ls, the desk rails and the top back boards, as shown in the
accompanying detail drawing. Lay out the front posts in the same manner.
Cut the tenons on the ends of the rails to fit the mortises in the
posts. Also cut mortises in the rails for the back and end slats. The
end rails have a mortise in them for the tenons on the ends of the foot
boards. Clamp the ends of the desk together, with the end rails in
place; then fit the side boards. Bore holes through the posts into the
side boards for dowels as shown. After the dowels are in place the holes
can be plugged.

[Illustration: Details of Writing Desk]

Cut and fit the top back board, the bottom rail, the back board and the
stretcher. Cut the top and desk boards at the back corners to clear the
posts. The top board is to be fastened to the side boards with blind
screws. The back board is fastened to the posts with dowels as shown.

[Illustration: Desk Complete]

When all the parts fit square and tight they can be glued together. The
ends of the desk should be glued up first and left to dry, then the
other parts put in place and glued. When clamping the parts together see
that they fit perfectly square and tight. While the glue is drying the
drawer can be made. The front board is made of oak, but the other parts
may be made of some soft wood. The side pieces are mortised and glued to
the front board, The end and bottom boards can be nailed together.

The drop lid of the desk is made as shown. Two or more boards may have
to be glued together for the lid, the desk bottom and the back board.
The lid is fastened to the desk board with two hinges, and it should be
so arranged that when closed it will be even with the sides. Brackets or
chains are fastened to the inside to hold it in the proper position when
it is open. Small blocks of wood fastened to the inner edge of the side
boards will prevent it from closing too far. A lock, if desired, can be
purchased at a hardware store and fitted in place. Suitable handles for
the drawer should also be provided.

When the desk is complete go over it with fine sandpaper and remove all
rough spots. Scrape all glue from about the joints, as the finish will
not take where there is any glue.

The pigeonholes are made from 3/8-in. stock. They may be tacked in place
after the desk is finished.

The finish can be any one of the many mission stains supplied by the
trade for this purpose. If the desk is well made and finished, it will