A cylinder reversing switch for small battery motors may be constructed cheaply, from a 3-in. length of broom handle and ¹⁄₂-in. boards, as shown. The four brushes are strips of copper. The contacts on the moving cylinder are eight brass tacks, connected as indicated in the diagram. The wires are insulated with paper where they cross. The handle is of heavy wire, and two tacks limit its motion, as shown. The method of connecting the switch is as follows, for either a series or shunt motor: Remove the two wires from the motor brushes, and connect the two middle brushes of the switch to the motor brushes. Connect the wires removed from the motor brushes to the outer brushes of the switch.—Claude Schuder, Sumner, Ill.
Summer Radiator Cover Serves as Cupboard in Winter
This Radiator Cover is Built so That Shelves may be Inserted Quickly for Use as a Cabinet
Because of the accumulation of dust on a kitchen radiator in the summer, a cupboard was built over it, and used at other seasons of the year for the storage of various articles, by fitting it with shelves. While in use as a radiator cover, the top of the cupboard provided a convenient seat. If properly made, cabinets of this type can be used in other parts of the home to advantage.
A Safety Spring for Porch Swings
It is often necessary to hang swinging porch seats fairly close to surrounding woodwork, which is marred by their swinging too far. To overcome this, procure a coil screen-door spring and cut it in two. Bend a hook on each cut end, and fasten one of the springs to the center of each end of the swing, and to the floor. This permits only gentle swinging.—F. C. Hayes, Niagara Falls, Canada.
¶Proper ventilation of cellars makes it desirable to provide a screen door on the cellar entrance.