A novel pair of book ends in the form of large blocks can be made from odd pieces of  1/4" or 3/8" plywood. If the shop is equipped with a bench saw having a tilting table or arbor, no difficulty in the construction of the book ends will be encountered.

To make the pair of book ends, twelve pieces of stock 5 1/2" square will be required. The fence should be set to rip the stock to the required width; then, with the aid of the cut-off guide, the strips should be squared on the ends to produce a finished length exactly the same size as the width.

After all pieces have been cut and squared to size, the saw or table is tilted to an angle of 45°, then the fence reset so as to cut a 45° bevel on the edges and ends of each piece. The bevel cuts should be made with out readjusting the fence.

Assembling the parts will require glue and 1" No. 20 brads. The sides are fastened together by applying glue to the beveled edges and then driving the brads part way into the stock at the joint in order to pin the pieces to gether. The heads of the brads should be cut off and the projecting portion driven in and set with a small nail set.

The top and bottom are applied to the assembled side members in the same manner. The top is secured first; then, in order to weight the book end, the inside should be half filled with dry sand. After the sand is in place, the bottom can be secured to the side members. After giving the glue time to set, the blocks are sandpapered with No. 0
and No. 4/0 sandpaper.

To personalize the book ends, initial overlays made of a contrasting wood veneer are cut and glued to one surface. These may be applied to the side, to or front, depending on one's personal choice. The surface which is to be the bottom has a piece of felt glued to it and trimmed flush with the outside.

If you enjoyed making these bookends, you might also enjoy some of these Easy Woodworking Project Books

Saving money is an inborn trait with many people. While it is true that the only safe place to keep saved money is in your established local bank, nevertheless, the odd pennies and nickels that are rarely missed from one's pocket can be converted into a barrel of money with the aid of the bank shown in the photograph.

Its construction will require a piece of 6 x 6 stock 8" long. A piece of clear
fir such as might be obtained in any lumberyard will be suitable. Pine or
any of the cabinet hardwoods, if they are obtainable, will be found easier to
work. The end of the stock should be sawn square. A faceplate is fastened to one end with three or four wood screws; then the faceplate with the stock attached is run on the spindle at the headstock of the lathe. The dead center is brought up to the other end of the stock to supply added support for most, of the turning.

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These cute nic-nac shelves can be made quickly, easily and cheaply. Use scrap plywood to make the shelves.

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Clock restoration is well within the means of every craftsman. Old clock cases suffering from neglectful ownership can be found in attics and antique shops everywhere. Most of them have been discarded because the movement failed, but that is a matter easily remedied by the installation of a modern electric movement. The cases usually are scarred, and the wood grain is obscured, but that too is redeemable.

Old clock cases generally were constructed of the better types of wood and were made by skilled craftsmen who built permanence into their creations. Age and neglect may have left their marks on the case, but these marks usually can be removed by the simple process of refinishing.

Preparation of the case for refinishing will require the removal of any items such as doors, glass panels and the clock face. The hinges attaching the door to the case should be removed from both the door and the case so that they will not interfere with the removal of the old finish.

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Nothing delights children more than to have their own small furniture that duplicates in appearance and comfort the pieces that grown-ups enjoy. This is particularly true of a rocking chair, which seems to satisfy a natural craving for activity even while reading a story book. The original chair is in Chinese red with gaily figured upholstery.

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