Chapter XXXIII: Part II: A Netted Hammock (8)

To avoid expensive waste of paper in making large bromide enlargements the following device is useful: Cut an oblong sheet of stiff cardboard, 5¹⁄₄ by 4 in., with a central opening, measuring 3³⁄₄ by 1¹⁄₂ in. Along the lower edge of the central opening mark off five spaces of ³⁄₄ in. each, and number them from 1 to 5. Glue a strip of cardboard, 1 in. wide, at the top and the bottom of the oblong, on the back. Now glue a second strip of cardboard over each of those just attached, making the second strips slightly wider to form grooves similar to those in a sliding-top box.

Cut a piece of cardboard, wide enough to slide easily in these grooves, and about 7 in. long. In the center of it, cut an opening, 1¹⁄₂ in. long and ³⁄₄ in. wide, with the longer dimension extending across the strip. By inserting this slide into the grooves, the opening in it may be shifted to correspond to any of the five ³⁄₄-in. indications at the lower edge of the opening in the oblong frame.

Focus the enlargement on the easel and put the cap on the lens. Then pin a 1¹⁄₂-in. strip of bromide paper where a good range of detail will fall upon it. Pin the oblong card over the bromide strip and make five successive exposures, of increasing duration, by sliding the strip so that its opening is opposite the number indications on the oblong. Note the particulars of exposure at the time and later develop the strip of bromide paper. Suppose the exposures were of 8, 16, 24, 32, and 40 seconds’ duration, and upon development it was found that the first and second exposures were much underexposed and that the fifth was overexposed; the third and fourth being only slightly under and overexposed, respectively. Then the mean of these two, that is 24 plus 32 divided by 2, or 28 seconds, will be approximately the correct exposure. The use of this device will effect a considerable saving.--H. J. Gray, Lewes, Sussex, England.

Scale on Vaulting Pole Indicates Points of Grip

Unnecessary delay in running off the pole-vaulting events at athletic meets is caused by the repeated testing of vaulters for the proper height at which to grip the vaulting pole. This was readily overcome by marking intervals of 1 ft. on the upper end of the vaulting poles. Vaulters judge the proper height once and thereafter may easily take the same grip with the aid of the indications on the pole.--A. B. Wegener, Madison, N. J.

Current of Canal Raises Irrigation Water

The current of a canal was utilized to raise water for irrigation purposes, and other uses, by means of the homemade device shown in the illustration. A large-size buggy wheel was set on an old axle, and extensions were fixed to eight of the spokes. Paddles, 9 by 18 in. in size, were secured to the extensions, and uniform-size tin cans were fixed to the paddles, as shown. The current revolved the wheel, carrying the loaded buckets upward, and the water was thus poured from them into a wide trough braced on the platform. A flume led the water to the irrigation ditches, and pipes were used to conduct some of it to the ranch house for general purposes. When the water is not desired for useful purposes the trough is withdrawn and the water drops into the canal.--Joseph Gray, Heber, Calif.

Protecting an Air Pump against Denting

The brass cylinders of many tire pumps are made of thin metal, and a slight blow may dent them. Such injuries interfere with the action of the plunger, making the pump almost useless. A case which will afford protection to the pump is shown in the sketch. It was made of two strips of wood cored out on the inner sides to fit the pump and provided with small hinges and hooks, to lock it into place.

A Feather as an X-Ray Lens

The outline of the bones in the hand may be seen by holding it before a strong light and looking through a lens made of a piece cut from the tip of a feather. The sketch shows such a lens, which is mounted in a small piece of cardboard that may be carried in the pocket, and which affords diversion wherever exhibited.

The device is made as follows: Procure a soft white feather from a fowl, and cut off the tip as indicated in the upper sketch. Cut a piece of cardboard, about 2 in. wide and 6 in. long. Fold it to form a folder, 3 in. long, and cut a hole, ¹⁄₄ in. in diameter, through both parts of it. Glue the tip of the feather between the folder at the hole, taking care that the fibers lie flat and that no rib is exposed. Glue the edges of the folder, and the device is ready for use. Hold the hand, or other object, to be examined about 15 in. from the lens, and place the latter close to the eye. Looking through the hole toward an electric, or other strong, light, it will be observed that the bones of the hand, for example, may be seen clearly. They will be outlined with a band of varicolored light. A frosted globe is better than one which exposes a filament.--Leander L. Droesch, Chickasaw, Ohio.

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¶A safety-razor blade, fitted into a wooden handle, provides a
convenient tool for ripping seams and cutting cardboard.

Guard Saves Wear on Vest

Bookkeepers and others who work close to a desk nearly all day find that unusual wear results on the front of the vest, forcing them to discard their suits sooner than would otherwise be necessary. By providing a strip of cloth of a color to match the goods of which the suit is made and buttoning it across the front of the vest from the lower to the upper button this wear is prevented.--J. A. McGrath, Hancock, Michigan.

