Fig. 2941.
[Figs. 2938], [2939], and [2940], represent a “former” for a stake pocket for freight cars. a is a cast-iron plate having a projection b, around which the stake pocket c is bent. d is fast upon a, and affords a pivoted joint for the bending levers e f. The work is placed in the former as shown in [Fig. 2939], and levers e f are swung around to the position shown in [Fig. 2938]. To enable the work to be put in and taken out rapidly and yet keep it firmly against the end of b, a hand-piece g is used as in [Fig. 2940], its form being more clearly shown in the enlarged [Fig. 2941]. Sufficient room is allowed between b and d to admit the work, and the end of the piece g, which is pressed in the direction denoted by the arrow in [Fig. 2940], forcing the work against b. A number of the pieces are piled on the fire so as to heat them sufficiently fast to keep the former at work, and the bottom piece is the one taken out.
The corners of the work are by this process brought up square and the faces are kept out of wind. The surface a forms a level bed. These advantages will be readily appreciated by all smiths who have had comparatively thin work to bend to a right angle in the ordinary way.
Fig. 2942.
Fig. 2943.
[Figs. 2942] and [2943] represent a similar former for the step irons of freight cars. In [Fig. 2942] the piece is thrown in place ready to be bent, its ends being fair with the lines j k on the bending levers e f. In [Fig. 2943] the levers are shown closed and the work c therefore bent to shape. The bed plates a are mounted on a suitable frame to raise them to a convenient height for the blacksmith.