Making Tin Can Toys by Edward Thatcher 1919

Chapter 2

Tools and Appliances

TOOL LISTS AND COSTS-LAYING OUT AND MARKING
OFF THE WORK-SHOP APPLIANCES

In this chapter the names and approximate cost of the tools and appliances are given and also suggestions as to fitting up the shop for working with the cans. Various methods are suggested for laying out the work with the ruler, square and dividers.

It must be remembered that tool prices are not fixed and that the prices quoted in the following lists are the market prices of today, July 29, 1918. At present, tools are much higher in price than usual owing to conditions brought about by the war. Tool prices vary with market conditions.

The tools listed may be bought at any good hard, ware store or ordered from the catalogues of any of the large mail order houses (except the Wooden Roofing Folder and the Forming Mallet). While the folder is not absolutely necessary for folding up angles in the tin, it is much better to have one t make the numerous angles employed in tin work than to attempt folding by hand, and particularly when long angles are to be made for lanterns, towers, automobiles chassis and the like. In fact, it is in almost constant use.
The wooden roofing folder is not carried in stock by hardware and mail order houses, but it may be ordered from a dealer in tin-smiths' or sheet metal workers' tools. Any good tinner or plumber will tell you where to order one.

The forming mallet is easily made from a block of maple or a piece of broom handle as described under Shop Appliances.

It is taken for granted that such simple tools as rulers and pencils are at hand.

LIST OF TOOLS FOR MAKING THE SIMPLER TIN CAN TOYS AND
DECORATIVE OBJECTS
1 soldering copper, weight 1 lb. (I lb. actual weight of copper end) $.75
1 wooden handle for copper $.10
1 pair tinners' shears, 8 or 10 inch $.85
1 pair flat-nose pliers, 4 inch $.45
1 pair round-nose pliers, 4 inch. $.45
1 pair dividers, 6 inch $1.25
1 small riveting or tack hammer $.40
1 half round file, smooth milled cut, 8 to 10 inch. $.20
1 wooden mallet, 3 inch face $.25
1 box of soldering paste $.25
1 bar of soft solder $.1.25
2 lbs. soft solder $1.20
1 wooden forming mallet (home made)
1 wooden roofing folder (optional)
(Roofing folder may be obtained only from dealer in tinners' tools.) $4.50

1 vise (3 inch jaws) $3.50-$5.00
1 try square, 6 inch .65