Bilge Water Siphoned Through Water-Jacket Outlet

The sketch shows a simple method of removing the bilge water from a motorboat automatically while the engine is in operation. A small pipe is fitted into the outlet from the water jacket, as shown at A, and extended to the bottom of the boat where the bilge water accumulates. A sack is fixed over the end of the pipe to prevent particles of dirt from entering the pipe. The water passing out of the water-jacket outlet causes a siphoning action in the small pipe, and the bilge water is drawn up and passes out of the larger outlet. At the left, in dotted outline, is shown a method of removing the bilge water by permitting it to be drawn up into the pump which supplies the water to the water-jacket. This method is sometimes used, but is satisfactory only when the bilge water can be kept clean, which is difficult.--Francis B. Dashiell, Baltimore, Md.

A Hinged Window Box

A window box arranged to rest in a hinged bracket on the outside of a window, as shown in the sketch, has advantages over the usual method of fixing the box permanently. The box is separate from the supporting frame and may be removed from it. The frame is attached to the window casing by means of T-hinges and is strongly supported by a bracket. When it is desired to clean the window, the device may be swung around and out of the way. This feature is also desirable when it is raining, for the flowers in the box may be watered conveniently in this way.--L. J. Hough, Toledo, Ohio.

Denatured Alcohol to Start Gasoline Stove

Considerable smoke and dirt is caused by the burning of gasoline used to generate gas in starting a gasoline stove. This may be eliminated by keeping an oilcan filled with denatured alcohol convenient to the stove, and filling the starting pan with alcohol instead of gasoline. The spout of the oilcan is also convenient in pouring only a small quantity into the pan.--Spencer A. Pease, Chicago, Ill.

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¶A strip of adhesive tape, fixed to the lower side of a straightedge
used for cutting glass, will prevent it slipping.

Playing-Card Holder

While disabled with a broken arm and being anxious to play cards for diversion, I was at a loss to hold my “hand.” I soon devised the card holder shown in the sketch, and found no difficulty keeping in the game. It is made of a strip of wood provided with a groove near the front edge, into which the cards are inserted.--W. E. Thomae, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Cocoanut-Shell Trays

Trays for holding matches, or other articles, may be made of cocoanut shells by cutting them to appropriate sizes and smoothing the surface to a polish. The tray shown in the sketch was made in this manner, as were a number of match trays which were fitted with small sheet-metal dishes. The outside of the shell is first scraped as smooth as possible, sandpapered, and then oil-polished, producing a beautiful finish.--John F. Long, Springfield, Mo.

Nail Carrier Made of Cans

Four ordinary tin cans, fastened to a wooden block as shown in the illustration, make a serviceable and practical carrier for nails, staples, or similar materials, used in making repairs on the farm or in the shop. The tops of the cans are cut out carefully and the edges smoothed off so as not to injure the hand in removing nails from them. The tops are cut to the shape shown, as attached to the block and provided with a handle, making it convenient to carry the contrivance. If cans are used having covers which may be pried off, the central block should be extended and the handle nailed directly to it.--Dale R. Van Horn, North Loup, Neb.

Stopping Rattle in Motorcycle Stand

Annoyance while traveling over rough roads by the rattling of the rear stand on a motorcycle may be overcome by taping the part of the brace which hooks into a catch at the end of the rear mud guard. The sketch shows a view of the lower portion of the rear wheel with the stand raised and in place in the catch.

Novel Covered Box for Index Trays

The box shown in the sketch is novel in that it provides a nonsliding cover with a minimum of wood for the construction and the use of no extra space for the lid. Where index, or other boxes must be provided in considerable numbers, or stored in a limited space, the saving will be worth while. Index cards, or other material, may fill the box to its upper level without hindering the availability of the cover. The small portions attached to the cover are cut from the side and end pieces.--DeWitt C. Ramsay, Bridgeport, Conn.

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¶Small parts may be soldered conveniently by holding them with a clip
made of a piece of clock spring.

A Simple Barometer

A barometer that will indicate weather changes with reasonable accuracy may be made of two bottles. A milk bottle nearly filled with water is used as the container and a smaller bottle fitting snugly into the top is inverted in the mouth of the milk bottle. The mouth of the inverted bottle should extend about an inch below the surface of the water. Weather changes will cause the water to rise and fall in the neck of the inverted bottle.

Removable Posts for Tennis Court

It is sometimes desirable to have tennis-court posts arranged to be easily removed from the lawn or the court when the grass is being mowed, or during the winter. The method of fixing the posts in the ground, as shown in the sketch, makes it convenient to remove the posts and still gives the necessary stability. A square wooden box, tarred to resist the moisture, is placed in the ground, and the post is fitted into it. The upper end of the box is level with the surface, and when the post is removed a wooden block is fitted into the opening. Removal of the posts permits the mowing of the grass close to them and leaves the place free from obstructions when the court is not in use.--Edward R. Smith, Walla Walla, Wash.

Lightning Switch for Wireless Aerials

Amateur wireless operators often cannot afford to buy a lightning switch such as is required to ground the aerial when not in use. The sketch shows such a device, which was made of a marble slab fitted with copper strips cut from discarded half-tone plates. The base was smoothed and polished to the size indicated, 4 in. wide and 9 in. long. The upper edges were beveled off, and holes were drilled near the ends through which bolts were passed to fasten the small brackets supporting the crossbar.

