The Technique of FURNITURE MAKING

Shaped mirrors

Figure 451:1, 2 shows a wall mirror with shaped head. The frame can be band-sawn out of solid

stock, jointed together as in old examples, but a better method is to laminate as in 451:3, tenoning the various sections together as 451:4, and facing with 1/8 in (3 mm) stock to cover the laminations and form the rebate/rabbet. An alternative method for small mirrors is to build up a laminated block with the double curve cut out in one piece as 451:5. The cross-grain tenons might appear weak, for the grain directions forming the lamination are not crossed as in plywood, but in practice the glue-lines hold the fibres together and the strength is adequate. Straight members jointed to curved members can be cut out of solid stock, but in principle it is better to use laminations throughout so that the shrinkage values are identical. Circular mirrors can be spindle shaped or turned on the face plate of a woodturning lathe, building up blocks to form the ring as 451:8, mounting on a plywood disc with a sheet of thick paper glued between, and centring the disc on the metal face plate (451:8A). The individual blocks should be cut and jointed to give as long scarfing joints as possible, and well sized before gluing together; but large mirrors may require the segments jointed together with veneer tongues as in mitre-work, or the face and back of the frame veneered to hold the joints. If the face of the frame is shaped then the back of the frame will have to be glued to the plywood disc and the glass rebate formed with a turning tool. After turning and sanding in the lathe the frame is separated from the paper interleaving in the usual way, and the back (or face) cleaned off. A standard tilting pillar fitment for mounting circular mirrors on dressing-tables is shown in 451:7, which is taken through the top and secured.

Frameless mirrors

Frameless mirrors with all edges polished are supported by a sturdy plywood back, and held in position with chrome-plated clips as inset. Figures 452:2, 3 are bevel shaped all round, while 452:4 is mounted on a veneered board and held by special fixing screws with heads tapped for chrome-plated domes (452:5). The screws should be an easy fit in the glass holes, and must not be screwed down tight; moreover if there is the slightest suggestion of bumpiness in the ground, rubber washers (W) should be used to isolate the glass, which could crack if any local strain is imposed.

Hidden pillar mirrors

Small mirrors fixed to dressing-tables will only require one pillar (452:6) screwed to the carcass back, with the mirror supported by a friction stay. The mirror can be released by pressing the forked arms (452:6A) together, and lifting the top plates off their pivots. Larger cheval-type mirrors will require two pillars (452:7), with a stronger stay (452:8) in which the wing arm is secured with a wing nut. The edges of the plywood backs used for mounting these mirrors can be masked with thick poster paint, coloured to match the wood finish and then polished in the usual manner.