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Outdoor Carpentry, 3rd Edition •


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Building Projects Editors Of Cool
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The Complete Guide to

OUTDOOR
CARPENTRY Updated 3rd Edition

Complete Plans for Beautiful Backyard Building Projects

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© 2019 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.
The following projects are © SCOUT and are used with permission:
First published in 2014 by Cool Springs Press, an imprint of The Quarto Folding Table (page 92)
Group, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 265-D, Beverly, MA 01915, USA. T (978) Sheltered Swing (page 168)
282-9590 F (978) 283-2742 QuartoKnows.com Garden Bridges (pages 188-203) www.handy.scout.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form Cover photo© SCOUT
without written permission of the copyright owners. All images in this
book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the Acquisitions Editor: Mark Johanson
artists concerned, and no responsibility is accepted by producer, publisher, Senior Art Director: Brad Springer
or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the Layout: Laurie Young
contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that Contributing Photographer: Rau + Barber
credits accurately comply with information supplied. We apologize for any Photo Assistance: Adam Esco
inaccuracies that may have occurred and will resolve inaccurate or missing
information in a subsequent reprinting of the book. Printed in China

Cool Springs Press titles are also available at discount for retail, wholesale,
promotional, and bulk purchase. For details, contact the Special Sales Man-
ager by email at specialsales@quarto.com or by mail at The Quarto Group,
Attn: Special Sales Manager, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 265-D, Beverly, MA
01915, USA.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Originally found under the following Library of Congress Cataloging-in-


Publication Data

The complete guide to outdoor carpentry : complete plans for beautiful


backyard building projects. -- 2nd edition.
pages cm
At head of title: BLACK+DECKER.
Summary: “Step-by-step instructions and full-color photography for more
than 30 projects, including swings, benches, planters, tables, chairs, arbors
and bridges”-- Provided by publisher.
ISBN 978-1-59186-618-3 (paperback)
Paperback edition: 978-0-76036-5-380
Digital edition: 978-0-76036-5-397
1. Garden structures--Amateurs’ manuals. 2. Outdoor furniture--Amateurs’
manuals. 3. Carpentry--Amateurs’ manuals. I. Black & Decker Corporation
(Towson, Md.)

TH4961.C6543 2014
684.1’8--dc23

2014012732

BLACK+DECKER and the BLACK+DECKER logo are trademarks of The Black & Decker Corporation and are used under license. All rights
reserved.

NOTICE TO READERS
For safety, use caution, care, and good judgment when following the procedures described in this book. The publisher
and BLACK+DECKER cannot assume responsibility for any damage to property or injury to persons as a result of misuse
of the information provided.
The techniques shown in this book are general techniques for various applications. In some instances, additional
techniques not shown in this book may be required. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions included with products,
since deviating from the directions may void warranties. The projects in this book vary widely as to skill levels required:
some may not be appropriate for all do-it-yourselfers, and some may require professional help.
Consult your local building department for information on building permits, codes, and other laws as they apply to
your project.

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Contents
The Complete Guide to 10

Outdoor Carpentry, 3rd Edition

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
19 25
26

SEATING PROJECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Side-by-Side Patio Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Classic Adirondack Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Slatted Garden Bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Knockdown Garden Bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Sling-Back Adirondack Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Porch Swing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Porch Swing Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Recyclables Bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Luxury Sun Lounger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Trellis Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 52
32

31
35 66

38

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Contents (Cont.)

91
72 86
80

DINING & ENTERTAINING PROJECTS . . . . . . . . 70

Trestle Table and Benches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Cedar Patio Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Teahouse Table Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84


108
138 106
84
Folding Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Occasional Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Children’s Picnic Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Traditional Picnic Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Patio Prep Cart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Pitmaster’s Locker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114


148
118
Timberframe Sandbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

YARD & GARDEN PROJECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Compost Bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Freestanding Arbor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

High-low Potting Bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 144


114

Trellis Planter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Raised Bed with Removable Trellis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Versailles Planter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Jumbo Cold Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Pagoda Lantern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158


163
134 164
138
Firewood Shelter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Shelter with Swing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Four-Post Patio Pergola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

154
144 180
168

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192

SPECIAL SECTION: GARDEN BRIDGES . . . . . . 188

Conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

Credits/Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
198
192

203
192

196
192

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Introduction
O utdoor carpentry is just plain fun. Working away in the elements and fresh air with plenty of space and elbow
room. And perhaps best of all, you almost never encounter a fraction like 13/64 or a cutting angle like “31.2°”.
The projects tend to be bigger and so do the tolerances. So if you’re still pretty new at the carpentry craft, there is
no better place to get some experience (and create some cool things for your yard) than working outdoor.
In this new edition of BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Outdoor Carpentry you’ll find more than
two dozen complete projects, from basic benches to large four-post pergolas. Most are made of wood and do not
require a lot of fancy tools. Some are highly utilitarian, like Potting Benches (page 134) and Firewood Shelter
(page 164), or Cold Frames (page 152) and Compost Bins (page 124) for gardening. Others are meant for visual
pleasure, such as the Freestanding Arbor (page 128) and Trellis Seat (page 66).
We’ve been careful to include projects that represent a wide range of skill levels, but even the hardest among
these are doable for the average weekend craftsman. Put together the Traditional Picnic Table on page 104 and
you’ll practice mitering different angles in the same structural member. The woodworking and crafting lessons go
on and on from there.
The ultimate goal, however, is to make additions to your backyard (or front or side yard) that beautify the
outdoor space and make it more usable. Whether you’re building a place to sit and get a tan, like the Luxury Sun
Lounger on page 58, or adding a handsome workhorse like the Patio Prep Cart on page 108, you’ll find that all the
projects in the pages that follow meet that goal in high style. You bring the tools and elbow grease and we’ll supply
the photo-driven instructions for projects where function meets one-of-a-kind, beautiful form.

■ 7

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Seating
Projects
Y ou’ll never fully enjoy your backyard without
comfortable seating. Chairs, benches, and swings
are mainstays of outdoor living. In this chapter you’ll
find a dozen seating projects that range from fanciful to
simple, classic to retro, and nautical to Eastern-inspired.
Each design in this chapter has been carefully
shop-tested for comfort. A couple of degrees of slant in
a seatback might not appear to make much difference
when you’re drawing up a plan, but your body can tell
immediately. And if your seating is not comfortable,
what use is it? You can be confident that the benches
and chairs that follow have been subjected to hands-on
(well, not hands exactly) testing from sitters of all sizes.
If you are a relative newcomer to carpentry, consider
starting with one of the simpler projects, such as the
Knockdown Garden Bench or the Slatted Garden
Bench. If your skills are a bit more advanced, think
about tackling the Porch Swing and Porch Swing Stand
or perhaps the Luxury Sun Lounger that’s crafted from
mahogany and features stainless steel brightwork.

