How to Polish Instrument Bases
There seems to be a feeling among mechanical and electrical experimenters that there is something mysterious about the process of wood finishing, and often one may see a really fine piece of apparatus spoiled by mounting it on a shellacked baseboard. I have found that it is a very simple matter to produce almost a piano finish on all woods, even those as soft as poplar, in the following manner. Quick-drying wood dyes should be avoided. Simply rub down a piece of ordinary water-color cake into some plain water and apply freely with a rag, rubbing it in well. Any color may be obtained in this way, but if this is not convenient, use an oil stain made quite thin with turpentine. Next apply a thin coat of shellac, which should be sandpapered when it is dry. A coat of ordinary varnish is then applied, and when this is thoroughly dried, rub lightly with fine steel wool. One coat of varnish may be sufficient, although several coats will produce a richer finish. Rub the last coats down well with an oily rag dipped in some abrasive material, such as tooth powder or metal polish, and finish with a simple oil rub. A beautiful, soft, transparent effect may be obtained in this way on very ordinary woods. Any open-grained woods, such as oak, must be filled with a paste filler after staining.—Contributed by John D. Adams, Phoenix, Ariz.
Locating Droplight in the Dark
The Cord Fastened to the Door Casing is Easily Located and Followed to the Lamp
A simple device for locating a droplight can be had by putting a nail or screw eye into the side of the door casing, high enough to clear persons passing under it, but within easy reach of an uplifted hand, and running a cord from it to the light. It is not difficult to locate the cord attached to the casing and to follow it to the light.—Contributed by H. S. Craig, Rushford, Minnesota.
¶If kerosene oil is used when drilling, reaming, or turning malleable iron, it will make the work much smoother.
How to Make an Experimental Lead Screw
A Copper Wire Wrapped around and Soldered to a Straight Rod for a Lead Screw