Fig. 162. The towel roller
This method of producing a cylinder without a turning lathe can be used in a number of ways. For example, boys living in the city, where a pull-up bar has to be located in the house, can easily make one in this way, and fasten it between the door jambs at a convenient height.
The blocks for supporting it can be made, as shown in [Fig. 163], three inches each way and 1⁄2 inch thick. Oak is the best wood for this purpose. It is strong enough, and can be stained to match the door frame.
Bore and countersink four holes for 11⁄4-inch flat-head screws.
Fig. 163. The pull-up bar
To prevent the bar turning, after it has been planed round and about 1⁄8 inch shorter than the space between the jambs, lay out a one-inch square on each end. Cut out with a back saw, and chisel until it just fits the square opening in the blocks. This bar can be taken out and stored in a closet, when not in use, and the blocks will never be in the way.
If the bar is so loose in the blocks that it has a tendency to spring out when you jump for it, a flat piece of oak can be screwed across the top, as shown in the illustration.