634 



TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



A log of wood is sawed half way through at about eight inches 

 from one end, and the piece of eight inches long cut out to form 

 a square corner. The die, or stationary part of the cutter, is 

 made from an old hammer, having on one side a notch, the shape 

 of the space between the teeth, this notch being placed toward the 

 upright side of tlie block of wood, and then secured by a point 

 below driven into the block. Against the upright side of the 

 block is screwed a smaller piece of wood, having a groove, in 

 which fits the punch that is made from a large flat file. The 

 sides and back of this groove have slips of hoop iron, that are set 

 either way, by means of wood screws, and the front in same man- 

 ner by means of wood screws, has two pieces of hoop iron crossing 

 horizontally. By means of these set screws the punch can be 

 moved in any direction. The spring that raises the punch 

 requires to be strong, as there must be considerable friction when 

 in such rough work, the punch is to be kept true. This spring 

 is made from a second large file. The remaining portions require 

 no description. 



As to results. I find no difficulty in finishing all the teeth at 

 one beat (generally about eight,) without any assistance. 



With the screw press, and the lever press, ordinarily used for 

 this purpose, two men are required. 



It is evident that the same arrangement would answer for any 

 other purpose where the launch requires to be driven through an 

 aperture with accuracy. 



The annexed diagram will give a better idea of 

 the arrangement ; the lever to press upon the 

 spring {d) being omitted, so as not to complicate 

 the figure : (o) is the block of wood ; {h) is the 

 anvil or die made from an old hammer ; (c) is 

 the punch made from a flat file; (d) is the spring 

 made from a second flat file ; (e, e, e, e) are set 

 screws, or common screws driven into the woodj 

 (/) is the cutting part of the punch, having a 

 shoulder to stop its descent when it reaches the 

 chisel, and prevent the sharp end of the i)unch 

 striking the bottom of the opening in the die. 



Yours, respect'y, EDW'D WASNEDGE. 

 Passaic, Passaic Co., JV. J., July 14, 1857. 



