In printing pictures, I have made use of various masks, and those suited to the particular picture, for some special reason, have proved especially popular. For instance, in making a picture for a contractor and mason, a mask in the shape of a trowel was used; for a policeman, a star; an automobile for the motorist. Sometimes the special interests of persons in a picture, or the background, will suggest good outlines for masks.—Russell Waldo, Indianapolis, Ind.
Sheet-Metal Stand for Flatiron
Considerable energy is consumed in lifting a heavy flatiron to the stand which protects the ironing board. The device shown in the illustration was made to overcome this objection to most flatiron stands and proved efficient as well as easy to make. The iron is shoved onto the stand at one end, provided with an incline. The layout for the sheet metal is shown in detail. The piece A is cut 4¹⁄₂ by 9 in., and the stop B, the incline C, and the leg D, are cut as shown, and bent to shape The stand is fastened near the end of the ironing board by means of screws.—Ernest Ward, Detroit, Mich.
Water-Coasting Toboggan and Slide
By D. J. HOUGH
Coasting down an incline and being projected through the air to plunge into the warm water of a summer lake, or other outdoor bathing spot, has thrills and excitement that appeal to the person seeking a new aquatic diversion. The illustration shows a slide, and the toboggan sled for use on it, that were built by a group of young men at a summer resort. While the slide shown is perhaps more extensive than most boys would care to undertake, the principle involved may be adapted easily to others one-fourth as long, less than 20 ft. The slide shown was strongly built of 2 by 4-in. material for the framework, 2 by 6-in. planks for the slide guides, and 2 by 12-in. planks for the bearing for the roller. Lighter material may be used for the guides and the roller bearing on a smaller slide, but the framework should be of 2 by 4-in. stock.
Thrills and Excitement That will Satisfy the Swimming Enthusiast and Provide a New Summer Diversion at the Lake or River may be Had from the Water Toboggan and Slide. It may be Adapted to a Smaller Size and Built by Boys. The Details of the Toboggan and the Construction of the Slide are Shown in the Sketches Above
The high end of the slide illustrated is about 7 ft. from the ground, but a proportionately greater incline is provided because the beach slopes gradually to the water’s edge. It is reached by a ladder fixed to a tree, which acts as an end brace for the slide. If no such natural support is available, the end of the slide must be strongly braced on three sides, to insure safety. It is inadvisable to build the slide unduly high to provide the necessary incline since this may result in accidents. A location where the ground is suitable should be selected rather than assume danger or risk.