Step 12: Trim the Dowels

trimming the dowels with a Japanese flush-cut saw
Photo: Kolin Smith
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Smear waterproof carpenter's glue or polyurethane glue onto a ⅜-inch hardwood dowel. Tap the dowel into one of the holes until it protrudes at least ⅜ inch from the opposite side. Trim off the excess dowel with a Japanese-style flush-cutting handsaw, as shown. Peg the remaining hole, and trim the excess.
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    24 common cedar board. Get one 8-footer to make the center post and lantern arm.

    16 clear cedar boards. Get two 8-foot lengths to clad the post.

    210 clear cedar board. Get one 6-footer to wrap the base of the post.

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    transformer (optional)

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