n the list when sawed diagonal makes the two slanting
pieces at the head of the couch. The corner braces are made from two
pieces of straight-grained oak, 2 by 4-1/2 by 4-1/2 in., sawed on the
diagonal, and cut as shown in the enlarged plan section to make the four
pieces.

First be sure the legs are perfectly square, the two short ones and the
two long ones of equal length respectively. Either chamfer or round the
upper ends as desired, chisel and plane the taper on the lower ends. Lay
out and cut all the tenons on the rails--1 in. is the amount allowed at
each end in the stock dimensions given. Arrange the posts and rails in
the positions they are to occupy in the finished couch. Number each
tenon and the place its corresponding mortise is to be cut in the post.
Mark each mortise directly from the tenon which is to fit into it,
taking care to have all the rails an equal distance from the floor. Bore
and chisel out all mortises and see that all the rails fit perfectly,
before proceeding with the work.

[Illustration: Couch Complete]

The next step will be to fit in the slanting side pieces at the head of
the couch. These must be let into the long posts 1/2 in. and held also
by a dowel in the side rail. In order to get these pieces into place,
the mortise in the long post must be made 1/2 in. longer than the tenon
on the sloping side piece so the tenon may be first pushed into the
mortise and then the side clamped down on the rail over the dowel. The
whole couch should fit together perfectly before gluing any of the
parts.

Glue the end parts together first. Hot glue will hold best if the room
and lumber are warm; if these cannot be had, use cold glue. After the
ends have set for at least 24 hours, glue in place the side rails and
slanting head pieces. Screw in place the corner braces. Be sure when
making these braces to have the grain running diagonally across the
corner, or the brace will be weak, also, be sure the sides are square
with the ends; this may be determined by measuring the diagonals to find
if they are equal.

If it is decided to use frames for the cushions, then the following
material will be necessary:

2 pieces, 7/8 by 2 by 56 in.
2 pieces, 7/8 by 2 by 25 in.
4 pieces 7/8 by 2 by 21 in.

This material may be of pine or poplar. These pieces are made into two
frames as shown in the drawing and held together with long screws or
nails. Fasten with glue and screw short blocks on the inside o