The copper pieces were made as follows: The plates of ¹⁄₁₆-in. copper were cut into strips, 1¹⁄₄ in. wide. Two were made 8 in. long; four, 3 in. long, and four, ⁷⁄₈ in. long. The 8-in. strips were fastened together with small bolts and a hole was drilled through one end of the joined pieces to fit the bolt which forms the pivot for the switch. The 3-in. strips were bent to form a ³⁄₄-in. angle, through which holes were bored for fastening to the base. The ⁷⁄₈-in. strips were clamped between the brackets at their lower ends to provide a slot for the crossbar. The bolts, by which the brackets were clamped together, were provided with binding nuts to which the wires were connected. A handle might be fixed to the crossbar, but this is not essential.

Stenciling with Photographic Films

Photographic films make excellent material from which to cut stencils for use in marking show cards, placards, etc., as well as for other uses to which stencils are put. Pictures, or other designs to be stenciled, may be pasted to the film and the outline cut, care being taken that the design is adapted for stenciling. This is important, since frequently binding strips must be left in the design in order to make it possible to cut a satisfactory stencil from it. The films are used with the rough side down, to prevent them from slipping. A variety of subjects for stencil design may be adapted from pictures clipped from publications or other sources.--Robert Smith, New Westminster, B. C., Canada.

A Gas-Stove Lighter

For lighting the gas stove, matches are not only untidy but inconvenient. In lieu thereof I use a simple affair consisting of a wood handle with a large nail set in the end, with which it is only necessary to touch the burner in order to start a flame. There is nothing to wear out and no parts to renew. Furthermore this gas lighter uses only one wire--a fact that is apt to strike a person as being rather unusual on first thought. However, if the reader will connect one terminal of a 60-watt lamp with the gas main or to the gas stove and then touch the other terminal successively with each of the two ends of the live wires it will be found that the lamp will light up with one terminal but not with the other, for the reason that one side of the circuit is usually grounded at most electric-light plants as a precaution against lightning.

All that is necessary to get a spark is to provide a suitable resistance coil with an iron core, so that the fuse will not be blown and to secure sufficient inductance to get a hot spark. The writer uses an ordinary 50-ohm telephone induction coil, in which the primary and secondary are placed in series by the diagonal connection indicated in the sketch. Almost any coil or electromagnet of 25-ohm resistance, or more, connected in a circuit will prove safe and give a hot spark. Place the coil in some out-of-the-way corner, and run one strand of the usual flexible cord to the handle, which should be hung at some convenient point at the right-hand side of the stove. Let the handle itself be long enough so that there will be no tendency to catch hold of the metal point. Run the flexible cord through the center and out at the lower end, into which a wire nail with the head removed is driven. Solder the wire to the nail, and the lighter is ready.

For lighting Bunsen burners, and other fixtures using rubber tubing, a small wire may be run down the center of the tubing so as to ground the burner, or else a small surface on the workbench may be covered with tin and this grounded, so that it is only necessary to set the burner thereon to get a light.--John D. Adams, Phoenix, Arizona.

To Stop Rattling of Windows

Annoyance from the rattling of windows may be overcome by attaching a small block to the side of the window casing so that it will engage the sash and hold it firmly. The block should be of ¹⁄₂-in. wood, about 3 in. long, 1 in. wide, and have one end rounded off. A screw is fixed through the block near the rounded end and driven into the window casing at such a point that when the block is turned upward on its pivot the rounded end will act like a cam and force the sash firmly against its grooves.

Practical Bracket for Garden Hose

Care in the storage of a garden hose will pay the owner in the longer life of it, and the homemade bracket shown in the sketch suggests a convenient method of caring for the hose. A portion of a barrel was sawed off at one of the hoops, and after reinforcing it by nailing the hoops and inserting shelves, it was nailed to the wall. The hose may be coiled over it in shape to be easily carried to the lawn or garden, for use. The shelves provide space for an oilcan for the lawn mower, and other accessories.

Making Filing Envelopes Quickly

FIG. 2

FIG. 4

FIG. 3

Folders Like That in Figure 1 may be Glued to Form Envelopes, Figure 2, or Cut Down to the Size Shown in Figure 3, for Use in Combination, Figure 4]

Folders in which large cards, calendars, posters, etc., are commonly mailed may be utilized to make convenient filing cases. Envelopes of the type shown in the sketch, with leatherboard and cord fasteners for holding the flaps together, may be cut to a uniform size or used in any smaller size desired, and, by gluing the flaps A and B, will provide serviceable containers. Small tools or other objects likely to injure a single-thickness folder, or drop out of it, may be stored in double envelopes made in this way.

Yardstick on Tool Rack

I have derived considerable satisfaction from the use of a yardstick fitted above my workbench. A plug of brass, having a center-punch mark, was inserted at the zero point on the yardstick. This is convenient in setting dividers and other instruments. Below the plug was fixed a small brass angle, set so that its inner face was at the zero point. This is useful in measuring pieces from a finished end. If the end of the yardstick is at the zero point it is necessary to attach a small extension to take the brass plug.--V. A. Rettich, Hollis, N. Y.

Bicycle Runner for Winter Use

A bicycle may be used with satisfactory results in winter by arranging a runner under the front wheel, which is lashed to the fork as indicated in the sketch. The mudguard is used as a runner by releasing it and dropping it to the position shown. It is then tied securely to the rim of the wheel and the wheel is tied at the top to the fork. This idea may be adapted by providing a special runner of sheet metal, making it unnecessary to wear the mudguard.--C. H. McCaslin, Portland, Ore.