In this chapter:
• Side-by-Side Patio Chair
• Classic Adirondack Chair
• Slatted Garden Bench
• Knockdown Garden Bench
• Sling-Back Adirondack Chair
• Porch Swing
• Porch Swing Stand
• Recyclables Bench
• Luxury Sun Lounger
• Trellis Seat

■ 9

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Side-by-side Patio Chair

Y ou can share a view, some shade, and a table for


snacks and a beverage with a friend when you’ve
got this side-by-side patio chair in your backyard. You
to build if you have a table saw, miter saw, jigsaw, and
router. If you don’t have a table saw, then you can use
a circular saw to rip the 2 × 4 frame pieces down to
might recognize the design, as it was inspired by the 3" widths. The purpose for these parts being 3" wide
side-by-side chairs that were often included in the is to give the set a more refined appearance, but you
ubiquitous redwood patio sets popular in the ’50s can simplify the design and avoid rip cuts by using full
and ’60s. Those sets typically included a lounge chair, width 2 × 4s. If you choose to use full-width 2 × 4s,
some small tables, a patio table with an umbrella then you must move the front rail notch up 1⁄2" and the
holder, and a side-by-side table and chair similar to the seats will end up being 1⁄2" higher.
one shown here.
You’ll find that these seats are most comfortable
when they’re appointed with cushions, but they’re still Materials ▸
easy to enjoy when left bare. And just about any patio
table umbrella can be used with this set—simply size 5 1 × 4" × 8 ft. boards Deck screws (2", 21⁄2")
the umbrella post hole to fit. The optional umbrella 5 2 × 4" × 8 ft. boards Exterior-rated glue
should also be secured in a weighted base that is 1 2 × 6" × 8 ft. board Finishing materials
placed under the table. 1 5
⁄4 × 12 ft.
Even a beginner can build this side-by-side chair deck board
in a day using less than $100 in materials. It’s easiest

This lounge chair built for two offers comfortable seating separated by shared table space. It is a perfect furnishing for intimate
conversations or for quiet leisure time spent sharing a bowl of snacks and an occasional sidelong glance.

10 ■ COMPLETE GUIDE TO OUTDOOR CARPENTRY

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Side-by-side chair.eps
Artist Date Initials Date
02/29/2009
Accurate
Author Art, Inc. ISBN # Author's review
Outdoor CarpentryCheck if revision
0781760607 (if needed)
CE's review
name OK Correx
B x W Document 2/C 4/C OK Correx
Side-by-side chair.eps
Date Initials Date
Artist
Final Size (Width x Depth in Picas) 02/29/2009
Art, Inc.
44w xAccurate
36d Check if revision Initials
CE's review
Date

BxW 2/C 4/C OK Correx

Final Size (Width x Depth in Picas)

Side-by-Side Patio Chair Initials Date


44w x 36d

I
I
E E

N
M
J J
L
L
K K
C
K
K A
H

N
C
D

G A
B

C 9"

F 12 ⁄ 2" 1

5 1⁄ 2"
A
3 1⁄ 2"

7 1⁄ 2" 8 1⁄ 2"

14°
Cutting List
Key Part Dimension Pcs. Material Key Part Dimension Pcs. Material

A Front legs 11⁄2 × 3 × 23" 2 PT Pine H Table bottom 11⁄2 × 3 × 193⁄4" 1 PT Pine
B Back legs 1 ⁄2 × 3 × 23 ⁄2"
1 1
2 PT Pine crosspiece

C Seat supports 1 ⁄2 × 3 × 18 ⁄8"


1 5
4 PT Pine I Back slats 3
⁄4 × 31⁄2 × 19" 10 PT Pine
D Arm supports 11⁄2 × 3 × 221⁄2" 2 PT Pine J Seat slats 3
⁄4 × 3 ⁄2 × 20 ⁄2"
1 1
10 PT Pine
E Back supports 11⁄2 × 3 × 213⁄4" 4 PT Pine K Table posts 3
⁄4 × 3 ⁄2 × 13 ⁄2"
1 1
4 PT Pine
F Front rail 11⁄2 × 51⁄2 × 603⁄4" 1 PT Pine L Table supports 1 ⁄2 × 3 × 16 ⁄4"
1 3
2 PT Pine
G Back rail 11⁄2 × 31⁄2 × 603⁄4" 1 PT Pine M Tabletop planks 1 ⁄4 × 5 ⁄2 × 24"
1 1
3 PT Pine
N Armrests 1 ⁄4 × 5 ⁄2 × 24"
1 1
2 PT Pine

Seating Projects ■ 11

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■ Side-by-Side Patio Chair
BUILD THE FRAME each piece. These details must be correctly noted onto
Cut 2 × 4 boards to make the legs, back supports, the parts. Lay out the notches that will hold the front rail
and seat supports. These parts must be rip-cut down in between the front legs and the back rail in between
to 3" wide to conceal their telltale 2 × 4 look (for the back legs. Drill a 3⁄8" blade access hole in the inside
best results, rip 1⁄4" off each edge to get rid of the corners of each notch and then cut the notches out with a
bullnose profile milled into most 2 × 4s). Use a table jigsaw. Clean up cuts with a chisel or small profile sander.
saw or a circular saw and edge guide to make the Miter-cut the ends of the back legs at 14° angles.
rip cuts. It is often easier to cut the parts to length Be careful to cut the miters in the correct direction
first and then rip them to width because the shorter so that the notch is on the front edge of the back
boards are more manageable. legs. Miter-cut one end of each seat support to 14°
Use the construction drawings (see page 11) to lay (photo 1). Note: Parallel angled cuts on the ends of a
out the notches, miters, and radius-curve profiles on workpiece are called “plumb cuts.” Miter-cut the bottom

Make plumb cuts on legs . Set the


1 miter saw table to 14° (orient the
blade to the right side of the 90° mark).
Position each back leg so the notch is
facing away from the saw fence and
trim off the right end of the back leg.
Make a parallel 14° miter cut on the
other end.

Attach the seat supports . The seat


2 supports should be attached to the front
rail using exterior wood glue and 21⁄2"
deck screws (use at least two screws
per support).

12 ■ COMPLETE GUIDE TO OUTDOOR CARPENTRY

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end of the back support to 14˚ and cut a 3" radius in the Adjust the positions of the parts so that the front
top back corner. leg is plumb and the arm support is level. Then attach
Cut the front and back rail to length. Mark the the back legs to the outside seat supports and the arm
locations along the back face of the front rail where support to the front and back legs (photo 4).
each seat support will be attached. Attach the seat Cut the table bottom crosspiece to length and width.
supports to the front rail with 21⁄2" screws (photo Attach the back supports to the seat supports with 21⁄2"
2). Rails should be located 11⁄2" and 19" in front of screws (photo 5). In addition, attach the two outside
each end. back supports to the arm supports. This completes the
Apply exterior-rated wood glue to the bottom assembly of the chair frame.
face of each notch. Place the front rail in the front
leg notches and the back rail in the back leg notches. ATTACH THE SEAT & BACK SLATS
Keep the ends of the rails flush with the outside The appearance of your side-by-side chair is greatly
faces of the legs. Attach the rails to the legs with influenced by the uniformity and spacing of the back
screws (photo 3). slats and seat slats. The best way to achieve uniform

Attach the rails . The front rails should


3 be attached to the front legs and the
back rails are attached to the back legs.
Use exterior wood glue and 21⁄2" deck
screws.

Attach the supports and legs .


4 Temporarily clamp the parts together in
the correct orientation and then drive
21⁄2" screws through the inside faces of
the arm supports and seat supports to
attach them to the legs.

