ng. Drill various sized holes through the steel as shown in Fig. 1,
leaving the edge of each hole as sharp as the drill will make them. Cut
off a block of wood the length necessary for the dowels and split it up
into pieces about the size for the particular dowel to be used. Lay the
steel on something flat, over a hole of some kind, then start one of the
pieces of wood in the proper size hole for the dowel and drive it
through with a hammer, as shown in Fig. 2. The sharp edges on the steel
will cut the dowel as smooth and round as if it were turned in a lathe.

[Illustration: Easy Way to Make Dowels]

A MEDICINE CABINET

This cabinet is best made of quarter-sawed oak, as this wood is the most
easily procured and looks well when finished. Order the stock from the
mill ready cut to length, squared and sanded. The following pieces will
be needed:

4 posts, 1-1/2 by 1-1/2 by 28 in.
4 side rails, 3/4 by 2 by 16 in.
4 end rails, 3/4 by 2 by 7 in.
2 door rails, 3/4 by 2 by 15 in.
2 door rails, 3/4 by 2 by 22-3/4 in.
1 door panel, 1/4 by 11-1/2 by 19-1/4 in.
1 back panel, 1/4 by 15-1/2 by 23-1/4 in.
2 end panels, 1/4 by 6-1/2 by 23-1/4 in.
2 pieces for top and bottom, 1/2 by 6-3/4 by 15-3/4 in.

[Illustration: Medicine Cabinet Complete]

Square the four posts and bevel the tops as shown.

[Illustration: Details of Medicine Cabinet]

Cut grooves in them with a plow plane to receive the 1/4-in. panels. The
tenons on the rails are cut 1/4 in. wide and fit into the grooves in the
posts the same as the panels. The rails have grooves cut at the inside
edges for the panels. The front posts do not have grooves on the inside
but have two mortises, one at each end for the top and bottom rails. The
back has a panel fitted in the same as the ends. See that the pieces
fit together perfectly square and tight, then glue them together and
give it time to dry.

The top and bottom boards are next put in place. The top is placed in
the center of the top rails while the bottom is put even with the lower
edge of the bottom rails, as shown in the detail drawing. The door frame
is mitered at the corners and rabbeted on the inner edge to take the
panel. A mirror can be used in place of the panel if desired. Suitable
hinges and a catch, which can be purchased at a hardware store, should
be supplied for the door.

The shelves are of soft wood and are to be arranged to suit the maker.
Before applying a finish, go