Homemade Snowshoe Toe Clips

The uppers from a pair of worn-out shoes may be made into a serviceable set of toe clips for snowshoes by cutting them off, as shown in the sketch, and fitting them to the lacing of the snowshoes. The clip is fastened in place by passing the tying strap through slots in the former, under the lacing of the snowshoe, and then around the ankle in the usual manner of fastening.--Richard F. Lufkin, Dorchester, Mass.

Mounting Tracing-Cloth Drawings on Muslin

Tracings mounted on muslin will give long wear and are more satisfactory in handling than the unmounted drawings. The method of mounting them is as follows: Stretch a piece of starched muslin, slightly larger than the drawing, on a flat, smooth board, fastening it with tacks. Coat the back of the tracing with a good varnish, and place it, face down, on a flat surface so that it may partly dry and become tacky, which usually takes two hours. Place the tracing upon the stretched muslin, varnished side down, and place a smooth sheet of wrapping paper over it. Using a moderately warm flatiron, and beginning at the center of the tracing, iron toward the edges, applying moderate pressure. To remove the tracing from the cloth, it is necessary to warm the cloth with the iron and strip the tracing and cloth apart gradually.--John W. Grantland, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Sandpapering Square Edges on Small Machine Bases

The woodwork of small electrical or experimental machines and devices often detracts from the workmanship because proper care is not taken in finishing the edges. To smooth off the ends of a small baseboard squarely, proceed as follows: Square up a piece of 2 by 4-in. stock, 1 ft. long; place a flat sheet of sandpaper on the bench and set the 1-ft. block on top of it, holding it in place with the left hand. Hold the piece to be squared up firmly against the block and rub it on the sandpaper. A square edge of smooth finish will result. The edges should, of course, be planed as smoothly as possible before sanding in this way.--John D. Adams, Phoenix, Ariz.

Enlarged Lantern Pictures as Guides for Scenic Painting

Scenery for a home-talent theatrical performance was required, and since the services of an expert in that line were not available, an interesting method of obtaining satisfactory sketches for the figures and other objects in the background was devised. Colored lantern slides of scenes suitable for the purpose were selected and projected upon the canvas to be painted, as shown in the illustration. The outlines were drawn around the projected figures, making them as accurate as the original, and far better than would have been possible otherwise by an amateur painter. The colors were applied following the original model, with satisfactory results. By the use of various portions of slides, it was possible to place figures and outdoor effects on the background which was obtained from the first slide used. A factor which must be considered in using this method is that the picture on the canvas will be reversed as to right and left positions compared with the original, if a direct-reflection projector of the type used with post cards is employed.--Thomas R. Milligan, Fort Worth, Texas.

Three-Caster Truck for Moving Crates and Furniture

A convenient truck for handling heavy objects, especially in the home where commercial devices for this purpose are not available, is shown in the illustration. It consists of a frame built up of three 1¹⁄₄ by 2 by 14-in. strips, fixed to a disk, ⁷⁄₈ by 12 in. in size. Revolving casters are mounted under the ends of the arms, giving great freedom of movement in transporting loads. The three-caster arrangement is better than the use of four casters, because it accommodates itself to irregularities in the floor.--Armydas E. Sturdivant, Muncie, Ind.

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¶The burner of an acetylene bicycle lamp, fitted to an ordinary gas
jet, will produce a very hot flame.

Inserting or Correcting on Typewritten Bound Sheets

It is frequently necessary that typewritten insertions or corrections be made in papers which have been typed and bound, usually by rivets along the top edge. It is difficult to remove the rivets and replace them satisfactorily. To make such insertions, feed a blank sheet of paper into the typewriter until its feeding edge is even with the upper edge of the guide fingers. Then insert the bottom edge of the sheet on which the correction is to be made, underneath the sheet already in the machine; reverse-feed the sheet to be corrected into the typewriter. Corrections may then be made in the usual manner.--A. J. Cook, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Tire Pump Made of Gas Piping

A tire pump actuated by the explosions in the cylinder of an automobile engine, and made of materials easily obtainable, is shown in detail in the illustration. A section of iron pipe of a diameter to fit one of the ports, and about 4 in. long, as shown in Fig. 2, is provided with a reducer, a tee, and two caps. The inside of the pipe is turned up true in a lathe and fitted with a piston, the head for which is shown in Fig. 1. The head is built up of a wooden drum, washers, and leather packing disks. The washers should be slightly smaller in diameter than the chamber, and the leather disks make it air-tight.

FIG. 2

FIG. 3

Automobile Tires may be Inflated Quickly by the Use of This Homemade Pump]

The tee is provided with two valves, as shown in the detail sectional view, Fig. 3, the upper ball valve retaining the pressure in the pipe line, and the other valve admitting air above the piston. The ball valve has a seat of lead, and a ribbed fitting is fixed to the pipe cap above it, to provide a fastening for the hose. The cap of the other valve is fitted with a spring, adjustable on a threaded pin.

A light spring fixed to the upper side of the piston, as shown in Fig. 2, forces the piston back to its lower position after the force of the explosion in the cylinder has acted upon it. The cylinder of the pump should be oiled, and a reinforced rubber hose should be used to conduct the air under pressure to the tire.

