An Improvised Bobbin Winder

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HAVING wasted much time winding small bobbins by hand for Iaek of a lathe, the last time I had to wind one it occurred to me to make use of a common drill brace, which proved so satisfactory as a bobbin winder that I pass the idea on to other amateur electricians whose outfit is limited as mine is. The method is shown in the photograph. A drill shank or any bit of heavy wire will answer as a spindle to mount the spool on. If it does not fit the hole in the spool, wrap it with paper till it does, snugly. Improvised bobbin winder. If a vise is not available, the brace can be clamped to the edge of the bench with a screw or two while the winding is being done. A large spool of heavy wire can better be wound with a common carpenter's auger brace. The spindle on which the spool is slipped should be longer than the spool. The end is then supported by inserting it in a hole bored in the edge of the bench, while the butt end of the brace is supported in its traditional place in the “pit of the stomach.” This leaves both hands free for winding.

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