Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 91.djvu/778

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��Popular Science Monthly

��Keeping Insects Away from Lunch Boxes

��THE accompanying illustration explains a very efficient method for keeping ants and other insects out of lunch boxes. The oil cup consists of a one-pint tin soup can, cut off to the desired height. A piece of Y%-\n. gal- vanized wire is pushed through the center of thebottom of the can, where it is well soldered. Turn up a hook on each end, pour in a small portion of ma- chine oil — any kind will do — and hang it on a nail in a cool place. Hang the lunch below it and it will be secure from insect invasion, for no insect will crawl farther than the oil. — L. M. Drake.

���Wire with oil can for hanging lunch basket

��The Construction of an Automatic Centering Tool

IN most up-to-date shops there will be found some sort of a saw that will cut a bar of steel reasonably square. With the tool illustrated the centering can be done by the apprentice and you will be surprised at the amount of work he can do in this way. The bell piece is of tool steel, thoroughly hardened. The small screw on the bell piece holds the center drill in place and is adjusted to the drill to the desired depth.

��!/i6"wire spring

���Morse taper

Centering tool to fit lathe spindle for starting the hole for the lathe center

��The end of the socket acts as a stop while the screw on the shank will keep the bell from sliding out of place. The shank is tapered to fit any lathe socket and works in conjunction with the bell center of the tail stock. It will center square bars as well as round stock providing the end is cut off perfectly square and at right angles to the length. — Robert J. Smith.

��Caution in Turning Corners to Prevent Tire Injury

BE careful in making sharp turns that the wheels do not cause the treads to be rubbed by spring shackles or other sharp projecting objects. If a bumper or guard is applied to the car front, be sure that the ends have enough clearance to prevent the tires from being gouged.

When the car is loaded heavily there is danger of tire treads being bumped or gouged by the fender when passing over rough places. Fenders that have been bent from accidents may be entirely too close to the tires and cause a great deal of injury, particularly if there are any sharp extending bolts underneath the fender. An inspection under fenders sometimes discloses bolts worn smooth and bright by continued buffing and rubbing by tires.

��Making a Cigar Stand on the Top or Side of a Hat

THIS is an original pocket trick which may be performed anywhere and at any time. Borrow a hat — any kind, derby, soft felt, or straw — and a cigar. Place the cigar on the top or side of the hat and it will apparently stay there as if by your dexterous jug- gling or balancing. At command it will fall off and the cigar and hat can again be examined. All that is required to accomplish this clever conjuring feat is a common pin. Stick this pin in the thick flesh of your palm where

���The cigar stands on a pin run through the hat

��it will stay unobserved. When the hat and cigar have been borrowed and examined place one hand beneath the hat (the hand containing the pin) and with the other hand steady the cigar as a juggler would when preparing to juggle some upright article. But while so doing stick the pin through the hat into the mouth end of the cigar. This will, of course, hold it upright. To cause it to fall, merely release the pin or pull it out and the cigar will topple over — the pin falls to the carpet. If not "over- done" you can always "get away" with this stunt as a genuine feat of juggling and no one will suspect the ruse employed.

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