The Technique of FURNITURE MAKING

TEA TROLLEYS/WAGONS

Tea trolleys usually vary from about 28 in (71 cm) to 30 in (76 cm) high, 22 in (56 cm) to 27 in (68 cm) long and 14 in (36 cm) to 18 in (46 cm) wide, with wood sections as light as possible consonant with overall rigidity. If the corner posts are square section (531:1) then the rails can be tenoned in as 531:3, with the 1/4 in (6 mm) veneered plywood trays grooved into
531 Tea trolleys/wagons

the rails and posts. Thinner posts (531:4) may require the end rails tenoned through and wedged, and the long rails dowelled in. The trolley ends should be glued up first, the grooves extended into the posts, the tray bottoms cut and a trial assembly made to see that everything fits. In the final assembly a little glue run into the grooves will increase the overall rigidity of the completed framework. Trolleys can have a top and bottom shelf, or an intermediate shelf, and one end rail can be flush with the top shelf for easier cleaning.

LIBRARY STEPS

The library steps shown here are 18 in (46 cm) wide, 18 in (46 cm) deep and 30 in (76 cm) high, which is sufficient for normal requirements. Figure 533:2 shows the layout; a mortised and tenoned construction is used, with the treads not less than a full inch in thickness for a stiff hardwood such as oak. The curved rails are band-sawn out of solid stock, while the posts can be continuous and housed/dadoed, screwed and pelleted if flush with the edge of the treads (533:3). or built up of sections, grooved, mortised and tenoned together if slightly inset (533:4). Castors can be fitted but are dangerous if very free running, and it is probably safer to tip the posts with hard rubber insets or dome gliders.

534 Library steps in Zambesi redwood by Alan Peters