Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 88.djvu/955

 Popular Science Monthly

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��Cutting Tile at Any Angle

IT is often desired to cut tile, cast-iron pipe, or even steel pipe at an angle in order to make a turn in the pipe line. Where these pipes are so large (as they usually are) that they cannot be laid in a miter box for cutting, and where it is desired to mark them quickly and correctly at the same time, the following is a good expedient:

Set the tile in water at the correct angle, as shown in the diagram; hold it there and make chisel marks all around at the surface of the water. The cut can then be made, after remov- ing the tile from the water, in a true plane. Where care is taken in lowering the tile into the water so that it will not be wetted too high, the "wet edge" on removal will serve as a good guide for the path to be cut. — W. F. Schaphorst.

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��Piping and tile may be easily cut at any angle by dipping in water

��A Substitute for a Soldering Iron

IT is often necessary to repair a leaky wash-boiler, tea-kettle or other utensil quickly, and if no soldering iron and appliances for heating it are at hand, the work must be taken to a tinsmith.

Moreover, a small soldering iron in the hands of an amateur is a difficult tool to use on large work because heat is rapidly conducted from the iron by the cold sheet-metal upon which it is used.

In many households may be found self-heating flat-irons. As shown in the drawing, the burners from such irons may be used to good advantage for soldering. Since the flame is directed downward by the pressure from the

���A good substitute for a soldering iron is

made from the burner of an ordinary

self-heating flat-iron

tank, the principle is essentially the same as that employed when using an alcohol lamp and a blowpipe.

A heavy copper wire may be used in place of a soldering iron. If the wire is short, it will be necessary to place it in a handle or wrap some sheet asbestos around one end, as it will become too hot to handle. This "soldering iron" will remain hot until you can finish the job. — C. H. Patterson.

Taking the Squeak Out of a Sign

INSTEAD of being kept awake nights by a squeaking drug store sign, the writer resorted to the following expedi- ent to silence the offending adxertise- ment: Insert two pieces of leather strap between the iron pipe which supports the sign and the strap- iron hangers, as shown in the diagram. Fasten the ends of each by twisting soft iron wire around the hanger.

No oil is needed and the leather will wear for a long time.

���The squeaking drug store sign can be silt^nced with two pieces of leather

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