The operation is simple: The initial stroke of the engine cylinder draws the piston down, bringing in a charge of air from the valve ports at the side of the tee; the following compression and explosion strokes drive it back, forcing the air out of the ball valve, as the other valve closes on the upstroke of the piston. A large tire may be pumped up with this device in from five to ten minutes.

Aid in Ruling Uniform Cards or Sheets

When a number of cards or sheets are to be ruled with either horizontal or vertical divisions, the following method will be found a timesaver: Rule one of the cards as a sample. Place it on the drawing board with its lower edge set against two thumb tacks driven part way in. Rule extensions of the lines on the card to a sheet of paper fastened to the board under the card. Set a third thumb tack at the right edge of the card as a guide. By placing the cards to be ruled against the three thumb tacks in the position of the original card, the rulings may be made quickly with the marks on the paper backing as guides.--W. P. Shaw, Stratford, Can.

Tinned Staples for Bell-Circuit Wiring

Inexpensive and practical staples for binding wires used in bell circuits, or for similar purposes, may be made from a strip of tinned sheet metal, about ¹⁄₂ in. wide. The strip is cut on the sides, as indicated in the sketch, and the squares are broken off as needed. They may be bent quickly to the shape shown, and are used by placing them over the wire and driving the points into the wall or other support. If properly made, they will not injure the covering of the wire and are more satisfactory than wire staples.

Asbestos Table Mats Reinforced with Wire Netting

Ordinarily heavy pieces of sheet asbestos are used for the mats placed under hot dishes on the dining table. These are easily broken if bent, and a simple method of overcoming this breakage is to make mats as follows: Cut two pieces of sheet asbestos, each about one-half the thickness of that usually used, one having about ³⁄₄ in. around the edge which may be used as a binder in pasting the sheets together. Cut notches into this edge, at intervals of about 2 in., and insert a disk of wire window screening between the pieces of asbestos. Turn the edges of the larger piece over and paste in place.

Device for Corrugating Strips

Having a sheet-metal cog rail to make for the adjusting mechanism of an enlarging screen, I built a cog-forming device as shown in the sketch. A block of wood served as the case and two levers with hinges were fixed to one end of it. Two pieces of hardwood were grooved at their ends as shown in the smaller sketch, to fit over three tenpenny nails, A, held in place on the block by staples. Four small nails, B, were set into the block, as shown, to act as guides for the strip of metal, which was fed between the forming blocks and the nails on the case. By pressing down on the hinge levers, the strip was formed into corrugations or teeth. In order to make the teeth uniform it was necessary to guide the forming pieces by having one of the cogs fit over the first nail. The strip thus formed was fixed to a wooden piece and served as a cog rail.--R. E. Henderson, Walla Walla, Washington.

Birch-Bark Leggings Made in the Woods

An excellent pair of leggings for use in brush and forest land can be made in a few minutes from birch bark cut in the woods. Select a suitable tree, about 6 or 8 in. in diameter, and cut into the heavy bark to obtain two rolls around the circumference of the tree, taking care not to cut deep enough to injure it. Fit these sections around the legs leaving 6-in. portions overlapping. Trim the bark to the proper shape and soak it in water to soften the grain. Place the bark close to the fire until it curls. The leggings are then ready for use.

Stretcher for Drying Small Fur Hides

Small hides should be dried over a stretcher to give the best results, and the device shown in the sketch will be found useful for this purpose. It is made of two strips of ¹⁄₂-in. wood, hinged at the pointed end. Small holes are drilled into the upper surface at the other ends and adjustment is made by means of a wire bent at the ends and inserted in the holes.--Elmer Tetzlaff, East DePere, Wis.

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¶Wire mesh is useful for drawer bottoms in tool cases where dirt is
likely to accumulate.

Reel for Use with Seed-Planting Guide String

Many gardeners derive as much pleasure from the orderly arrangement of the plants in their “farms” as from any other feature of this home diversion, and I am one of them. In order to facilitate the planting I made a reel like that shown in the sketch. The frame is of wood, and the reel is made of a piece of broomstick to which two small tins, or box covers, are nailed. A wire handle made of a long nail is fitted to one end, and a shoulder hook is used as a stop for the handle when it is desired to check the line. A screw eye driven into the back of the frame holds it at various heights on the stake. This device is far superior to the common use of two stakes for the planting cord.--James M. Kane, Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Kinks on the Care of Umbrellas

Deriving long use from an umbrella depends in part on proper selection, care of the cloth and frame, and precautions against loss or theft. A silk cover is desirable to shed rain, and a cotton one for a sunshade. The hot sun dries out the silk and heats the metal ribs under it, quickly destroying it. If silk is used for sun protection, wet the cover occasionally. Always set an umbrella to dry, handle down if there is not space to dry it open.

A broad ribbon loop on the handle of a woman’s umbrella permits carrying it on the wrist and prevents forgetting it. An umbrella with a removable handle can be folded into a suitcase, and putting the handle in the pocket when leaving the umbrella in any public place makes it less liable to theft. An umbrella should bear the name and address of the owner.

A Bell-Ringing Mail Box

The annoyance of watching for the arrival of the mailman was overcome by the fitting of an electrical alarm to the mail box, as shown in the sketch. A strip of metal, A, was pivoted in the box and weighted on one end. A bell, B, was wired to dry cells in the box below the container for the mail. When the mail is dropped in the box the end A is forced down, forming an electrical contact and completing the circuit from the cells C through the wire D and back through the wire E. When the mail is removed the weight raises the metal strip.--James E. Noble, Portsmouth, Canada.

