Page:Popular Mechanics 1928 01.pdf/172

 



It was desired to salvage the driven pipe of an old well. Usually a driven pipe is abandoned because of the difficulty connected with its removal, but in this case the task was simplified considerably and the pipe was removed without much difficulty. A post was set about 2 ft. on one side of the pipe, the top being about 4 ft. from the ground. The crosspiece, a length of 4 by 6-in. wood, was fastened to the post at one end and at the other end it was set on a screw jack, properly supported. A chain was fastened to the crosspiece in the center, and to the pipe, on which a cap was screwed. First the jack was turned up until the chain was tight. The pipe was then struck a few light blows with a sledge while the jack pressure was being increased. In this way, combining pipe vibration with a constant pull, the pipe was readily pulled out.

 

I had some old leather belting that had not been used for several years. To my knowledge it had been around the shop for over 30 years. Needing some belting I was forced to make use of this old piece, which was made soft and pliable in the following way: I filled a tub with boiling water and poured in about a gallon of old engine oil, which floated on top of the water. I dipped the belting to the bottom of the tub and allowed it to soak a few moments. Then I lifted it slowly through the layer of oil and repeated the operation several times. Within 15 min. the leather was as soft and pliable as though it had just been removed from a machine. The boiling water had opened up the pores of the leather and on removing it from the water, the hot oil had penetrated the pores and completely filled them. The belt is still in use after some years and is apparently good for many more.—L. B. Robbins, Harwich, Mass.

 



A small crucible that can be used for melting chemicals and soft metals can readily be constructed, using only a porcelain lamp socket and the element of an electric heater. The socket is mounted on a small base of marble, slate or bakelite, about 6 in. square. The heating element is screwed into this socket. The heater should be of the kind, that is shaped like a cup, which is mostly used in reflecting heaters. A small clay crucible is easily slipped into this cup-shaped opening. If no crucible is available, a clay pipe with the stem broken off and the hole plugged will do. A length of lampcord and plug is connected to the socket and plugged with this outfit in a few minutes. It can be placed in a metal box or case so that the heat will not be dissipated into the surrounding air, although this is not absolutely necessary. For melting lead and soft metals, such an improvised crucible is convenient, as a cupful of scrap lead will melt in less than half a minute.—Herman R. Wallin, Brooklyn, N. Y.

