Cutting The Top & Bottom Rails To Length

To measure the bottom rail, align it so it is flush with the outside of one of the side pieces and mark the length on the other side with a pencil. Add 1” (25mm) to this overall measurement as this will give you a 1/2” (13mm) protrusion on either side. (Remember that the bottom rails will have through tenons). Paul uses the width of his square for this as most square beams or steel rules are 1” wide. Square a knifewall all around and cross cut to length.

The top rail is slightly different as it will have stub tenons which only go 1/4” (6mm) into the sides. The aim is to have a top rail that is ½” (13mm) longer than the opening between the sides. Place the rail over the side pieces with one end 1/4” in from the inside face of the side piece. Measure the same amount in on the other end and make a knifewall all around before cross cutting to length.