In buying cans it is always necessary to state whether you desire plain tin or lacquered—­enameled—­cans.  In buying caps always ask for the solder-hemmed caps and give the diameter of the can opening.  For whole fruits and vegetables, cans with two-and-seven-sixteenth-inch or even larger openings are preferable.  Since the size of the can opening varies and it ordinarily will not be advisable to have more than one capping iron, it is recommended that the larger size—­two-and-seven-sixteenth-inch—­capping iron be purchased.

The tin cans come in lots of 100 or 500 cans.  It is possible to buy as few as two dozen cans, but that never pays.  It is cheaper to buy a larger quantity.  Number 2 plain sanitary cans in 500 lots cost $3.45 a hundred; in 100 lots, $3.65 a hundred.  Number 2 sanitary cans—­enameled—­in 500 lots cost $3.80 a hundred; in 100 lots, $3.95 a hundred.  Number 3, plain, in 500 lots are $4.50 a hundred; Number 3, plain, in 100 lots are $4.70 a hundred.  Number 3, enameled cans, in 500 lots, are $4.95 a hundred; Number 3, enameled cans, in 100 lots, are $5.10 a hundred.

The gallons come twelve cans to a case.  They are $1.40 a dozen if 100 cases are bought.  If less than 100 cases are ordered they are $1.50 a dozen.

The cans that you have to solder yourself run just about the same price, Number 2 being $3.60 in 500 lots and $3.80 in 100 lots.  Number 3 are $4.70 in 500 lots and $4.90 in 100 lots.  The buyer must pay express or freight charges on both sealers and tin cans.

PREPARING OLD CANS FOR REFILLING

Formerly, after using a tin can once we threw it away; but men with brains, realizing this waste, have come to our rescue, and as a consequence we can now use a can three times—­that is, if we have a sealer.  The sealer that seals our cans will also open them for us, so it becomes our winter can opener.  With this can opener we can use our tin cans three times, buying each year only new tops, which cost less than good rubbers.

Cutting and Reflanging Tin Cans.  Cutting off the can the first time.  First lift the spring pin in the top piece, push the lever from you, drop the spring pin between the stop of the first operation roll and the cutting-roll stop.  Place the can in the sealer, push the can-raising lever against opposite side of frame.  Turn the crank and gently push seaming-roll handle from you until you come against cutting-roll stop, and the top of your can is cut off.

Reflanging.  Remove standard can base and in its place put in the reflanging base, lift the spring-pin and bring seaming-roll lever to the original position.  Drop the spring pin between the stops of the first and second operation rollers, place the can in the sealer, open end down, push raising lever round until the can engages with the chuck, turn the crank and at the same time gradually push raising lever round against the frame.  The can is now ready for use again.