VI. Legs
- Drill holes in the top of the middle and center legs according to the diagram (Diagram VI.a). Place the legs in position on the plywood. Make sure that the end legs do not press up on plywood surface but are flush with it nonetheless. Doing this ensures that the end legs will be level, because the plywood is attached to the struts which were level according to the flat floor. Some individuals use small cardboard inserts between the plywood and the legs to ensure that the legs are level for construction, and then remove the cardboard after the legs are secure to produce a small gap. There is no good trick to ensure that the middle legs will be level; just be careful. Tap through these holes with a screw driver to mark where on the side boards to drill, and then drill these holes. Thread bolts through (5.5 inch for the end legs; 2.5 inch for the middle legs) and secure with washers and nuts. Each end leg gets 2 bolts; each middle leg gets 1 bolt. Further secure each leg with 3 inch wood screws. Ultimately, the legs should be applying force directly to the struts and side beams, but not the plywood. If the legs push on the plywood, it will warp.
- Place the final two struts flush with the end legs (See Diagram VI.b). These struts need not necessarily touch the plywood; they are meant only to support the end legs. Mount the final two struts using the 3" screws.
- Reinforce the end legs by anchoring with the 3" screws. Use three screws on each side if possible. The end legs should now be anchored on three sides each.
- Use the measuring tape to ensure that the distance between each pair of legs is constant through the entire length. Also, measure the height of each leg (do not use the level; this could result in irregular results due to faults in the side boards) from the plywood to the end. If the legs are too long, sand (do not cut) the legs ever so slightly until they are perfect (See Diagram VI.d). Do not add shims between the plywood and the legs.
- Using the 3" screws, mount the leg cross pieces and leg thrust supports (See Diagram VI.e).
