Useful and Ornamental Woodwork.

Progress, Volume I, Issue 6, 2 April 1906, Page 138

Useful and Ornamental Woodwork.

(Contributed.) Opposite is illustrated a piece of furniture sufficiently plain for those readers having the ability for woodworking to understand both its broad adaptations and its details of connection. A glance at the illustrations will show that they represent a small cupboard, apparently (though not so) fitted with a drawer. There is nothing elaborate m its outlines, nor was it my intention to burden the object with any obtrusive features. Upon unlocking the contrivance the whole front (with the exception of the two outside pilasters) can be withdrawn forward by means of the handle in the form of a door. Behind it is fitted a fairly large box, divided into compartments for the reception of hair brushes, combs, razors, notepaper, envelopes, and the other miscellaneous and useful things which accumulate m the humblest places, and yet often cause such a muddle if not properly provided for with receptacles. Screwed to the back of the upper portion of the frame are two small boxes, destined to contain red and black inks respectively, and also another of longer shape, suitable for the disposal of pens and pencils. The upper panel, instead of being permanently affixed, according to the ordinary practice, is hinged to fall as a flap, and rests upon the top of the previously interior box, serving as a quickly available writing surface. An ordinary pivoted button would be quite sufficient for the purpose of retaining it m vertical position when replaced in the door. The length of leather shown as inserted into its top (or front) would not be absolutely required, although it would prove very neat and attractive. I fail to see any more reason for objecting to the presence of a leather panel (perhaps nicely bordered and centred with a pretty design in gilt) than is to be found in the same kind of thing on the top of a writing-table or cabinet. Surely the upright position as contrasted with the horizontal one cannot be regarded as sufficiently incongruous as to demand boycotting. It might be thought that from the novel mode of construction a weakening or shakiness of the object would be an accompanying feature ; but I do not see why such undesirable qualities should arise. In the first place, the door must be

thoroughly well and liberally hinged. I should advise the fixing of at least four hinges thereto, and, personally, should feel disposed to attach half a dozen. Considering that pressure on the desk would have a backward tendency, and bearing in mind that the hinged frame covers the adjoining pilaster, I do not think that any fear of instability tinder ordinary treatment need be entertained, but increased steadiness could be assured by fastening one or more hooks to the inner edge of the

frame beneath the desk, so that it, or they, could be moved over on to pegs adhering to the thickness of the pilaster. It might seem that as the box and its desk overhangs without intermediate undersupport, the repeated weight of a person leaning upon it would gradually press it out of shape. Here, again, nothing of the kind should be anticipated m the event of the job being strongly made at the beginning. But such a possibility could be frustrated by screwing a solid length of hardwood, of triangular section, in the under angle formed by the bottom of the box and the back of the adjacent cross frame. Those readers, however, who continued to have insufficient faith in this direction could very easily add a hinged framework, resembling one half of the door frame below the box, and hinged behind its middle, so as to be extendable beneath the box, and also, when not so required, replaced in direct contact with the door frame. In this case due allowance must be made for its disposal when the cupboard is closed. A handy mirror could be affixed to the back of the writing flap between a couple of rebated pieces placed lengthways with the flap, and two other strips extending completely across it. The latter would prevent the accidental warping of the panel. Let us for a moment compare the advantages this particular cupboard possesses over one having an ordinary and detachable drawer, and a falldown door intended to lay upon the drawer when the latter were pulled out. To begin with, less ■wood and less work is demanded in the present

case ; the flap may occupy a position right opposite a well-lighted window instead of against the bulk of the cupboard, which would hinder the access of light ; and one lock can be used to fasten up the whole arrangement. It certainly seems disadvantageous that when desirous of obtaining a single book from the article the whole door would have to be opened ; yet after all that process would be but a trifle more troublesome than opening a smaller door. Besides, the users I have in mind would not

wish to be popping to it at odd moments, but spend a few hours continuously at it in an evening, when the writing flap would also prove a handy bookholder. If the bottom ends of the side door frames are neatly and smoothly rounded off, they will not scratch or tear oilcloth or carpet to any noticeable extent when the door is opened. Castors would appear unsightly. For the sake of uniformity, it would be advisable to round off the bottoms of the pilasters. The figures on our illustrations denote as follows : fig. i, the bachelor's cupboard opened and partly adjusted for use ; fig. 2, the bachelor's cupboard fully adjusted for use as a desk, etc. ; fig. 3, the bachelor's cupboard entirely closed. There is no need to add any more instructions or information to practical readers, who, if they, do not adopt the design m its entirety, might at least find suitable suggestions embodied therein. General sizes might be (full length) of door, 50m. ; full width, 30m. ; panel, 22m. long and 15m. wide ; box (outside measure), 18m. long and 14m. wide, and 4m. deep, other sizes according. This would bring the flap about 30m. from the ground. The box must not extend sideways right to the outsides of the door frame, otherwise it will be impossible to close up the article. According to the sizes will depend the possibility or impossibility of opening the combined door and desk properly. In the hands of a skilful workman these matters will prove quite easy of treatment.