Device for Attaching to the Feet to Work Like Webfeet
When using the device, the upward or forward stroke of the legs will cause the wings to brush against the water, creating sufficient resistance to overcome the slight force of the springs, thereby pushing the wings parallel with the direction of the stroke. During the opposite, or pushing, stroke, the resistance of the water combined with the opening tendency of the hinges will quickly spread the wings out flat, greatly increasing the effectiveness of the feet.—Contributed by J. B. Laplace, New York City.
Repairing Sectional Spun-Metal Candlesticks
In repairing hollow, spun-brass candlesticks I find that frequently the metal rod holding the sections together becomes loosened from the pitch composition designed to hold it in the base. By tinning the outer edges of the sections that fit into the other portions, which are also tinned on the inner surfaces, and then using an iron, or an alcohol torch, to run the solder together at these points, I secure a very firm job. Paper can be placed at points necessary to keep the solder from running out of bounds. When the rod is firm and the nut only gives trouble, solder can be used to fasten the nut permanently to the grease cup at the top.—Contributed by James M. Kane, Doylestown, Pa.
Alcohol Blowtorch for Difficult Soldering
Clamps for Holding the Alcohol Receptacle on the End of the Blowpipe
To solder in close places, I have found the device illustrated quite convenient, as it leaves both hands free to handle the object being soldered. Two pieces of spring brass, about 3 in. long and ¹⁄₄ in. wide, are bent to the shape shown at A and clamped together with a screw taken from a dry cell, as shown at B. This device clamped to the blowpipe end and fitted with a tube, such as used for holding pencil leads, filled with a wick saturated in alcohol, completes the blowtorch. It makes an excellent tool for small work, as the hands are free to hold the parts to be soldered in place.—Contributed by J. A. Tandy, Ghent, Ky.
¶Electric wires should never be run crooked.