A Simple Polarity Indicator

An ordinary compass, fitted flush in a wooden frame as shown in the sketch forms the basis for the polarity indicator described. The N, or north, and S, or south, points of the compass should run lengthwise with the frame with the former on the end farthest from the binding posts, C and D. Five turns of No. 18 gauge, or any similar wire are wound lengthwise around the frame and over the compass. The ends of the wires terminate at the two binding posts. Begin at C and wind toward the compass, binding the wire at D.

If the two ends of a wire are free, and it is desired to know whether there is any current present, and if so, its polarity, fasten one wire to the post C and the other to D. Before connecting the wires, hold the compass and frame in such a way that the needle is over the N point on the compass dial. If, after the wires are connected, the needle moves, there is a current flowing. If the needle is deflected toward the east, the negative wire is on C; if it is deflected toward the west, the positive wire is on C.

When it is desired to ascertain the polarity of a wire, which is covered by a floor, ceiling, or molding, hold the compass as explained, and either directly above or below the wire. Then turn on the current. If the instrument is above the wire, the wire extending parallel with it north and south, and the needle is deflected toward the west, the current is flowing from the north to the south end of the wire. If the wire runs east and west and the needle is deflected to the west, the current is running from west to east.

If the wire runs on a diagonal between the directions mentioned, and the needle is deflected toward the west, he current is flowing from the quadrant between N and W on the compass dial toward the quadrant between S and E. If the instrument is held over the wire and the needle is deflected toward E, the polarity is the opposite to that last indicated. Should the instrument be held below the wire, if the needle goes toward W, it is equivalent to going toward E when above the wire.--H. Sterling Parker, Brooklyn, New York.

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¶If the white of an egg is used to seal an envelope which has no
mucilage on the flap, it cannot be opened by steaming it.

Flash Light Used as a Bedroom Night Light

To save groping about in the dark for my flash light when suddenly awakened in the night, I devised the arrangement shown in the sketch and by which a “flash” is used as a wall night light, without lessening its common uses. The holder B and the board A are of wood, and into the box is fitted a metal clip, C, to hold the light. A round hole of proper size is cut through the top of the box and the light set through it so that the bottom end rests in the clip, the tin ferrule pressing against it firmly. A light spring, D, makes contact with the upper terminal of the push switch without closing it. The apparatus is fastened to the wall, and insulated wires, soldered, one to the clip C, and the other to the spring D, are connected to a switch placed in a convenient position. This switch replaces that on the light. The ceiling serves to reflect and distribute the light rays.--B. L. Dobbins, Harwich, Mass.

Pie-Plate Gas Heater

A satisfactory gas heater to take the chill out of the air in a small room by fitting a pie plate over a gas burner was made by me, as shown in the sketch. The wires which formerly held the glass shade were fitted into holes punched in the rim of the plate. It could thus be removed quickly when not needed and the glass shade put back in place.--Morris Tinsky, Chicago, Illinois.

A Folding Table with Split-Bamboo Tray for Top

A folding table frame, designed as a support for a circular split-bamboo tray, is shown in the photographs reproduced and detailed in the working drawing. It is a serviceable and inexpensive piece of furniture, and can be constructed readily by the home mechanic. As the trays vary in size, the frame must be made to correspond, those from 24 to 28 in. in diameter being satisfactory. The tray may be made by the ambitious craftsman or purchased at stores dealing in Oriental goods. A wooden top may, of course, be substituted. The frame is made preferably of soft wood. The following finished pieces are required for a 24-in. tray: 4 legs, ⁷⁄₈ by 3 by 30 in.; 4 crosspieces, 1 by 2 by 25 in. Mortise the legs to the ends of the crosspieces, one set of mortises being ⁷⁄₈ in. below the other. Assemble the parts and fasten the joints with glue and 2-in. flat-head screws, countersunk.

Adjust the crosspieces of each set so that their centers match, and fasten them in this position with screws, from the under side. The two parts of the frame revolve on them when the table is “knocked down.” On the ends of the lower crosspieces of each set, fasten blocks to level the support for the tray. Finish the frame to harmonize with the furniture of the room. Conceal the screw heads under bands of hammered or oxidized copper, fastened with copper or brass pins. A second tray may be placed on the lower crosspieces.--F. E. Tuck, Nevada City, Calif.

Small Desk Lamp Supported by Paper Weight

Those who wish a small desk light that may be pushed back out of the way in the daytime, will find the accompanying sketch of interest. When in use on a roll-top desk, the lamp is placed on top near the edge, so that the bulb overhangs. A 25-watt lamp will light the bed of the desk, and the small metal shade is so placed that no part of the bulb is visible to the eye of the worker. By providing a suitable base, the lamp may be adapted to other uses. A stock paper weight, about 2 in. in diameter and covered with green felt, was used as a base. An ordinary drop-cord socket is provided, and to one side of the top cap a strip of brass, ¹⁄₁₆ by ¹⁄₂ in., is soldered. A hole is drilled near the end of this strip so that the screw which holds the knob will also hold the socket. Connect the flexible cord in the usual manner.

