Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/560

 450 The Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal. [Jan., that this admirable little aid to labor is destined to do away, altogether, with the old-fashioned system of the stain and rag, in which we were so dependent on the ability of the workman, and in a great measure, also, on his taste, such as it might be. The machine in question grains in oil colors, giving very perfect imitations of walnut, rosewood, chestnut and oak in every variety. Nothing can be more certain or accurate than its work ; and its impressions are as sharp and true, as it is possible for any thing to be. It saves a great deal of hand-labor; and is alike applicable to flat or curved surfaces. It is strongly constructed of vulcan- ized rubber, with brass side-plates ; and will do good service for years, with ordi- nary care. It is an air-filled, revolving cylinder, of which there are two sizes, one of eight inches, the other of five, easily inflated, and as easily compressed, when desira- ble, to meet the exigencies of width of panel. The graining-bands are made for the A'arious grains ; and are ten in number, at the selection of the purchaser. These graining-bands are easily placed upon the C}dinders ; and each is con- tinuous, thus avoiding laps or breaks. The largest size of this Machine weiohs but eleven pounds, and any painter can manipulate it with ease after one or two days' practice. Printed directions are given with each machine, Ivy which any one can learn the immediate use of it. The usual oil- graining colors may be employed with great success. A CONCRETE PRESS. THE nature and power of Concrete is well known, and the economy of its use much studied, even in our country, where the various materials called into use for building purposes are so liberally placed by nature within our reach. For nearly twenty years Concrete has been used in the West in the con- struction of houses ; and, notwithstand- ing the very imperfect manner of its composition, the walls built of it are found to be durable. But the strength of this material was not attainable by the mere casting of it within boarded sidings. It became necessary to submit this concrete to an amount of pressure, which might have the effect of indurating it. And not alone that, but there was a necessity for casting the material into a form eas}- of manipulation — such as bricks. A Mr. Foster was the first to devise a press for this purpose, which he patented, and which is still in use, turning out a very creditable article of hollow brick. His press, however, though possessing great power, was far too slow for the requirements of cheap walling ; one, and the chief of which, is speedy action. It became necessary, therefore, to use several of Mr. Foster's presses, in order to meet the demand. This in- creased number of machines, or presses, involved the emploj'ment of a number of additional hands, which fact mate- rially increased the expense of the work. Here, then, was a very serious obstacle to the popularity of the invention. But, improvement is always in order; and we now have the pleasure to draw attention to a new machine, for this pur- pose, the excellence of which is unques- tionable. It bears the very impressive title of The Little Giant. It is a portable Concrete Press, for Manufac- turing Concrete Building Blocks. It is worked by hand, with great ease and rapidity, and with it one man can press 1,500 blocks per day, at an expense less than that of burned brick. It is highly recommended by numerous architects, builders, and others in the West, where it has been most successfully tested ; and we feel great pleasure in endorsing its merits.