Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 88.djvu/634

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��Popular Science Monthly

���An electric iron, supported bottom side up, makes an excellent electric stove

��Using an Electric Iron as a Stove

AN electric iron can be converted . into an electric stove with the aid of a case cut from a sheet of stiff iron according to the dimensions given in the accompanying illustration, and bent and riveted as shown. The iron rests on angle irons riveted to the sides of the case. Wires carrying electric current to the heating-coil should enter the case through a porcelain tube in the base.

��Development of iV sheet iron case. Bend on dotted lines

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��How to Make a Leveling-Board

AN excellent leveling-board can be made from a rough board and a few nails. Attach two pieces of wood to the ends of the board, temporarily, allowing them to project slightly beyond the edges. To these pieces fasten a strong thread or cord, drawn as tightly as pos- sible without breaking. Lay the board on its side and, every few inches, drive small nails in the edge of the board, making the head of every nail even with the thread. In the same way, drive a few nails in the opposite edge, near the center of the board, for the level to rest on, taking care that the opposite edges are parallel— J. L. Bayley.

��A Handy Drawer-Catch

TO keep the contents of a drawer in the workshop safe without us- ing a lock, so that the drawer cannot be opened by outsiders, drill two holes in the closed drawer, one on each side, through the top of the bench into the strips on w^hich the drawer slides. To lock the drawer all that is neces- sary is to pass a bolt through each hole. A jig, fixture or a heavy piece of metal is then placed over each boit so that they will not be detected. The bolts should be a snug fit so as to avoid rattling of the draw-er.

A Paint Brush Hook

THE handy man who has had his paint brush fall in the dirt will ap- preciate this simple and easily-made de- vice which eft'ectually prevents the brush from slipping out of the hand. A small gimlet or a hand drill and a pair of pin- cers are the only tools necessary. A piece of fairly heavy wire is bent into the shape illustrated, the two projecting ends are inserted into the holes in the handle of the brush and are bent flat on the op- posite side. The brush is grasped as usual, the hook coming between the two middle fingers. — F. P. Baeyertz.

���A hook helps to hold the paint brush in the ; hand and also to hang it on a bucket edge or ladder rung

To Bore Endwise in Wood.

IT is often necessary to bore in the end grain of wood. The ordinary bits, however, catch in the wood and split it. This can be overcome by us- ing bits which have had the lips filed off. This simple expedient will obviate any further trouble.

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