Seating Projects ■ 13

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lengths for the slats is to set a stop block for your 2" screws (photo 7). Attach the seat slats to the seat
power miter saw. Use spacers between the slats to supports, again leaving a 1⁄8" gap in between the slats.
ensure regular gaps. For the 1⁄8" gaps required here,
you can use 16d common nails as spacers. ATTACH THE TABLE & ARMREST
Cut all of the back slats and seat slats to length Cut the table posts, table supports, tabletop planks,
(photo 6). Sand the ends prior to installation while and armrests to length. Use a coping saw or jigsaw (an
you still have unrestricted access. Place the slats on oscillating jigsaw is best) to round the front corners of the
the back supports, leaving a 1⁄8" space between slats. outside tabletop planks and armrest. Cut each corner to
Drill two 1⁄8"-diameter pilot holes and countersinks a 1" radius (roughly the same as a can of tomato paste).
through each slat end, centering the holes over the Sand the edges smooth with a power sander. Also use
back support. Attach the slats to the supports with the jigsaw to round the back outside corners of the

Attach the back supports to the


5 arm supports using 21⁄2" deck screws.
Make sure all screw heads are recessed
slightly.

Cut the slats . Set the stop-block


6 Stop Block attachment on your power miter saw
or stand for the correct length. Measure
the first slat to make sure the length
is correct.

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armrests to a 4" radius. Use a compass to mark the and attach the armrests to the arm supports with 2"
4" radius (slightly larger than a 1-gallon paint can). screws. Center the pilot and countersink holes over
Round over the outside edges of the tabletop and the supports.
armrests with a router and 1⁄4" piloted roundover bit. Optional: Drill an umbrella posthole through the
Attach the crosspiece between the two middle seat middle plank (photo 8). The typical patio umbrella
supports. Attach the table posts to the inside face pole diameter is 11⁄2". For increased comfort, order
of the front rail and front face of the table bottom back cushions and seat cushions. A good size for a back
crosspiece with 2" deck screws. Attach the table cushion is 3" thick × 19" square. The seat cushions
supports to the table posts with 2" screws. Finally, should be around 3" deep × 17" long × 19" wide.
attach the tabletop planks to the table supports with
2" screws, leaving a 1⁄8" space between the planks,

Fasten the slats . Use 16d nails or


7 scraps of wood as spacers for a 1⁄8" gap.
If you’re using a cordless drill/driver
with adjustable torque, set the clutch at
a very low setting to prevent overdriving
the screws. Drive two 2" screws through
each end of the slat and into the back
support.

Drill a hole for the optional umbrella


8 post. Here, the 11⁄2"-dia. posthole is
located 83⁄4" from the back edge of the
tabletop (on center) and is centered
across the middle plank. A 11⁄2"-dia. hole
saw chucked into your drill is the best
tool for making the pole hole.

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Classic Adirondack Chair

A dirondack furniture has become a standard on


decks, porches, and patios throughout the world.
It’s no mystery that this distinctive furniture style has
the chair. White, battleship gray, and forest green
are popular color choices for Adirondack furniture.
Be sure to use quality exterior paint with a glossy or
become so popular. Attractive but rugged design and enamel finish.
unmatched stability are just two of the reasons for its
timeless appeal, and our Adirondack chair offers these
benefits and more.
Unlike most of the Adirondack chair designs Materials ▸
you’re likely to run across, this one is very easy to
build. There are no complex compound angles to cut, 1 2 × 6" × 8 ft. cedar Moisture-resistant
no intricate details in the back and seat slats, and no board glue
complicated joints. It can be built with basic tools and 1 2 × 4" × 12 ft. cedar Deck screws (11⁄4",
simple techniques. And because this design features board 11⁄2", 2", 3")
all of the classic Adirondack chair elements, your 1 1 × 6" × 14 ft. cedar 3
⁄8 × 21⁄2" lag screws
guests and neighbors may never guess that you built it board with washers
yourself (but you’ll be proud to tell them you did). 1 1 × 4" × 8 ft. cedar Finishing materials
We made our Adirondack chair out of cedar and board
finished it with clear wood sealer. But you may prefer 1 1 × 2" × 12 ft. cedar
to build your version from pine (a traditional wood for board
Adirondack furniture), especially if you plan to paint

This straightforward example of


an Adirondack chair design is nicely
proportioned and very easy to build
from dimensional cedar lumber. Bright
paint (usually red or forest green) is a
common finish for Adirondack chairs.
Or, you may choose to apply a clear
finish to show off the warm cedar
wood (inset photo).

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Classic Adirondack Chair

1"

3 1⁄4"
E

G L
5 1⁄ 2" N M
10"
26" L M
30"
G
Front View
F

K
J
K
K J
D B
C
H
A
I

1 1⁄ 2"

41"
H 23 1⁄4"

36 1⁄ 2"
1 3⁄4" Radius Side View

Cutting List
Key Part Dimension Pcs. Material Key Part Dimension Pcs. Material

A Legs 11⁄2 × 51⁄2 × 341⁄2" 2 Cedar H Posts 11⁄2 × 31⁄2 × 22" 2 Cedar
B Apron 1 ⁄2 × 5 ⁄2 × 21"
1 1
1 Cedar I Arm braces 11⁄2 × 21⁄4 × 10" 2 Cedar
C Seat support 11⁄2 × 31⁄2 × 18" 1 Cedar J Narrow seat slats 3
⁄4 × 11⁄2 × 201⁄4" 2 Cedar
D Low back brace 11⁄2 × 31⁄2 × 18" 1 Cedar K Wide seat slats 3
⁄4 × 5 ⁄2 × 20 ⁄4"
1 1
3 Cedar
E High back brace 3
⁄4 × 1 ⁄2 × 18"
1
1 Cedar L End back slats 3
⁄4 × 3 ⁄2 × 36"
1
2 Cedar
F Arm cleat 1 ⁄2 × 3 ⁄2 × 24"
1 1
1 Cedar M Narrow back slats 3
⁄4 × 1 ⁄2 × 38"
1
2 Cedar
G Arms 3
⁄4 × 5 ⁄2 × 28"
1
2 Cedar N Center back slat 3
⁄4 × 5 ⁄2 × 40"
1
1 Cedar

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■ Classic Adirondack Chair
MAKE THE LEGS deck screw counterbores, drill holes 1⁄8" deep with a
Sprawling back legs that support the seat slats and counterbore bit. Cut the apron and seat support to size.
stretch to the ground on a near-horizontal plane are Attach the apron to the front ends of the legs with glue
signature features of the Adirondack style. Start by and 3" deck screws.
cutting the legs to length. To cut the tapers, mark a Position the seat support so the inside face is
point 2" from the edge on one end of the board. Then, 161⁄2" from the inside edge of the apron. Attach the
mark another point 6" from the end on the adjacent seat support between the legs, making sure the part
edge. Connect the points with a straightedge. On the tops are flush. Cut the seat slats to length, and sand
same end, mark a point 21⁄4" from the other edge. Then, the ends smooth. Arrange the slats on top of the seat
on that edge mark a point 10" from the end. Connect box, and use wood scraps to set 5⁄8" spaces between
these points to make a cutting line for the other taper. the slats. The slats should overhang the front of the
Cut the two taper cuts with a circular saw. Use the seat box by 3⁄4".
tapered leg as a template to mark and cut identical Fasten the seat slats by drilling counterbored
tapers on the other leg of the chair (photo 1). pilot holes and driving 2" deck screws through the
holes and into the tops of the apron and seat support.
BUILD THE SEAT Keep the counterbores aligned so the cedar plugs
The legs form the sides of the box frame, which used to fill the counterbores form straight lines across
supports the seat slats. Where the text calls for the front and back of the seat. Once the slats are

Cut tapers into the back edges of the


1 legs with a circular saw or jigsaw.

