ONE of our Indian readers sends us particulars for the making of a easy dwelling cot, which we expect will probably be of basic curiosity.
The cot consists of a skeleton framework supported by 4 legs, the general top being 18 ins. The size of the cot is 5 ft. 6 ins., the width 3 ft. 6 ins. The mattress is made by weaving a superb robust tape mesh as urged within the prime proper nook of the plan drawing. The strategy of jointing the aspect and finish rails of the cot to the legs is considerably uncommon and, if the maker just isn’t aware of the joint, he’s suggested to make a tough mannequin of 1 nook earlier than continuing together with his work. Fig. 1 reveals a plan of the cot as seen from above. Fig. 2 is the entrance elevation, displaying on the suitable a turned leg as urged by our Indian contributor, while on the left we present a sq. tapered leg having a foot which is appropriate for these makers who don’t have any lathe. The wooden used for building of the article is usually teakwood, however there isn’t any purpose why such wooden as ash, beech or birch shouldn’t be used. Fig. 3 offers an finish elevation.
The next is an inventory of the wooden required: 4 legs, 1 ft. 7 ins. by 3 ins. by 3 ins.; two lengthy bars, 5 ft. 7 ins by 3 ins. by 1-1/2 ins. and two finish bars 3 ft. 7 ins. by 3-1/2 ins. by 1-1/2 ins. An arch has been allowed within the size of the bars, however they need to end in width and thickness to the sizes given.
At Fig. 4 we present a sketch of the cross and finish bar mortised into the leg, and it will likely be seen {that a} turned hardwood peg matches right into a suitably supplied gap and locks the tenons, that are dry jointed (not glued) in place.
The pinnacle of this turned peg varieties an decoration or end on the prime of the leg and it ought to in fact match tightly in place in order to stop the teen from pulling it out. Fig. 5 offers a sketch of the top and cross bars of their relative positions when they’re other than the leg. At Fig. 6 is given a sketch of the top bar and cross bar when the cot is fastened in place, however on this illustration the leg is purposely overlooked of the drawing for a transparent illustration. Fig. 7 reveals the joints of the leg portion when the a part of the leg above the road (A, Fig. 4) is sawn off. The hardwood peg is proven at Fig. 8. The above strategies of illustrating the joint have been chosen as a result of the interlacing of so many dotted strains within the strange sketch makes it subsequent to inconceivable for a employee who just isn’t aware of the joint to observe an strange drawing.
If beech, birch or ash is used it might be stained both mahogany or walnut color, after which it might be given a coat of brush polish and when that is laborious the work could also be wax polished. If the cot is made in teak wooden it might be completed as above, however with out staining.
We’re indebted to Mr. S. V. Ramesad, of Beswada, India, for the above particulars. (600)
— from The Woodworker journal, Might 1925
