Carts always appeal to youngsters and the one given here (Plate 42) is of simple construction. Make the side pieces first 1/2" × 6" × 10". On one long edge measure in 2-1/2" and from this point draw a line to the upper corner. Cut carefully to this line. The front piece is made 1/2" × 6" × 6" and the end piece 1/2" × 6" × 6-3/4". This end piece is beveled to conform to the top and bottom edges of the cart, as shown in the side view. The bottom piece is made 1/2" × 6" × 6-1/2". Child's Cart The piece to which the wheels are attached, is made 7/8" × 1" × 7-1/8". This piece has two holes bored and countersunk in it for screws, 1-1/4" from the ends and half way between the sides. Two small blocks are made 1/2" × 1" × 2-1/2" and tapered 3/4", as shown. These blocks have holes bored and countersunk for screws. Bore the holes in such a manner that they will not come directly opposite each other, otherwise the screws will be likely to hit each other. Holes are bored in the front piece of the cart and countersunk on the inner side. These pieces are 3" from either side, the first one being 2-1/4" from the upper edge and the second an inch below the first. The handle measures 7/8" × 1" × 30". A hole is bored 5/8" from the front end with a half-inch bit and the extreme end of the handle is slightly chamfered for a finish. The opposite end of the handle is cut at an angle of 30°, as shown. A piece of dowel, 1/2" in diameter and 3" long, is cut and inserted in the hole in the handle and secured by driving an inch brad in from the under side of the handle. The wheels are 7/8" × 5" and may be cut out with a turning saw and trimmed to the line with a chisel, or, if a lathe is available, they can quickly be cut to size. If they are to be sawed out, a circle should be struck with a divider or compass set at a 2-1/2" radius and then carefully cut to the line. The axle is attached to the bottom piece with glue and 1-1/4" No. 8 flat-head screws. Bore a hole in the end of the axle, exactly in the center, using a drill slightly smaller than the screw that is to hold the wheels in position. Bore a hole in each wheel, at the center point, a little larger than the screw that is to be used. Attach the wheels with 1-1/2" No. 10 round-head blue screws, using a small washer under the screw head and also between the wheel and the cart body. Tighten the screw just enough to allow a little play for the wheels to turn easily. Sand all pieces thoroughly before assembling, using No. 1 sandpaper first and finishing with No. 0. Assemble the body part of the cart with glue and 1" brads. A suggested color scheme is given in the drawing. |