THE BILLY BOYS’ WORKSHOP

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20127, 21 April 1928, Page 20 (Supplement)

THE BILLY BOYS’ WORKSHOP

HOW TO MAKE A KEBB. This kerb for the hearth can be made of oak, or ordinary wood enamelled white. An enamelled one has been made for me by a young friend, and I can tell you exactly how it is done. The kerb is 40 inches long and the sides, measured from the outside edge, 14 inches. The wood is two inches thick through, and four wide. Study the diagrams, and see how the corners arc made. Do not round them off till they are fixed together. Measure and mark carefully with a pencil before cutting away the wood. The corners are fixed together with two large

screws which are screwed in from the bottom of the kerb. By this means the top is kept smooth and hardly shows a join when painted. When fixed, round off the corners, and rub with glass paper. If the kerb is to be enamelled, it should be marked out to resemble tiles; if of oak, it must be stained and polished. If you wish to copy this measure the kerb first, mark out the “tiles” with a pencil, and then cut away sufficient wood to make a nice sharp groove between each. Beware of the corners; mark them out first.

It is better to size white wood before enamelling it, and give it one coat of paint before you put on the enamel. If you do not want a white kerb, enamel it to match the tiles of your grate.