Popular Science Monthly
��919
��Grinding Out Dies
AFTER continued use, dies some- XX times require a little more clear- ance. A grinding attachment for this purpose is shown in the diagram. The coupling is fastened to a small motor- shaft. A piece of drill-rod, Y^" in diameter is attached to the other end of the coupling, and a small piece of metal is forced on to the end of the wire to form a shoulder for the wheel.
Using a wheel with a diameter as small as }/i" , and having it mounted on the slender rod, which acts as a flexible shaft, it will find its way to small places that otherwise could not be reached without a stone.
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��Diagram showing simple appliance for grinding out dies
Drilling Holes in Sheet Metal
IT is very difficult to drill holes in even fairly thick sheet metal and practical- ly impossible in thin metal, especially brass and copper. The following method will be found serviceable:
Drill a hole of the desired size in a piece of steel of suitable size. Square off the shank end of the drill and place the point in the chuck clear to the top. Close the jaws lightly so as not to in- jure the drill. A piece of drill rod with the end squared off is better, this piece constituting the punch.
Lower the punch and place the steel so that the punch enters the drilled hole. If the punch is raised carefully the hole will remain directly under the punch. Hold the sheet metal up against the punch ; then lower both at the same time. They will not disturb the steel block un- derneath, when together. Additional pressure with the press-lever forces the punch through the sheet into the hole, taking with it a piece of metal the size and shape of the punch.
If the holes have a definite location, mark the center lightly with the cen- ter punch. Turn your punch in a lathe, leaving a small point in the center. By placing the center punch mark on this point, holes can be located with accuracy.
��This reamer does accurate work and can be easily made
How to Make a Reamer
AN accurate and efficient reamer for L enlarging steel or brass bearings, etc., can be made as follows:
Obtain a round steel rod and make a 2-inch slit at one end. File about an inch off the other end and square it so it will not slip in a brace. The length and diameter of the rod will depend upon individual needs and uses. Cut a strip of emery cloth 2 ins. wide. Insert one end in the slit in the rod and wrap the rest around it. The rod, with the emery cloth, is then inserted in the bearing to be reamed and turned by means of a brace.
This tool giv^es a smooth, clean, ac- curate cut and is much better than a round file for the same purpose. A set of these rods may be made from old pieces of steel that are found lying around most workbenches and will often come in very handy.
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��An old safety-razor blade is just the thing for maljing a scalpel
A Home-made Scalpel for Trappers
IN skinning animals, a very sharp knife is needed. A good scalpel can be made from safety-razor blades, as shown in the diagram. New blades may be substituted by removing the bolts. This tool is especially useful in dissecting skunks and muskrats. — E. S. Clark.
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