Round the sharp slat edges with


2 a router and roundover bit or simply
break the edges by sanding with a
power sander.

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installed, use a router with a 1⁄4" roundover bit (or a 5
⁄8" spacing between slats. The untrimmed ends of the
power sander) to smooth the outside edges and ends slats should be flush with the bottom edge of the low
of the slats (photo 2). back brace. The bottom of the high back brace should
be 26" above the top of the low brace. The braces
MAKE THE BACK SLATS must be perpendicular to the slats.
The back slats are made from three sizes of dimension Drill pilot holes in the low brace and counterbore
lumber: 1 × 2, 1 × 4, and 1 × 6. Cut the back slats to the holes. Then, attach the slats to the low brace by
length. Trim off the corners on the widest (1 × 6) slat. driving 2" deck screws through the holes. Follow the
First, mark points 1" in from the outside top corners. same steps for the high brace and attach the slats with
Then, mark points 1" down from the corners on the 11⁄4" deck screws.
outside edges. Connect the points and trim along the
lines with a saw. Mark the 1 × 4 slats 2" from one top MAKE THE ARMS
corner in both directions. Draw cutting lines and trim The broad arms of the chair, cut from 1 × 6 material,
the same way (these are the outer slats on the back). are supported by posts in front and the arm cleat
attached to the backs of the chair slats. Cut the arms
ATTACH THE BACK SLATS to length. To create decorative angles at the outer
Cut the low back brace and the high back brace and end of each arm, mark points 1" from each corner
set them on a flat surface. Slip 3⁄4"-thick spacers under along both edges. Use the points to draw a pair of 11⁄2"
the high brace so the tops of the braces are level. cutting lines on each arm. Cut along the lines using a
Then, arrange the back slats on top of the braces with jigsaw or circular saw.

Attach the square ends of the posts to the undersides of the arms, being careful to position the part correctly.

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Mark points for cutting a tapered cut on the Cut the posts to size. Then, use a compass to
inside back edge of each arm (see Diagram page 17). mark a 13⁄4"-radius roundover cut on each bottom post
First, mark points 31⁄4" in from each inside edge on the corner (the roundovers improve stability). Position the
back of each arm. Next, mark the outside edges 10" arms on top of the square ends of the posts. The posts
from the back. Then, connect the points and cut along should be set back 11⁄2" from the front ends of the arm
the cutting line with a circular saw or jigsaw. Sand the and 1" from the inside edge of the arm. Fasten the
edges smooth. arms to the posts with glue. Drill pilot holes in the
arms and counterbore the holes. Then, drive 3" deck
ASSEMBLE THE ARMS, CLEATS & POSTS screws through the arms and into the posts (photo 3).
Cut the arm cleat and make a mark 21⁄2" in from each Cut tapered arm braces from wood scraps, making
end of the cleat. Set the cleat on edge on your work sure the wood grain runs lengthwise. Position an arm
surface. Position the arms on the cleat top edge so brace at the outside of each arm/post joint, centered
the arm back ends are flush with the cleat back, and side to side on the post. Attach each brace with glue.
the untapered edge of each arm is aligned with the Drill counterbored pilot holes in the inside face
21⁄2" mark. Fasten the arms to the cleats with glue. of the post near the top . Then, drive deck screws
Drill pilot holes in the arms and counterbore the through the holes and into the brace (photo 4). Drive
holes. Drive 3" deck screws through the holes and a 2" deck screw down through each arm and into the
into the cleat. top of the brace.

Drive screws through each post and


4 into an arm brace to stabilize the arm/
post joint.

Clamp wood braces to the parts of


5 the chair to hold them in position while
you fasten the parts together.

Wooden
Brace

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ASSEMBLE THE CHAIR back so the low back brace is between the legs and the
To complete the construction, join the back, seat/ slats are resting against the front of the arm cleat. Clamp
leg assembly, and arm/post assembly. Before you the back to the seat support with a C-clamp, making sure
start, gather scrap wood to brace the parts while you the low brace top edge is flush with the tops of the legs.
fasten them. Tighten the lag screws at the post/leg joints. Then,
Set the seat/leg assembly on your work surface, add a second lag screw at each joint. Drill three evenly
clamping a piece of scrap wood to the front apron to raise spaced pilot holes near the top edge of the arm cleat and
the assembly front until the leg bottoms are flush on the drive 11⁄2" deck screws through the holes and into the
surface (about 10"). Use a similar technique to brace back slats (photo 6). Drive 3" deck screws through the
the arm/post assembly so the back cleat bottom is 20" legs and into the ends of the low back brace.
above the work surface. Arrange the assembly so the
posts fit around the front of the seat/leg assembly and the APPLY FINISHING TOUCHES
bottom edge of the apron is flush with the front edges of Cut or buy 1⁄4"-thick, 3⁄8"-diameter cedar wood plugs
the posts. and glue them into visible counterbores (photo 7).
Drill a 1⁄4"-diameter pilot hole through the inside of After the glue dries, sand the plugs even with the
each leg and partway into the post. Drive a 3⁄8 × 21⁄2" lag surrounding surface. Finish-sand all exposed surfaces
screw and washer through each hole, but do not tighten with 120-grit sandpaper. Finish the chair as desired;
completely (photo 5). Remove the braces. Position the we simply applied a coat of clear wood sealer.

Drive screws through counterbored


6 pilot holes in the arm cleat, near the top
and into the slats. Check to make sure
they did not penetrate the back slats on
the seat side.

Glue cedar plugs into the


7 counterbores to conceal the screw
holes.

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Slatted Garden Bench

C asual seating is a welcome addition to any outdoor


setting. This lovely garden bench sits comfortably
around the borders of any porch, patio, or deck. With
Materials ▸
a compact footprint, it creates a pleasant resting spot 1 2 × 8" × 6 ft. cedar 1 2 × 2" × 6 ft. cedar
for up to three adults without taking up a lot of space. board board
Station it near your home’s rear entry for a convenient 4 2 × 2" × 10 ft. cedar 1 1 × 4" × 12 ft. cedar
place to remove shoes or set down grocery bags while boards board
you unlock the door. 1 2 × 4" × 6 ft. cedar Moisture-resistant glue
The straightforward, slatted design of this bench board Wood sealer or stain
lends itself to accessorizing. Station a rustic cedar 1 2 × 6" × 10 ft. cedar Deck screws (11⁄2",
planter next to the bench for a lovely effect. Or, add board 21⁄2")
a framed lattice trellis to one side of the bench to cut
down on wind and direct sun. You can apply exterior
stain or a clear wood sealer with UV protectant to
keep the bench looking fresh and new. Or, leave it
unfinished and let it weather naturally to a silvery hue.

