As a substitute for a vacuum bottle a very efficient pail can be made in the following manner: Procure a 1-gal. sirup pail for the outside and a ¹⁄₂-gal. size for the inside. Make a collar of tin, as shown, with projections; bend these down, inside and outside, then solder the collar to the inside of the larger pail, and the smaller pail to the inside of the collar. Be sure to make a perfectly air-tight joint in the soldering. This gives a double wall with an air-tight space all around the inner pail, or opening. To make vacuum covers for the pails, take two covers of each size and solder them together, as shown.
A Two-Wall Pail with Covers in Which a Partial Vacuum is Made
To produce a vacuum, make a small hole in the metal forming the collar, also one in each cover. Put a few drops of water in each vacuum compartment and set the parts on a heated surface. When the steam escapes, solder the holes. This will produce a partial vacuum in the space around the inner pail and in the covers. This will make a very efficient vacuum pail.—Contributed by John H. Spicer, Magnolia, Ark.
Ironing Board for Use on a Table
A Cleat Fastened to the Underside of an Ironing Board to Hold It on the Table Top
A handy ironing board for use on kitchen or dining-table top is made with a cleat to keep it from moving across the table top. The cleat, which is 1¹⁄₂ or 2 in. wide, is fastened to the board with screws. If desired, the board can be made as immovable as the table top by putting another cleat at one end, so that the two cleats will hold against one side and one edge of the table top.—Contributed by H. S. Craig, Rushford, Minn.
Combination Bookcase and Writing Desk
In planning a writing desk, much convenience can be added by providing it with a bookcase, in which may be stored those reference works most frequently used. The design illustrated furnishes ample room as a drawing desk, besides providing sufficient space in an inclosed cabinet for books or letter-filing cases.