 Your finished frame (with gussets)
should resemble the scale drawing at left. Because we're using gussets, and don't intend to make a double-sided
flat, this is the "back" of your frame. We use gussets for strengthening the joints on frames that have fitted
dado joints unless we intend to cover both sides of the flat. We also use gussets (both rectangular and triangular) for
"splicing" flats together to make a "wall" in a box set. This helps create a straight line for walls
and serves to strengthen and stiffen the wall (remember, actors love to slam doors). For angles, corners, and "book
flats", however, you'll want to use hinges.
 The placing of the interior cross-pieces is somewhat arbitrary. You
can space them to divide the flat in thirds, but three feet from either end is an easy measurement to make and remember.
The main thing is to space them far enough apart to provide the support you need. Obviously, flats that are taller than
eleven feet will be sturdier if you use three interior cross-pieces instead of one.
While we're on the subject of cross-pieces, an additional cross-piece
can be added temporarily to provide backing for nails, screws or whatever that you might need for hanging pictures or
other set dressing on the finished side of the flat. For lightweight objects you can simply use a piece of 1/4 inch
plywood for this backing.
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