The shade is made of sheet metal, bent in the form of a cone, having the front shorter than the opposite edge. Make a sketch of the bulb, and determine the lengths of the two sides A and B, and then draw two concentric circles of corresponding radii on paper, as indicated in the small diagram. The proper curve for the shade will then lie between these two circles. Cut a paper pattern, and form it into a cone. After the proper shape is determined, mark it on the metal, cut it to shape, and solder it. A small spring clip, C, engages the tip of the bulb; the back of the shade is held by a piece of spring wire, D. It is easy to spring the shade off in replacing the bulb. The outside of the shade should be enameled an olive-green.--John D. Adams, Phoenix, Arizona.

Device Frightens Flies at Screen Door

An effective means of frightening flies away from a screen door may be made from a spring curtain rod and cotton duck. Scallops of 8-oz. duck, 6 in. long, are fastened to the pole, on opposite sides, as shown. The ratchet on the end of the pole is arranged so as not to catch. A small cord is wound around the pole and fastened to the screen door. The rod supports are fixed near the top of the door frame.--Josef H. Noyes, Paris, Tex.

Porch Swing Made from Automobile Seat

When an obsolete type of automobile was converted into a truck for marketing purposes, a leather-upholstered seat, discarded, was utilized as an attractive and comfortable porch swing. Hooks were secured to the front corners of the seat and to the upper edge of the back, for the chains attached to suitable supports.--George L. Ayers, Washington, D. C.

Linoleum Panels for a Homemade Chest

A strong packing box was converted into a useful and not unsightly chest by covering it with panels of linoleum left over from a job of covering a floor. Strips, ¹⁄₂ by 2 in. wide, were nailed around the corners of the box to form a panel on the top, sides, and ends. The wood and the linoleum were shellacked, and made a good appearance.

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¶The lower corner of an envelope may be used as a small funnel.

Camera for Bird Photography

A reasonably large image must be obtained in photographing bird life, or the details of plumage and identification are lost, reducing the value of the pictures. The “gun camera” shown in the photograph was devised for this purpose, and with it exposures may be made more quickly than with the telephoto type of camera, a feature of great value in this class of photography. The device consists of an ordinary reflecting-type camera, mounted on a carriage for ready portability and quick adjustment. The bellows is supplemented with a tube, permitting the use of lenses of upward of 30-in. extreme focus. This gives a larger image without loss in speed. A ¹⁄₄-in. image of a bird was obtained with a 7¹⁄₂-in. extreme-focus lens, as against a 2-in. image with one of 30-in. focus, from the same position. The lens is set near the rear end of the tube, giving a deep hood for shading the sunlight. Lenses of an old type, known as “Long Toms,” were used. They are inexpensive compared with newer types with iris diaphragms, and give good results even at ¹⁄₁,₀₀₀ exposures.--Arthur Farland, New Orleans, La.

Electric Fan an Aid to Heating Room

The electric fan is useful not only for cooling the air in summer, but also for distributing the warm air to advantage in the winter. An efficient way of warming a room fairly uniformly is to place an electric fan near a radiator, so that its breeze passes through the heating coils, or near another source of heat. The heat is circulated around the room, instead of being kept in a limited area.--Peter J. M. Clute, Schenectady, N. Y.

Cat-and-Bells Scarecrow

A scarecrow resembling a living animal is often more effective than other devices, and the cat-and-bells arrangement shown in the sketch was found especially so. The hide of a cat was stretched over a hollow frame and suspended by a cord from a large weather vane. Several bells were attached to the cord, and when the vane shifts in the wind, the movement of the hide and the rattling of the bells combine to frighten the birds.--F. H. Sweet, Waynesboro, Va.

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¶A coating of five parts of coal tar, one part gasoline, and one part
japan drier will make canvas nearly water-tight.

A Small Hydraulic Turbine

BY FRANK D. BELL

Considerable power and speed can be developed under ordinary water-supply pressure by the turbine, or water motor, shown in the sketch and detailed in the working drawings. The parts are of simple construction, and the machine may be assembled or taken down easily. It is useful for either belt or direct connection to electrical generators, small machines, etc., the direct connection being preferable for a generator. The wheel is built up of sheet metal and provided with curved buckets set in the saw-tooth edge. The water is admitted through an opening in the lower part of the housing and passes out at the opposite end into a suitable drain pipe. The housing is made of two sections, the main casting and a cover plate. Bearings for the shaft are cast into the housing, which is reinforced on the back by ribs radiating from the center.

Wooden patterns are made for the housing, the main casting and the cover plate being cast separately. The pattern for the cover plate should provide for the bearing lug, as shown in the sectional detail, and for the angle forming a support at the bottom. Special attention should be given to allowance for proper draft in making the pattern for the main casting; that is, the edges of the reinforcing ribs, and the sides of the shell should be tapered slightly to make removal from the sand convenient. The advice of a patternmaker will be helpful to one inexperienced in this work, although many machine metalworkers are familiar with the process.

