In photographic work, and in the shop or laboratory, chemicals carried in shallow trays are easily spilled. In photographic work, especially, this endangers materials used, as the spilled liquid dries and dust affected by it may spoil chemicals with which it comes into contact. The tray should be carried in a larger pan or basin partly filled with water, thus keeping the tray level.
Making an Umbrella Handle Detachable
A parasol or umbrella with a detachable handle is a great convenience in packing when traveling, and a handle may be made detachable as follows: Remove the handle by using a block of wood and a hammer. Clean out the hole, and polish the steel stem with emery, as far as it goes into the handle. Cut off 1 in. from the end, and then solder a section of brass tubing into this piece, and another section into the end of the stem. The abutting ends are then tapped to fit an 8-32 screw, which is then soldered into the shorter piece, as shown. The latter is pushed into the handle, and a hole, ¹⁄₁₆ in. in diameter, is drilled almost through the handle. A piece of wire nail is driven into this hole. By making the screw fast in the handle rather than in the stem, the threads are protected, and the length when taken apart is correspondingly reduced.—John D. Adams, Phoenix, Ariz.
¶To renew a typewriter ribbon, roll it on a spool and apply a very small drop of glycerin at intervals of several inches, with a fountain-pen filler, and permit the glycerin to soak in thoroughly.
Boys’ Athletic-Equipment Locker
The Boy Who Takes Pride in His Athletic Equipment will Find Much Pleasure in Making This Cupboard for It
The boy should have a place in the home for his sports togs and equipment, and a cupboard like that shown can be made easily for the purpose. Its size will depend on the quantity of articles to be stored. A good size is 12 by 30 in., by 5 ft. high. Plain boards are used, and for the door they are fastened together with cleats and screws. The drawer is convenient but not essential.—J. D. Hough, Toledo, Ohio.