How to Make an Experimental Lead Screw
A Copper Wire Wrapped around and Soldered to a Straight Rod for a Lead Screw
Often in experimental work a long, narrow, parallel screw is desired for regulating, or moving, some part of the apparatus in a straight line. A simple way of making such a screw is to tin thoroughly a small straight rod of the required length and diameter. After wiping off all the surplus solder while it is yet hot, wrap it with a sufficient length of bright copper wire and fasten the ends. This wire is then securely soldered in place by running the solder on while holding the screw over a blue gas flame. To make the solder run freely, brush frequently during the heating with a small mucilage brush dipped into the soldering acid. An even pitch can be secured by winding on two wires side by side at the same time, the second one being unwound before soldering.