ften necessary to fasten one piece of wood to the end of another
by means of screws. Wood being a fibrous material, it can be readily
understood that when a screw having sharp threads is put in the end
grain parallel to these fibers the threads cut them in such a way that,
when an extra strain is put upon the parts, the screw pulls out,
bringing with it the severed fibers. The accompanying sketch shows how
this difficulty may be overcome, and at the same time make the screw
hold firmly. A hole is bored and a dowel, preferably of hardwood, glued
in it, the grain at right angles to that of the piece.

The size of the dowel, and its location, can be determined by the
diameter and the length of the screw. The dowel need not extend all the
way through the piece, but should be put in from the surface where the
grain of the dowel will be least objectionable.

When putting screws in hard wood much labor will be saved by applying
soap to the threads.

A WALL CASE WITH A MIRROR DOOR

The wall case shown in the accompanying picture will serve well as a
medicine case. Having a paneled door in which is set a mirror, it serves
equally well as a shaving case. It is best made of some hard wood,
though a soft wood such as pine or yellow poplar will work up easier and
look well finished with three or four coats of white enamel paint.

There will be needed the following pieces:

2 sides, 5/8 by 6 by 32-1/2 in., S-4-S.
1 top and 1 bottom, 5/8 by 6 by 18 in., S-4-S.
1 top of back, 1/2 by 4 by 16-1/4 in., S-2-S.
1 bottom of back, 1/2 by 3 by 16-1/4 in., S-4-S.
1 shelf, 5/8 by 5 by 16 in., S-4-S.
1 back, 1/4 by 16 by 21 in., S-2-S.

DOOR

2 stiles, 5/8 by 3 by 20-1/2 in., S-4-S.
1 top rail, 5/8 by 2 by 11 in., S-4-S.
1 bottom rail, 5/8 by 4 by 11 in., S-4-S.
1 backing for door, 3/16 by 10 by 15 in., S-2-S.

First shape the ends of the two side pieces as shown in the drawing.
Next square the top and bottom pieces of the case to size, and lay out
and cut the tenons on the ends. Lay out and cut the mortises in the
side pieces, also the groove for the shelf, having first squared the
shelf to size. Cut and shape the top and bottom pieces of the back as
shown. Cut the rebates in the side pieces into which these pieces are to
rest their ends. Cut the rebate for the back. Thoroughly scrape and
sandpaper these parts and assemble them. Cut and fit the back in place.

[Illustration: Wall Case Details]

The doo