Graceful lines and trestle construction make this bench a charming furnishing for any garden as well as porches, patios, and
decks.

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Slatted Garden Bench

4"
3"

3"
B

B
D
A

A
B

B
A

Cutting List
Key Part Dimension Pcs. Material
A Leg halves 1 ⁄2 × 7 ⁄4 × 14 ⁄2"
1 1 1
4 Cedar
B Cleats 3
⁄4 × 31⁄2 × 16" 8 Cedar
C Braces 11⁄2 × 11⁄2 × 16" 3 Cedar
D Trestle 1 ⁄2 × 3 ⁄2 × 60"
1 1
1 Cedar
E Aprons 1 ⁄2 × 5 ⁄2 × 60"
1 1
2 Cedar
F Slats 1 ⁄2 × 1 ⁄2 × 60"
1 1
8 Cedar

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■ Slatted Garden Bench
BUILD THE BASE with the cleats using glue and 21⁄2" deck screws
Cut the leg halves, cleats, and trestle to length. (photo 2). Cut the braces to length. Fasten one
Sandwich one leg half between two cleats so the brace to the inner top cleat on each leg assembly, so
cleats are flush with the top and the outside edge the tops are flush (photo 3).
of the leg half. Then, join the parts by driving four
11⁄2" deck screws through each cleat and into the leg MAKE THE APRONS
half. Assemble two more cleats with a leg half in the Cut the aprons to length. Lay out the arc profile onto
same fashion. one apron, starting 3" from each end. The peak of the
Stand the two assemblies on their sides, with the arc, located over the midpoint of the apron, should be
open ends of the cleats pointing upward. Arrange the 11⁄2" up from the bottom edge. Draw a smooth, even
assemblies so they are roughly 4 feet apart. Set the arc by driving a casing nail at the peak of the arc and
trestle onto the inner edges of the leg halves, pressed at each of the starting points. Slip a flexible ruler or
flush against the bottoms of the cleats. Adjust the strip of thin plywood or hardboard behind the nails at
position of the assemblies so the trestle overhangs the the starting points and in front of the nail at the peak
leg half by 11⁄2" at each end. Fasten the trestle to each to create a smooth arc. Then, trace along the inside of
leg half with glue and 21⁄2" deck screws (photo 1). the ruler to make a cutting line (photo 4). Cut along
Attach another pair of cleats to each leg half the line with a jigsaw and sand the cut smooth. Trace
directly below the first pair, positioned so each cleat the profile of the arc onto the other apron and make
is snug against the bottom of the trestle. Slide the the cut. Sand the cuts smooth.
other leg half between the cleats, keeping the top Cut the slats to length. Attach a slat to the top inside
edge flush with the upper cleats. Join the leg halves edge of each apron with glue and deck screws (photo 5).

1 2 3

Attach the trestle to the legs, making Attach the remaining leg half to the Attach the outer brace for the seat
sure it is positioned correctly against the cleats on both ends, sandwiching the slats directly to the inside faces of the
top cleat bottoms. trestle on all sides. cleats.

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4 5

Mark the profile cuts on the aprons. Use a flexible ruler Attach a 2 x 2 slat to the top inside edge of each apron
pinned between casing nails to trace a smooth arc. using 21⁄2" deck screws and glue.

INSTALL THE APRONS & SLATS 6


Apply glue at each end on the bottom sides of the
attached slats. Flip the leg and trestle assembly and
position it flush with the aprons so that it rests on the
glue of the two slatted bottoms. The aprons should
extend 11⁄2" beyond the legs at each end of the bench.
Drive 21⁄2" deck screws through the braces and into
both slats.
Position the middle brace between the aprons,
centered end-to-end on the project. Fasten it to the
two side slats with deck screws. Position the six
remaining slats on the braces using 1⁄2"-thick spacers
to create equal gaps between them. Attach the slats
with glue and drive 21⁄2" deck screws up through the
braces and into each slat (photo 6).

APPLY FINISHING TOUCHES


Sand the slats smooth with progressively finer
sandpaper, up to 150-grit. Wipe away the sanding
residue with a rag dipped in mineral spirits. Let the
bench dry. Apply a finish of your choice—a clear wood Attach the seat slats with glue and 21⁄2" deck screws. Insert
sealer protects the cedar without altering the color. 1
⁄2"-thick spacers to set gaps between the slats.

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Knockdown Garden Bench

S noopy shoppers at your local home center will


never guess you’re building a garden bench when
they spot your cart full of materials for this project.
The sturdy combination of crossing half joints and
hefty parts creates a very solid bench. But it’s also a
very heavy bench. Fortunately, this type of joinery also
That’s because the materials for this garden bench eliminates the need for many fasteners, making it easy
are more typical for a backyard deck. Concrete to disassemble the bench into pieces so you can move
foundation blocks and beefy dimensional lumber it around your yard as you please and reassemble it
may suggest decks, but here they are combined to quickly and easily.
create a contemporary, Eastern-influenced garden
bench. Featuring interlocking joinery (in the finest
Asian tradition) and minimal use of metal fasteners,
this bench is reminiscent of the post-and-beam
construction featured in many ancient Japanese Materials ▸
timberframe structures.
The precast concrete piers, designed to hold a deck 1 2 × 6" × 8 ft. cedar 4 Precast concrete
undercarriage, are dressed up with stain to function as board deck piers
tapered concrete bench legs. The seat is made from 2 2 × 8" × 8 ft. cedar 2 ⁄2" exterior-rated
1

deck posts and typical joist lumber (4 × 4s and 2 × boards screws


10s). You only need a few power tools to build this 1 2 × 10" × 8 ft. cedar Exterior wood stain
bench—a circular saw, jigsaw, and drill/driver. A couple board Concrete stain
of additional tools can speed up the construction: a 4 4 × 4" × 8 ft. cedar
12" miter saw, because of its capacity to cut 4 × 4s in a boards
single pass, and a router to round over the cut edges.

Because the principal parts of this unique garden bench fit together with no mechanical fasteners, it can be disassembled and
moved around your yard with little effort.

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Garden Bench.eps
Artist Date Initials Date
03/24/2009
Accurate Art, Inc.
Check if revision CE's review
BxW 2/C 4/C OK Correx

Final Size (Width x Depth in Picas)


Initials Date
44w x 36d

Knockdown Garden Bench

4"
C
C A
B

A
E
B
E

2 1⁄4"
11"

2" Radius
1 1⁄2"

C
4"
3"
B A

3"
B

End Detail A

Key Part Dimension Pcs. Material

A Cross supports 11⁄2 × 91⁄4 × 22" 2 Cedar


B Cross support braces 1 ⁄2 × 5 ⁄2 × 14"
1 1
4 Cedar
C Seat front and back 1 ⁄2 × 7 ⁄4 × 72"
1 1
2 Cedar
D Seat beams 3 ⁄2 × 3 ⁄2 × 70"
1 1
4 Cedar
E Base piers 6 ⁄2 × 10 ⁄2 × 10 ⁄2" 4
1 1 1
Concrete

