When you have many parts, simply knowing the quantities may not help identify them, especially if there is only one of a specific part. Similar parts can differ in size, making identification tricky. To find the right part, you can match the wood grain of the sheet to known parts. For instance, locating the 'Bottom Support' piece can be challenging among several similar pieces. However, by checking the schematics, I see that the 'Bottom Support' is on Sheet 27, which also includes the 'Porch Foundation Front' piece. By comparing the wood grain and hue of these two pieces, I can determine they are the 'Bottom Support' and 'Porch Foundation Front' since they come from the same sheet. The larger piece is identified as the 'Porch Foundation Front', confirming that the other must be the 'Bottom Support'. This method is useful for advanced assemblers who do not need to label their parts.
Warped Floor
When assembling your foundation, it's helpful to keep it flat against your table using handheld weights. This helps straighten any warps, ensuring that parts fit together properly.
Clamps
Plastic clamps secure tabs in their slots and keep angles square. They also help straighten any warps in the 'Foundation Back' piece. You can use masking tape in addition to plastic clamps for extra support.
Warped Bottom Support
To ensure your 'Bottom Support' piece sits straight across the bottom, use handheld weights to apply pressure while it dries. This piece may warp and lacks tabs for stability, so applying pressure is essential. If it bows in the center, place weights at both ends on one side and apply pressure in the center from the opposite side until it is straight.
Keep In Mind
Avoid blocking any slots with the 'Bottom Support' piece. Since weights hold the floor flat, you don’t need clamps for this piece; just keep it straight with weight pressure on the sides. Use tacky glue first, then apply wood glue over the joints. Transferring your glues to smaller squeeze bottles makes application easier. These bottles fit into tight spaces, are lightweight, and allow for more precise glue application while preventing drying out with their caps. Keep a wet towel on a styrofoam plate nearby to quickly wipe glue off your hands without leaving your work area.
Allow the foundation to dry thoroughly before proceeding, ideally overnight if possible.
