Woodworker's Journal 1993-17-2, страница 57

wood screws to attach the stile/side subassembly lo the upper rail and the lower rail. As shown in the exploded view, a single screw is all that's used at each joint. Next, using the same size screw, attach the shelf to the top end of the sides and to the upper rail. Just one screw joins the shelf lo the sides, while three screws secure il to the upper rail.

Measure the distance between the two sides and cut the dowels lo length. The long dowel should extend at least in. into the 7s in. deep hole in each sides. The short dowels should be cut about in. less lhan the distance between the sides.

Sand and Finish the Parts

Remove the screws from the assembled rack so that all the parts, including the stretchers and dowels, can be final sanded. Sand each of the parts thoroughly, finishing with 220-grit. Take particular care when sanding the dowels, as rough edges will easily snag on delicate fabric.

Before final assembly, we applied two coats of varnish lo all parts except the stretchers and dowels. Don't use shellac or any other of the clear finishes that won't stand up well to dampness or moisture. The stretchers and dowels were left unfinished.

Also, it's probably not a good idea to slain the stretchers and dowels, as some stains tend to "bleed." If thai happened, your favorite sweater might come off ihe drying rack with an unwanted accent stripe.

Assemble the Rack

Looking at the exploded view, you'll note that each end of the rack has three long stretchers and a short stretcher on the inside, and three long stretchers and a short stretcher on the outside.

Begin by inserting three short dowels through the middle holes of the long inside stretchers. Note that the dowels must extend through the holes the '/2 in. thickness of the stretcher slock. Once you have the dowel extending the right distance, drive a 7* in. long brad through the edge of each stretcher and into the dowel. Before driving the brad though, bore a pilot hole to help keep the stretcher and dowel from splitting. When joining these parts, you must make sure that the stretchers arc lined-up (parallel) with each other when viewed

Man-h/ April 1993

Photo A: Dry assemble the "H" subassemblies to all remaining parts

Photo li; Close up the rack and clamp together

Photo C: Lay the rack down and brad the outside stretchers

from the end of the dowel. Perhaps the easiest way to do this is io first attach the stretcher to one end of the dowel, then add the second stretcher while all three parts lay flat on your workbench. When completed, this subassembly has a shape that looks much like an "H".

Next, as shown in Photo A. all the remaining stretchers and dowels (except

the long dowel) can be dry assembled to the "H" subassemblies. We found that everything tends to stay together better if the assembly is done with the parts on end as shown.

W'hen all is dry-assembled, close-up ihe rack, then use a clamp and a couple of pieces of scrap stock lo help hold the upper parts together (Photo B>. Now, carefully lay the assembly on the workbench as shown in Photo C. With the rack in the closed position, drill pilot holes for 7* in. long brads in each end of the outside stretchers. Do one end al a time, first drilling the pilot hole, then driving the brad.

Do not add a brad to the middle hole ol the long stretchers, or to the ends of (he two inside short stretchers. A brad in any of these holes will prevent ihe rack from opening.

Because the two inside short stretchers don't have a brad at either end. they may slide out of position a bit if the rack is used a lot. We solved ihe problem by slipping a small rubber "O-ring" on each end of ihe dowel before assembly (see detail). You can find "O-rings" in the plumbing section of your hardware store. As another option, you can drive a short brad into ihe dowel just inside each stretcher.

Final Assembly

I sing ihe screws from the test assembly done earlier, attach the upper and lower rails to one of the slile/side subassemblies, Now. slide the long dowel through the stretcher holes in Ihe rack and into ihe pivot hole in the side, then add the other stile/side. Finally, attach the shelf lo complete the assembly. By the way, the screws provide plenty of strength, so there is no need to add any glue to these joints. And. by not using glue, you'll be better able to make repairs should any pan of the rack ever gel damaged.

With the parts assembled, check to see that everything operates smoothly as it's opened and closed. If all looks okay, the project is ready to be mounted to the wall.

Make sure the rack is mounted securely, as it w ill be under a bit of strain when wet towels are hanging from it. Ours is mounted with two screws driven through ihe upper rail, just under the shelf. They were spaced 16 in. apart so that we could be assured of screwing into two wall studs. kVJ

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