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Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
hartos más son los que enferman
y mueren por la iñorancia ó
malicia de los médicos y
boticarios que los que sanan con
las curas que les hacen y
medicinas que reciben. Y así lo
que dice Salomón, que el Señor
altísimo crió de la tierra la
medicina y el varón prudente no
la aborrecerá, entiéndolo yo por la
buena medicina; pero por lo que
se ha platicado, pocas medicinas
tienen buenas los boticarios, y tan
pocas son las que ordenan bien
los médicos; y así lo mejor sería
que las gentes se curasen todas
como yo he visto á los mismos
médicos cuando están enfermos,
y á sus mujeres y hijos cuando
están malos.
Lerma.—¿Y qué diferencia ha
visto vuesa merced hacer?
Pimentel.—Yo os la diré luego.
Cuando un médico está malo,
jamás le veréis comer ni tener
dieta, á lo menos tan estrecha
como la mandan á los otros
enfermos; no comen lentejas, ni
acelgas cocidas, ni manzanas
asadas, sino muy buenos caldos
de aves y parte dellas con otras
cosas sustanciales. Beben
siempre, aunque tengan
calentura, un poco de vino
aguado, y no del peor que pueden
haber. No permiten sangrarse ni
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tan grande que vean al ojo la
muerte; á sus mujeres y hijos
cúranlos tan atentadamente, que
siempre dicen que dexan obrar á
la naturaleza, y nunca les dan
purgas ni les hacen sangrías, sino
son en enfermedades agudas y
peligrosas. Pero si uno de
nosotros está un poco mal
dispuesto ó tiene calentura, por
poca que sea, luego receutan
xarabes y purgas y mandan sacar
cien onzas de sangre, con que
recibe el cuerpo más daño que
provecho puede recoger en toda
su vida de los médicos.
Lerma.—La culpa desto tiene la
común opinión del vulgo, porque
si un médico va á visitar tres ó
cuatro veces á un enfermo y no
provee luego en hacer remedios,
tiénenle por iñorante y murmuran
dél, diciendo que no sabe curar ni
hace cosa buena en medicina, y
si no les mandan comer dietas y
estrecharse, parésceles que
aquello es para nunca sanarlos; y
por otra parte, desmándanse á
comer mil cosas dañosas, y
muchas veces por esta causa
estrechamos la licencia, que bien
sabemos que hay pocos
enfermos que no la tomen mayor
que nosotros se la damos, y
acaece á muchos venirles la
muerte por ello. Y á la verdad, los
médicos habrían siempre de
mandar lo que se ha de hacer
puntualmente, y los enfermos
cumplirlo sin salir dello; y lo que
nosotros hacemos con nuestras
mujeres y hijos es porque osamos
aventurarlas, y si la cura fuere
más á la larga, nuestro ha de ser
el trabajo.
D. Gastar.—Si los médicos
teniendo mayor afición y voluntad
para procurar la salud á sus
mujeres é hijos hacen eso con
ellos, lo mismo querría yo que
hiciessen conmigo.
Lerma.—Vuesa merced, que lo
entiende y tiene discreción para
ello, holgaría de que se tuviese
esa orden en sus enfermedades;
pero las otras gentes, á los
médicos que luego receutan y
sangran y purgan y hacen otras
cosas semejantes y experiencias
malas ó buenas, tiénenlos por
grandes médicos y con ello
cobran fama y reputación entre
las gentes.
Pimentel.—Entre las gentes
necias será esto; pero no es
buena razón, señor licenciado,
que miren los médicos ninguna
cosa desas para dexar de cumplir
con lo que son obligados á Dios y
á sus conciencias, y al bien
general y particular de sus
repúblicas; y habrían siempre de
tener cuenta con la necesidad de
los enfermos, y no con el juicio de
las gentes; y cuenta con curar las
enfermedades de manera que de
los remedios que aplican para
sanar las unas no se
engendrasen otras mayores, y
cuenta con que la han de dar á
Dios si usan bien ó mal sus
oficios, y desta manera nunca
errarán en lo que hicieren ni
tendrán de qué ser reprendidos ni
acusados. Pero ¿quién hay que
haga esto?
Lerma.—Algunos habrá, si
vuessa merced manda no
llevarlos á todos por un rasero.
Pimentel.—Si los hay yo no los
veo, y reniego del mejor de
vosotros, como dixo el que araba
con los lobos.
Lerma.—Vámonos, señor
Dionisio, que basta lo que el uno
al otro nos hemos dicho sin
esperar la cólera del señor
Pimentel, que yo le veo en
términos de ponernos á todos
muy presto del lodo.
Pimentel.—Eso será por no
esperarse á oir las verdades.
Dionisio.—¿No bastan las que
nosotros hemos tratado sin que
vuessa merced quiera traer cosas
nuevas? Y si han de ser para
echarnos de aquí por fuerza,
mejor será que nos vamos antes
que oyamos con que nos pese.
Lerma.—Aunque yo quisiese
detenerme, no puedo hacerlo.
Vuessa merced, señor Gaspar,
está mejor, loado Dios, y para el
dolor del hígado se aplicarán
luego los remedios necesarios. Yo
me voy por la botica de Dionisio,
donde dexaré dada la orden en lo
que se hubiese de hacer. No se
beba otra agua sino la de
doradilla, y con tanto, beso las
manos á vuesas mercedes.
D. Gaspar.—No sea esta
visitación para olvidarme tanto
como estos días.
Dionisio.—No será, porque yo
tendré cuidado de ponerlo al
señor licenciado para que venga
muchas veces.
D. Gaspar.—A vos, señor
Dionisio, os pido yo por merced
que vengáis, que no huelgo
menos con vuessa visitación que
con la de cuantos médicos hay en
el mundo.
Dionisio.—Yo lo haré así, y agora
vuestras mercedes me perdonen,
que el licenciado lleva priesa y
quiero seguirle porque no se
agravie, y aun podrá ser que
sospeche que todavía quedamos
murmurando.
Pimentel.—No sería pecado
mortal si la murmuración fuesse
tan verdadera y provechosa como
las passadas.

Finis.
COLLOQUIO

Entre dos caballeros llamados


Leandro y Florián y un pastor
Amintas, en que se tratan las
excelencias y perfición de la
vida pastoril para los que
quieren seguirla, probándolo
con muchas razones naturales
y autoridades y ejemplos de la
Sagrada Escritura y de otros
autores. Es muy provechosa
para que las gentes no vivan
descontentas con su pobreza,
no pongan la felicidad y
bienaventuranza en tener
grandes riquezas y gozar de
grandes estados.

INTERLOCUTORES

Leandro.—Florián.—Amintas.

