PLATE-HOLDERS, BATH, DIPPING RODS.
The article used for holding the glass, during the process of cleaning, is called a vice; and, of the numerous styles recently introduced, I find none that I would prefer to the old one known in market as "Peck's Vice;" it is simple and easy in operation, and at the same time is effectual. [Fig. 24] represents this vice, which is to be firmly secured to a bench; the small piece of wood attached to the bottom is of no use. A A are the grooved for receiving the daguerreotype plate-block; but as they are too deep for the glass, I pin on a small strip of wood, so that the upper edge of the glass will be a little above the projection of the vice.
Fig. 24.
| Fig. 25. | Fig. 26. Fig. 27. |
Nitrate Baths and Dipping Rods.
The accompanying illustration, [Fig. 25], a, represents a bath for holding the nitrate of silver solution. This shape is of my own suggestion, and the best adapted to the wants of the photographer. It will be seen that the front side is rounding, with a curve extending from side to side. By this shape, the face of the glass is protected from coming in contact with the side of the bath—both edges of it turning so as to prevent injury. There is a small projection on the top, at the opposite side of the oval; this is to allow the solution to flow over and wash off any dust that may have gathered upon the surface of the solution. This wash runs out of a small tube, as is shown in the cut. Any convenient vessel can be placed under it to receive the liquid. This can be filtered and returned as often as required. I am not in the practice of filling my baths full of solution, but always keep them filtered and clean; hence saving an excess of solution.
b represents a little support, which is secured at its base Upon the shelf, to hold the bath in a slightly inclined position, which is preferable to having it stand perpendicularly.