Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 91.djvu/156

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140

��Popular Science Monthly

��A Metal Garage Made from a Discarded Tank

AN opening was cut out in one end of the tank large enough to admit the automobile; then a strip was cut out on the side and the metal bent out to form a

���The metal of a discarded factory tank pro- vides an excellent housing for the automobile

covering in the shape of an inverted U. A framework was made of wood and placed on the ground. To this the sides and ends of the tank were attached. The metal which was carefully removed from the end and side, was used for making the doors, which were hung on ordinary hinges riv- eted to the metal of the tank. A flashing was attached above the door to keep the rain from beating in back of the doors. A window could easily be placed in the oppo- site end to furnish additional light if de- sired. — Charles Claude Wagner.

��A Cheap and Effective Method of Bracing a Roof

IN many instances the partitions of frame buildings do not allow the rafters to be effectively braced from them, so that

��than trussing, is cheaper, and provides a stronger brace. Also, it does not interfere with the space under the roof.

The trussing consists of two I by 12-in. boards the exact length of the distance be- tween the front and rear plates. As many 1 by 3-in. pieces are used as there are rafters. These should be the length of the distance between the bottom edge of the outside rafters and the top edge of the plates at a point half way down the rafter. Nail these on the boards as shown, after having laid out the location of the rafters on their surfaces. Be sure that the ends of the bracing pieces are all in line. Then adjust each board under its side of rafters in an inclined position so that the ends of the braces catch under each rafter, supporting the ends on the front and rear plates of the building, and elsewhere on any partitions there may be in the en- closure. The upper edges of the boards are further braced with 1 by 3-in. strips nailed to the top edges and to the side plates. This keeps the top edges from bulging or moving. It is now only necessary to sight each rafter, slightly moving the braces until the rafter is properly lined and then to secure it with nails. — Henry Simon.

���Bracing a roof to provide a space in the center not obstructed with timber supports

trussing is resorted to. This, however, spoils any room directly under the roof. The method illustrated is more effective

��Small Closet in Door-Frame Stile for Milk Bottle

THE question of where the milkman shall put the" milk bottles in the mornings in order to prevent them from being stolen, upset by dogs or cats, or from smearing the porch or steps has been answered in many ways; but the neatest and best device for the purpose which I have yet seen is a little closet cut out just above the floor in the kitchen, between the inner and outer wall of a cement bungalow. The space between the walls is a little wider than the diameter of the ordinary quart bottle of milk, and a length of the side wall was cut out sufficient to accommo- date about four bottles. An inner door is provided so that the bottles may be placed in the little closet and the door shut from the inside. An outer door is also provided so that the milkman may unlatch it, take out the empty bottles, set in the fresh supply and close the door again leaving no trace of the milk visible. This outer door overlaps the opening, somewhat, so that no draft is ad- mitted through cracks. — James A. Carter.

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