57) or varnish (Chapter IV., Paragraph 58). When the finish is dry, add the drawer knob.

Optional and Home Projects Employing Similar Principles.

Mortised And Tenoned Shoe Polishing Box

1. Suggestion No. 1 gives a plan of construction which will make a very excellent shoe polishing box. This is a much more difficult design but is worth while because of the excellent cabinet principles involved.

Simple Shoe Polishing Box

2. Suggestion No. 2 shows a very simple plan for the construction of a shoe polishing box. It is assembled with plain butt joints. This plan of simple box construction is correct in every detail, and at the same time has no particular difficulties.

Measuring Crate

3. The principle of plain box construction can be applied in innumerable ways. A very practical problem is found in working out proper dimensions, and making a peck, half-bushel or bushel crate.