THE

WORKSHOP COMPANION.

A COLLECTION OF

USEFUL AND RELIABLE RECIPES, RULES, PROCESSES,

METHODS, WRINKLES, AND PRACTICAL HINTS

For the Household and the Shop.

NEW YORK:

THE INDUSTRIAL PUBLICATION COMPANY.

1887.

Copyright secured according to Act of Congress, 1879.

IN MEMORIAM

•Professor J. Henry Senger

TO VINU

PREFACE.

The following pages have been prepared with very great care, the chief aim being to give none but recipes which will not disappoint those who attempt to use them. Several of the recipes here given are original, the formulæ having been worked out or improved by the author after much labor and experiment. In searching for really good formulæ, we have been astonished at the errors which have crept into many of our standard books of recipes. For example, in one case the two separate operations of a well-known process for staining wood are given as distinct, and, of course useless recipes! In a seemingly favorite recipe for a washing fluid, the reader is directed to add vinegar to the ammonia employed, thus entirely neutralizing it. In the same way we find a recipe for transferring printed engravings to wood, in which the alkali (potash) is neutralized with vitriol! We suppose that in the last case, the author of this recipe thought that two strong liquids must be better than one, forgetting or not knowing the fact that one destroys the effect of the other. A very slight knowledge of technological science would have enabled the compilers of these books to avoid such blunders. In addition to these defects, however, most of our large books of recipes contain so much that is entirely useless to the practical man, and so many mere repetitions of the same recipe in different language and terms, that their cost is greatly increased while their value instead of being enhanced, is actually lessened. We have, therefore, endeavored to combine in the following pages all that is really of practical value to the professional or amateur mechanic, and at the same time by giving only one or two

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of the best recipes under each head, we have not only simplified the work, but we have brought it to such a size and price that every one can afford to buy it.

The subjects treated of in this work are arrarged alphabetically, so as to avoid the necessity of constant reference to the index. A few words in regard to the method pursued in arranging the matter may, however, not be out of place. As we believe that the greatest advantage will be derived from bringing together at one place not only the special instructions in regard to particular processes, but the general information relating to the materials, etc., employed, we have in most cases collected all such matter together under one head. Thus, under the head of "Steel” will be found not only a description of the different kinds of steel, but directions for forging, tempering, etc., but as most persons who consult this book would most likely look under the head "Tempering" for information on that particular subject, we have entered the word "Tempering" and under it give a cross-reference to "Steel.” This is the reason why we have introduced so many cross references, every one of which was put in after the book was written, so that the reader will not be disappointed when he turns to the heading to which he is directed. Many of our readers, doubtless, know that in too many volumes of this kind, cross references are inserted merely for the purpose. of swelling the apparent amount of information contained in the volume, and very often when the reader turns to the heading to which he is directed, he finds that the subject which he is looking for has been omitted. In the present case, the utmost care has been taken to prevent disappointment of every kind, and whenever information is promised we have endeavored to give it fully, accurately, and in the simplest possible language.

New York, Νου. 1879.

J. P.

CALIFORNIA

THE

WORKSHOP COMPANION.

Abyssinian Gold.

This compound was so called because it was brought out in England during the recent war with Abyssinia. It consists of copper, 90.74; zinc, 8.33. This alloy, if of good materials and not heated too highly, has a fine yellow color, resembling gold, and does not tarnish easily.

Accidents.

As those who are engaged in mechanical pursuits are peсиliarly liable to accidents, we have introduced under the proper heads (Burns, Eye, Fires, Poisons) such brief suggestions as we thought might prove valuable to our readers. For more minute directions in regard to drowning, severe cuts, gunshot wounds, sprains, dislocations, etc., we must refer the reader to some one of the numerous treatises which have been published on this subject*. The following general rules will be found useful in all cases :

General Rules. 1. The first thing to be done in all cases is to send for a physician. While the messenger is gone, endeavor to make the patient as comfortable as possible, and save him from all exertion, remembering that he needs all his strength. 2. If there be any severe bleeding, stanch the blood by means of compresses applied to the veins or arteries, as the case may be. 3. If the patient be insensible, place him on the ground or floor, lying rather over to or directly on one side, and with the head slightly raised. Remove necktie, collar, etc., and unbutton or split open any clothing pressing