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THE mechanic at times has very awkward things to hold while machining—an elbow for instance. The elbow is first placed in the chuck as in Fig. 1. A 2-inch L would need a short piece of shafting about three-quarters of an inch in diameter, sawed to a bevel on one end to fit roughly the outside sweep ot the elbow. The other end should have a center, which 'the tail center holds central while the beveled end is tacked with solder to the brass or malleable iron elbow. It is then removed from the chuck, and the soldering is completed. Fig. 2 shows the short piece of shafting placed in the chuck, which holds the elbow firmly enough to face the flange ends and bore out or cut a new thread if desired. Workshop Notes Soapstone for Babbitt Casting. —When casting babbitt in molds or pouring babbitt boxes, powdered soap-stone dusted in the molds or aperture for receiving the babbitt will very much improve the flow of metal, and you are quite sure of getting a .full box or perfect casting.—L. M. Preparing Metal for Painting. —In preparing for painting iron or metal which is quite smooth, or has been machined, say, for instance, a cylinder head, take raw oil and moisten a cloth so that a very slight amount of oil can be rubbed over the surface of the machined iron. Be particular not to get on too much, as it should be thoroughly dried before the paint is applied. It will take several days or a week for it to dry sufficiently. This preparation keeps the paint from chipping.—A. F. B,