FARM SHOP WORK 73 



wire, a leather punch, etc. On the other side of the 

 box is an assortment of wrenches, cold chisels, punches, 

 pliers and hammers. This tool box belongs in the 

 wagon that accompanies the outfit to the field. 



Babbitting Boxings. Babbitting boxings is one of 

 the repair jobs on the farm. Some men are careless 

 about oiling; sometimes sand cuts them out. Every 

 year some boxings need rebabbitting. The melting 

 ladle should be large enough to pour the largest box. 

 Usually a 5-inch bowl is about right. A large ladle 



Figure 98. Melting Ladle. Babbitting shaft boxing requires a 

 melting ladle. It should be about five inches across the bowl and 

 about three inches deep. That is a good size to heat in a forge fire. 



will pour a small box but a small ladle won't pour a 

 large one. In cold weather the shaft and box should 

 be warmed to insure an even flow of metal. Pasteboard 

 is fitted against the shaft when pouring the cap or top 

 half of the box. Pasteboard is fitted around the shaft 

 at the ends of the box to keep the melted metal from 

 running out. Never use clay or putty, it is too mussy 

 and the babbitt is made rough and uneven at the edges. 

 Some skill is required to fit either wood or metal close 

 enough to prevent leaks and to do a neat job. 



If the boxing is small, both top and bottom may be 

 poured at once by making holes through the dividing 

 pasteboard. The holes must be large enough to let the 

 melted metal through and small enough to break apart 

 easily when cold. 