Leandro.—Paréceme, señor
Florián, que no es buen camino el
que llevamos; porque agora que
pensábamos salir al cabo deste
monte, entramos en la mayor
espesura, y según veo no se nos
apareja buena noche, pues será
excusado salir tan presto de este
laberinto donde andamos dando
vueltas á una parte y á otra, sin
hallar salida.
Florián.—Culpa es nuestra,
pues quessimos que nos
anocheciese en tierra tan
montañosa, y cuanto más
anduviéremos será mayor el yerro
no sabiendo á qué parte vamos.
Lo mejor será que nos metamos
en una mata destas y
desenfrenando los caballos para
que puedan pacer, passemos lo
que nos queda de la noche
durmiendo, que venido el día
presto podremos aportar á
poblado.
Leandro.—Bien decís; pero á mí
me parece que oigo ladrar
algunos mastines, y sin duda
debe de estar cerca alguna
majada de pastores.
Florián.—Decís la verdad, que
yo también los he oído; por aquí
podremos ir, que el monte está
menos espeso.
Leandro.—No sería malo hallar
alguna cosa que comer, porque
yo os doy mi fe que no voy menos
muerto de hambre que si
hubiesse tres días que no
hubiesse comido bocado.
Florián.—A mí la sed me fatiga,
aunque no lo había dicho; pero
una noche como quiera puede
pasarse.
Leandro.—Mejor sería passarla
bien que mal, si pudiéssemos, y
no hemos traído mal tino, que
veis allí está fuego hecho y un
pastor no poco enzamarrado;
pero doy al diablo estos perros
que assí nos fatigan como si
veniéssemos á hurtalles el
ganado.
Amintas.—Torna aquí,
Manchado, que mala rabia te
mate y lobos te despedacen;
torna aquí; dolos yo á la mala
ventura, que no saben ladrar sino
cuando no es menester.
Leandro.—Buenas noches,
hermano mío.
Amintas.—Salud buena os dé
Dios. ¿Qué venida es ésta por
aquí á tal hora?
Florián.—Mi fe, hermano, no
venimos por nuestra voluntad,
sino por haber perdido el camino,
que toda esta noche hemos
andado perdidos por este monte,
hasta agora que contigo hemos
topado, que no ha sido pequeña
dicha.
Amintas.—Esa yo la he tenido en
haber llegado á mi majada
personas tan honradas, y más y
más si en ella quisiéredes ser mis
huéspedes por esta noche, pues
que á cualquiera parte que
queráis caminar, el pueblo más
cercano está de aquí dos leguas;
y con la grande escuridad que
hace, dificultosamente podréis
atinar allá, aunque yo quisiese
poneros en el camino.
Leandro.—Desa manera forzado
será aceptar tu buena voluntad y
ofrecimiento; pero dinos, ¿por
ventura tienes alguna cosa que
comamos, que lo que nos dieres
te será todo muy bien pagado?
Amintas.—No ha de faltar, si
queréis contentaros con la miseria
de que vivimos los pobres
pastores. Desenfrenad los
caballos para que puedan pacer,
pues hay hierba en abundancia
que suplirá la falta de la cebada,
que para vosotros pan hay con un
pedazo de cecina y esta liebre
que mis mastines por gran
aventura mataron, para la cual
tenía encendido el fuego que veis,
y assí está ya aparejada, y en
lugar del buen vino que solemos
beber en vuestra tierra, habréis
de pasaros con agua que agora
poco ha he traido de una clara y
sabrosa fuente.
Leandro.—Dios te dé buena
ventura, que más nos hartará tu
buena voluntad y gracia que
todos los manjares y vinos del
mundo, y pues que así es,
comencemos á comer, que en
verdad yo estaba medio
desmayado con pensar que esta
noche la habíamos de pasar
como camaleones.
Florián.—Nunca Dios hizo á
quien desamparase, y yo os
prometo que me sabe mejor lo
que como y bebo que si
estuviéssemos en el mejor
banquete que se hace en la corte.
Amintas.—El buen gusto hácelo
el buen apetito y la hambre, que
es la cosa que mayor sabor pone
á los manjares, y así agora no
podrá saberos mal el pan de
centeno de mi convite que tan
buenos bocados os veo dar en él
como si fuesse de trigo y de lo
muy escogido, blanco y regalado.
Florián.—Así me ayuda Dios
que hasta agora yo no había
mirado si era de trigo ó de
centeno, porque me sabe tan
bien, que no tengo cuidado sino
de hartarme.
Amintas.—Si queréis, señores,
leche migada, aquí la tengo en
este cacharro nuevo; bien podéis
comer sin asco, que yo os digo
está bien limpio.
Leandro.—Está tan sabrosa y
tan dulce que ninguna cosa me
ha sabido mejor en mi vida.
Comed della, señor Florián, que
por ventura nunca mejor la
comistes.
Florián.—Assí es la verdad, pero
no comamos tanta que nos pueda
hacer daño.
Leandro.—Bien habéis dicho,
que yo ya estoy satisfecho.
Florián.—Y yo muy bien harto.
Dios dé mucha salud á quien tan
bien nos ha convidado.
Amintas.—Assí haga, señores, á
vosotros, aunque no tenéis de
qué darme gracias, si no es por la
voluntad, que, conforme á ella, de
otra manera fuérades convidados.
Leandro.—Dime, hermano mío,
¿cómo es tu nombre?
Amintas.—Amintas, señor, me
llamo, á vuestro servicio. Mas
decidme, ¿para qué lo
preguntáis?
Leandro.—Lo uno para saber de
quién hemos recebido tan buena
obra, y que cuando se ofreciere
tiempo podamos galardonarte
della, y lo otro para poderte mejor
decir algunas cosas que después
que aquí estamos me han pasado
por el pensamiento.
Amintas.—Cuando alguna buena
obra se hace, ella misma trae
consigo el galardón en ser bien
hecha, assí que yo me doy por
bien pagado si en algo he podido
serviros. En lo demás, decid,
señor, lo que quisiéredes, que
bien aparejado me hallaréis para
oiros.
Leandro.—Pues tan buen
aparejo hallo en ti, hermano
Amintas, para escucharme,
quiérote decir lo que estoy
considerando, y no me tengas á
mal mis razones, porque en el fin
dellas conocerás que todas irán
enderezadas en provecho y honra
tuya; y cuando así no fuere, bien
podré yo engañarme, pero mi
intención será buena, pues quiero
darte en todo el consejo que yo
para mí mesmo tomaría, aunque
por ello me puedas dar la viga
que dicen que está aparejada
para quien lo da á quien se lo
pide.
Amintas.—Aquellos que son
aconsejados mal ó bien, tienen
una gran ventaja, y es que no son
forzados, antes quedan en su
libertad para escoger lo que mejor
les está y les pareciere; que de
otra manera no sería consejo,
sino mandamiento forzoso; así
que los que aconsejan, no
solamente bien, pero aunque sea
mal, han de ser con atención
oídos, porque si el consejo es
bueno pueden y deben los
hombres aprovecharse dél, y si es
malo toman las gentes mayor
aviso para huir el peligro que
consigo trae; aunque para esto yo
confieso que hay necesidad de
muy gran discreción, porque
muchas veces las gentes simples
son engañadas con el consejo de
los maliciosos.
Leandro.—Tienes tanta razón en
lo que dices y tan buenas razones
en lo que hablas, y con tan polido
y gentil estilo te muestras en tu
plática tan prudente, que sólo
esto me mueve á decirte mi
parecer cerca de lo que debrías
hacer de ti y de tu vida; que
según siento traes tan mal
empleada en la soledad de estos
desiertos y montes, y en la
braveza destas montañas, á
donde aun las bestias fieras
parece que de mala voluntad
habitarían. Y para que mejor,
hermano mío Amintas, puedas
entenderme, yo he considerado
que, siendo tú un mancebo al
