Next, the fire clay is moistened and well mixed, using care not to get it too wet.  It should have the proper consistency to mould well.  The clay, Ii, Fig. 4, is then packed in the first plate to a height of about 1/4 in. above the rim.  While the clay is damp, one end of the coil is connected with the wire in the central glass tube, and the coil laid in a spiral winding on the damp clay, KK, and pressed into it.  When this is done, the other end is connected to the wire projecting from the outer glass tube.  As these connections cannot be soldered, the ends of the wires should be twisted closely together, so that the circuit will not become broken.  Make sure that the coils of wire do not touch each other or the top plate.  The fuse wire (about 5 amperes) is put into the fuse block, and wires with a socket adapter connected to the two binding-posts.  The top plate is put in place and screwed down.  This completes the stove.

It should be set aside in a warm place for a few days to dry out the packing.  If it is not thoroughly dry, steam will form when the current is applied.  It should not be left heated in this condition.  The top plate is used when cooking and removed when making toast.  —­Contributed by R. H. Cnonyn, St. Catherines, Can.

** How to Make Weights for Athletes [274]

Many times boys would like to make their own shots and weights for

[Illustration:  Mold for the Lead]

athletic stunts, but do not know how to go about it to cast the metal.  In making a lead sphere as shown in the illustration, it is not necessary to know the method of molding.  The round lead weight for shot-putting or hammer throwing can be cast in a hollow cardboard or pressed-paper ball, sold in department and toy stores for 10 cents.  Cut a 1/2-in. hole in the ball as shown in Fig. 1 and place it with the hole up in damp sand and press or tamp the sand lightly around the ball as shown in the section, Fig. 2.  Cover over about 1 in. deep.  A wood plug inserted in the hole will prevent any sand falling inside.  When the sand is tamped in and the plug removed, it leaves a gate for the metal.  Pour melted lead into the gate until it is full, then, when cool, shake it out from the sand and remove the charred paper.  A file can be used to remove any rough places.  The dry paper ball prevents any sputtering of the hot lead.  —­Contributed by W. A. Jaquythe, Richmond, Cal.

** Removing Pies from Pans [275]

Sometimes the juices from a hot pie make it stick to the pan so tightly that a knife blade must be run under to cut it loose.  If a knife with a flexible blade is not used, the pie will be damaged.

[Illustration:  Separating Pies from Pans]

If the pie pans are provided with the simple attachment shown in the accompanying sketch, the baked dough can be separated from the tin with one revolution of the cutter.  The cutter is made from a piece of heavy tin, bent to the same outline as the inside of the pan and pivoted at its center.