Varnishing Bases for Electric Apparatus
It is quite difficult to keep from making finger marks on freshly varnished boards used as bases on electric devices. It is easily avoided, however, by procuring a large spool and fastening it to the bottom of the base with a wood screw. The spool will serve as a handle while the varnish is applied, and also makes a stand for the board while the varnish dries.—Contributed by Jacob Laudan, Louisville, Ky.
Waterproof Shoe Dressing
Melt some tallow and, while it is hot, put in some scraps of rubber from old rubber shoes or boots. Be careful to select rubber that is free from cloth. Put in as much of the rubber as the tallow will absorb. Stir freely while it is melting, and keep it away from any flames. Allow it to cool and set away for future use. Take enough for immediate use and warm it sufficiently so that it may be applied with a brush.—Contributed by F. S. Cummings, Detroit, Mich.
An Adjustable Bench Stop
A simple adjustable bench stop for light work may be made from a piece of 1-in. broom handle and a piece of piano wire. Plane a flat surface on the broom stick and drill two 1/16-in. holes, about 1/4 in. deep, 1/4 in. from each end. Bend the ends of the wire to enter the holes and have the wire of such length as to give it a slight curve between the ends when it is in place on the stick.
The Spring Wire will Hold the Stop at Any Desired Position for Height
Bore a 1-in. hole through the bench top where it is desired to use the stop and cut several grooves, as shown, in the walls of the hole with a compass saw. The spring wire will slide into a groove and hold the stick wherever it is set. The position of the face can be changed by inserting the stick so that the wire will enter the right groove.—Contributed by Alan H. Andrews, Fall River, Mass.