The finishing and machining of the parts and their assembling should be undertaken as follows: Clean the castings and file off rough parts. Smooth the cover plate and the shell to a close fit, and drill and tap the fastening holes for 8-32 machine screws. Drill ¹⁄₄-in. holes for the bearings, through the bearing arm and ¹⁄₄ in. into the lug on the cover plate. Drill and tap the two grease-cup holes for ¹⁄₈-in. pipe thread, Drill the nozzle hole ¹⁄₄ in., and drill and tap it for a ¹⁄₂-in. pipe nipple.

Lay out the wheel of ¹⁄₁₆-in. brass, making 24 notches in its edge. Fasten the wheel to the ¹⁄₄-in. shaft with a flanged coupling, fixing it with a setscrew. Bolt the flange to the wheel with 8-32 steel bolts. Make the buckets of ¹⁄₃₂-in. sheet brass, curved as detailed, and round off the edges. Solder them into place, using plenty of solder and making certain that the curve is set properly. Place drops of solder on the flange nuts to secure them. Place the ends of the shaft on two knife-edges, and balance the wheel by adding drops of solder to the lighter side. This is very important, as undue vibration from lack of balance will wear the bearings quickly.

Assemble the machine, using shellac between the cover plate and shell. Make connection to the water supply with a ¹⁄₂-in. pipe. Bolt the machine down, and do not let it run at full speed without load.

Automatic Lock Box for Milk Bottles

A mousetrap spring, provided with a suitable catch, was fitted into a box for milk bottles, and served to protect the milk bottle against theft by prowlers. The box was made large enough to hold several bottles, the empty ones in one portion and the filled bottles in another. The bottle is dropped through an opening in the locked end of the box and the spring forces up the catch. While this device may be tampered with, it guards effectively against the theft of bottles of milk, since most of those stolen are taken because they are easily accessible.--L. F. Head, Seattle, Wash.

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¶The oxyacetylene flame may be used in cutting or welding steel
cables, but such welds will not sustain the original safe load of the
cable.

Uses for an Old Toothbrush

A discarded toothbrush, properly cleaned so as not to be insanitary, may be used in one or possibly more of the following ways: to raise the nap of white buckskin shoes, after polishing them; in reaching corners with shoe polish, or in cleaning out eyelets and corners; cleaning typewriter keys with benzine; polishing small parts of metalwork.--Joseph A. Cunningham, Philadelphia, Pa.

A Locking Sheath for Hunter’s Knife

Having made a hunting knife and desiring a suitable sheath for it, I devised that shown in the sketch, which has the special feature that the guard on the knife handle locks in slots cut through the sheath. Two pieces of leather were used, one for the back section and the other for the shorter front piece. The sewing at the edges of the two sections extends from the level of the slots around the lower end of the sheath. Two slots were cut vertically through the upper portion of the sheath, which is fastened to the belt of the wearer, as indicated.--George H. Flint, Harrison, Me.

Discarded Buggy Springs for Diving Board

Old leaf springs obtained from a buggy were used to give the necessary spring to a diving board. One of the springs was set at each side of the board about 2¹⁄₂ ft. from the fixed end, and they were joined by a cross support of 2 by 4-in. wood, on which the spring board rested. Straps to check the strain on the springs from the rebound were provided.

Water Wheel Turns Spit over Campfire

When a camp fire is placed near a stream, water power may be utilized to turn the spit in roasting meat over the fire. The rod, on which the roast is suspended, should be extended, and supported at one end, over the water. A small paddle wheel may then be rigged up easily on the rod.

A Detachable Chair Arm

The children in the home as well as others can make good use of a chair arm which may be attached quickly to an ordinary chair. The wide arm is clamped to the back of the chair by means of a strip of metal fitted with a thumbscrew, and the upright is fixed to the arm by a hinge, making it convenient to store the device. The lower end of the upright is fitted with a metal angle which fits on the corner of the chair.--J. F. Long, Springfield, Mo.

Comic Chest Expander for Play or Stage Use

A device used in an amateur vaudeville sketch with good effect, and which is interesting for play purposes, was made of a ¹⁄₃₂ by 9 by 14-in. piece of sheet spring brass, rigged as shown. In the center, near the upper edge, a small pulley was soldered, and at the center of the bottom edge a small hole was drilled. In it was fastened one end of a 4-ft. string which ran up through the pulley. The other end was fastened to a strap to fit around the leg just above the knee. At the two upper corners of the brass sheet two slots were cut to accommodate similar straps, as fastenings. When the wearer stands in a normal position the chest is as usual, but by straightening the body and slightly moving the strapped leg back, the brass sheet is bowed outward, giving the appearance indicated.--Arthur L. Kaser, South Bend, Ind.

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¶Square cardboard disks fastened to the ends of a spool with thumb
tacks will prevent it from rolling.

Cane Made of Tubing Contains Cigars

As a novelty in canes, a steel tube was provided with a suitable handle and used as a container for cigars and matches. The tube was fitted with a metal cap at its junction with the handle and the cigars are inserted or removed at this point. The end of the handle was bored out and also provided with a cover, as a match safe. The tube was enameled and varnished to resemble wood.--James E. Noble, Toronto, Canada.

Key Ring Used as a Cover Fastener

The usual box-cover fastener in the form of a staple and hasp can be fastened quite securely, and much better than with the use of a wood pin, by applying a key ring to the staple. This is to take the place temporarily in case the lock is lost or discarded.--James M. Kane, Doylestown, Pa.

Golf Tee Made of a Shotgun Shell