Cork Plugs Save Wear on Drafting Board
Draftsmen, whose work demands the use of drawing paper of uniform size, sometimes experience difficulty in fixing thumb tacks solidly in the board. This is caused by the continual placing of tacks in the same spot and may be overcome by the use of cork plugs which can be removed when worn. At the four points where the tacks are generally placed, bore 1-in. holes nearly through the board. Insert corks large enough to be forced into the holes and trim them off flush with the surface. Tacks will hold firmly in them and new corks may be inserted as needed. —G. F. Thompson, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Stand for a Test-Tube Flower Vase
A test-tube vase, containing a single blossom, adds color and a certain individual touch to the business man’s desk, or it may be used with effectiveness in the home. A simple wooden stand, finished to harmonize with the surroundings, may be made easily, and affords a support and protection for the test tube. The sketch shows a small stand of this type, made of oak, in the straight-line mission style. It may be adapted to other woods and to various designs in straight or curved lines.
The Stand Provides a Support and Protection for the Test-Tube Vase on the Office Desk or in the Home
The base is 2¹⁄₂ in. square, and rests on two cross strips, 1 in. wide. All the material may be about ¹⁄₄ in. thick, but it is desirable to have the base and cap pieces of thicker stuff. The uprights may be of ¹⁄₈ to ¹⁄₄-in. stuff, and are notched together as shown. They are 1 in. wide and 6¹⁄₄ in. long, a portion being cut out to receive the test tube. The cap is 1¹⁄₂ in. square, and its edges are chamfered slightly, as are those on the upper edge of the base. The pieces are fitted together with small brads, used as hidden dowels, and the joints are glued. Brads may be used to nail the pieces together, and they should be sunk into the wood, and the resulting holes filled carefully. The stand should be stained a dark color, or left natural, and given a coat of shellac or varnish.
Pouring Liquids Quickly from Containers
In pouring a liquid from a jug or bottle, the vessel should be held with the opening downward, rather than horizontally, if convenient, and swung quickly with a circular motion. The liquid will rotate and in leaving the opening will permit air to enter continuously, causing the liquid to run out rapidly and without intermittent gurgling sounds. If the opening of the container is at one side it is best to hold the container so that the opening is at the highest point of the end rather than at the bottom. The air may thus enter and permit a continuous flow until the container is empty.—E. F. Koke, Colorado Springs, Colo.