This Rigid Ironing Board Folds Compactly and can be Set Up with Ease at the Window Sill
An ironing board is usually most convenient for use when its left end is set near a window, or other source of light. The arrangement shown in the sketch was designed with this in mind, and other interesting features were added. The top is of the usual type. Arranged underneath it is a cross cleat near one end. Bolted through this are two clamps which engage the edge of the window sill or table. They are clamped by lowering the leg from its folded position, underneath the top, as indicated. The bolts at the clamps are adjustable for gripping various thicknesses of table tops, etc., between the clamps and the top. The lower end of the leg can be fitted with a sliding adjustment, if the board is used at different heights, the design being otherwise the same.—T. J. Hubbard, Mendota, Ill.
Wire Trellis Fastened Neatly to Brick Walls
A desirable vine often has not the natural ability for clinging to stone, and other walls, and a suitable aid must be provided to support it. Fastening a wire trellis to such a wall is a good method. Screw anchors are used, which fit into holes drilled for them and expand under the pressure of the screw. Staples may also be used in walls laid up in mortar. A ⁵⁄₁₆-in. screw anchor will hold an ordinary fence staple, and requires a ⁷⁄₁₆-in. hole. After the staple has been placed over the wire its ends are pinched together and driven into the anchor socket. The staple is held firmly, and will support a considerable load. First fasten the trellis of wire mesh to the wall, at the top, very securely. A chalk line aids in setting the wire straight. If carefully done, the trellis will be hardly noticeable, and the wall will be unmarred.—C. L. Meller, Fargo, N. D.
A Homemade Fishing Float Adjustable to Depth
A novel device for fishing, especially with a short bait-casting rod, is a float that can be adjusted to the depth of water in which it is desired to fish. The float is hollow and slides on the line. To use it, the casting lead and hooks are adjusted as usual, and a sliding knot on the line is set for the depth desired, and the cast made. The float will stop at the sliding knot, and remain on the surface. In reeling the line, the knot passes freely through the guides, and the float slides down on the line until it reaches the casting weight.
By Setting a Sliding Knot on the Line, as a Stop for the Float, the Depth at Which the Sinker is Desired can be Easily Regulated
Cork is a good material from which to make the float. Cut the cork in sections, as shown, and fit it over a large quill, which provides a smooth-running hole through the float. Fit a small glass bead in the upper end of the float, as a stop for the knot. The knot is of the figure-eight type, and tied as shown in the detail at the left. It slides easily, but grips the line tightly enough to stop the float. An ordinary float can be altered for use as described.—Charles Carroll, Baltimore, Maryland.