[Fig. 31] represents the front of the frame. The negative glass is held upon it by springs attached by screws to the bottom half of the frame, A, so that they can be turned on or off, to suit the different sizes of glass. On the other end of the spring are wooden buttons, which are placed on the edges of the glass negative, holding it in its place, and pressing it firmly against the paper which is placed under it. This frame is made of two pieces of inch board, which are connected by hinges, falling over as seen in [Fig. 32], B being the half that is movable. This movable half is secured in position by means of a wooden button, attached to A on the back and under B, as seen in [Fig. 32]. The separate pieces, A and B, are bevelled where they connect, as seen by [Fig. 31]. D (in [Fig. 32]) is one of the springs, which can be seen in [Fig. 31].
The entire bed or face of the frame, A and B, should be covered with a thick piece of satinet cloth, which may be pasted to the lower half, A, and extended over the entire surface of A and B. This forms a pad for the paper.
This printing frame can be easily made by any cabinet-maker or carpenter. The springs may be of sheet iron or brass—either will be found sufficiently stiff for the purpose. Every operator should be provided with from four to ten frames: the saving of time will be found to amply repay the expenditure necessary for a good supply.
Fig. 33.
Another article called a pressure frame, is represented in the accompanying figure. This is more expensive than the first, and is by some considered preferable.
Another cheap, convenient and equally good arrangement for holding the negative and paper, is to take three glasses—say one a full size, being the one having the negative upon it; and then take two glasses, each just half the size of the negative, and have a piece of very thick heavy cloth cut the size of the negative glass, which can be put between it and the two half glasses, and then they can be held together by means of the common spring clothes pin. The advantage of the two glasses at the back is, that one can be entirely removed while the picture is being examined, and afterwards returned without, in the least, moving the impression.
Collodion Vial.—Color-Boxes.
COLLODION VIALS. COLOR-BOXES.