parecer de veintiuno á veintidós
años, con muy buena disposición
en el cuerpo y tan hermoso de
rostro que andando tratado de
otra manera pocos ó ninguno
habría que te hiciesen ventaja,
assí en gentileza como en
hermosura, teniendo otras gracias
que, según lo que de ti hemos
visto y conocido no deben faltarte,
y sobre todo un buen natural y
juicio claro, dotado de gran
discreción, con sutil y delicado
entendimiento, que lo empleas
tan mal todo ello, que con razón
podrías ser reprendido de los que
te conocen y sienten que podrías
tener mayores y mejores
pensamientos que no los que
muestras andando tras el ganado,
en hábito tan humilde que nunca
serás ni podrás ser más de lo que
agora paresces, que es ser pastor
como los otros pastores. Y
contentándote con la pobreza y
desventura que todos tienen, sin
pretender de pasar más adelante
ni venir á ser más estimado y
temido, habiendo en ti tanta
habilidad y suficiencia, á lo que
hemos visto y conocido, que más
pareces hombre disfrazado que
no criado en el hábito que traes.
Así que, amigo Amintas, lo que
todas las gentes pretenden, que
es el valor de la persona y las
riquezas, por donde vienen á ser
más estimados y tenidos, tú
también lo habías de pretender y
procurar, no teniendo tan gran
descuido para lo que te cumple,
que si tú quieres ponerte en
mudar el hábito y manera de vivir
en que agora andas, yo fiador que
ni te falten aparejos para venir
poco á poco á poner tu persona
en otra manera de vida con que
puedas vivir más honrado y
contento que agora lo estás,
aunque á ti te parezca al contrario
de lo que digo.
Florián.—Todas las mudanzas
son trabajosas, y aunque sean de
mal en bien ó de bien en mejor se
hacen con dificultad, porque la
costumbre se convierte en otra
naturaleza, y assí debe de ser en
Amintas, que aunque conozca
que vuestro consejo, señor
Leandro, es bueno y provechoso,
con estar tan acostumbrado, y por
ventura toda su vida, en el oficio
que agora tiene, dificultosamente
querrá dexarlo, que si él quisiesse
todos le ayudaríamos para
disponer de sí, mudando el hábito
y procurando remediarse por otra
vía más aventajada y
honrosamente.
Amintas.—Conocido he, señores,
la intención con que me habéis
dicho lo que de mi vida os parece,
y que el consejo que me dais es
como de personas que deseáis mi
bien y lo procuraríades cuando en
vuestra mano estuviese, y pues
no os lo puedo servir con las otras
según mi pobreza, agradecéroslo
he siempre con mi voluntad. Pero
muy engañados estáis en lo que
de mí habéis juzgado, porque yo
voy por otro camino muy diferente
del que á vosotros os parece que
siga, y no debéis maravillaros
mirando lo que comúnmente se
dice: que cuantas cabezas hay,
tantos son los pareceres y juicios
diferentes. Vosotros fundáis
vuestra opinión en aquello que
tenéis por mejor y más bien
acertado, porque así está
concebido y determinado en
vuestro entendimiento, y á mí
pónenseme delante otras razones
tan fuertes en lo contrario, que no
me dexan determinar en dexar la
vida que tengo, ni en que tenga
por mejor otra ninguna de las que
las gentes tienen; y si no fuesse
por no cansaros y haceros perder
el sueño, que os será más
provechoso, yo las diría, para que
viésedes que no me faltan
razones, si por ventura con ellas
me engaño, para querer ser
pastor, como lo soy, y no tener en
nada todo lo que el mundo para
valer más me pueda poner
delante.
Leandro.—No podrás, Amintas,
darnos mejor noche que será con
oirlas, que el sueño no nos hace
falta, y pues que descansamos
recostados en esta verde
frescura, por amor de mí te ruego
que prosigas hasta el cabo de tu
plática, que de muy buena gana
escucharemos, para poder
entender qué causas pueden á ti
moverte, fuera de la simpleza que
los otros pastores tienen, para
tener y estimar en mucho la vida
que todos tenemos en poco,
huyendo della con todo nuestro
poder y fuerzas, y que tú por tu
voluntad quieras seguirla,
mostrando tan gran
contentamiento con ella.
Amintas.—Pues que assí lo
tenéis por bien, escuchadme, que
yo las diré y con la mayor
brevedad que pudiere, para que si
os parecieren torpes y mal
fundadas, como salidas de un
entendimiento torpe y grosero, no
recibáis cansancio en
escucharlas, que los pastores á
veces pueden leer cosas que los
ciudadanos, impedidos de sus
tratos y conversaciones, por
ventura no leen, por donde
recogeré en mi memoria algunas
cosas de las que en este yermo á
mis solas he leído acerca deste
propósito de que hablamos.
Florián.—Antes te ruego que las
digas sin dexar ninguna cosa de
lo que te pareciere que hace al
propósito, para que mejor las
entendamos.
Amintas.—Todas las cosas como
las hace y produce la naturaleza
desnudas y con sólo el ser que de
su sustancia tienen son de mayor
perfición que cuando los
accidentes son adquiridos y
postizos, porque parece que la
causa de tener necesidad dellos
arguye aquella cosa ser
imperfecta y querría ser ayudada
con ponerlos en sí, para la
imperfección que en sí sienten. Y
porque mejor me podáis entender,
decidme, señores, ¿qué ventaja
hace una cosa viva, aunque sea
fea y tenga muchos defetos para
parecer bien, á la mesma cosa
pintada, aunque el pintor se
esmere en hacerla y procure
contrahacer naturalmente á la
viva? Y así mesmo ¿qué ventaja
tan grande la de la hermosura
igual al parecer en dos mujeres, si
la una la tiene suya sin poner
cosa ninguna y la otra la tiene
postiza y con afeites y otras cosas
que la ayuden á estar hermosa?
Pues si tomáis las hierbas y flores
que nacen en los campos de
diversos colores y matices,
¿cuánta mayor perfición muestran
en sí que las que están pintadas y
contrahechas? Y dexando aparte
la suavidad de los olores, y la
virtud con que están criadas, en el
parecer les hacen ventaja muy
conocida.
Pareceros ha, señores, que estas
comparaciones van sin propósito
hasta que entendáis el fin para
que las he dicho, el cual es
mostraros que cuanto las cosas
están más cerca y allegadas á lo
que manda y muestra querer la
naturaleza, tanto se podrían decir
que tienen mayor bondad y que
son más perfetas, y con la
perfición más dignas de ser
queridas y seguidas de las
gentes. Todo esto he dicho para
mostraros que, siendo la vida
pastoril, por muchas causas y
razones que para ello hay, más
allegada á la que la naturaleza
quiso como por principal intento y
voluntad que los hombres
seguiéssemos, que os parezca
también que los que la siguen y
se contentan con ella no
solamente no hacen yerro
ninguno, pero que no por esso es
razón que sean tenidos en menos
que los otros hombres que siguen
y andan embebidos en las
riquezas y en los deleites y en las
pompas y honores, que todas son
vanidades del mundo.
Leandro.—No me parece mal
fundamento el que has tomado;
pero yo no veo razón que baste á
probar cómo quiso la naturaleza
más que los hombres anduviesen
guardando ganado que no que
entendiesen en los otros tratos y

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