The letter-box shown by Fig. 1 is made of tin-plate of the thickness known as DXXX. Set out the pattern (Fig. 2), punch holes along the edges for the screws that fasten, it to the door, and cut out the piece A either to the size given or larger if preferred. On a hatchet stake, set off at right angles the four flanges represented by the outer dotted lines. Now bend backwards over the same tool the two sides and the bottom along the inner dotted lines. The top is bent in the same manner, but lastly, owing to the taper. (See that the corners mitre correctly, and then solder them strongly from the inside. The door (Fig. 3) should first be cut about lin. wider and lin. longer than the rectangle A (Fig. 2). It is then notched for the hinges, and at the corners, and an oval piece, or a diamond if preferred, is cut from the centre. Wire the door to the dotted lines, and bend two straps of tin (cut to fit the notches) over the exposed wire at the notches. These, when sunk over a sharp-edged tool or in a crease-iron, will form the hinges. To ascertain where to cut the keyhole, hold the lock at the back of the door at iin. from the edge, and press well to the door. The lock pin over which the key tits will thus mark the position of the keyhole, which should be punched larger than the barrel of the key and finished with a small file. The lock can now be soldered in position. A rectangular piece of glass smaller than A (Fig. 2), yet larger than the oval in Fig. 3, is required. Fix this to the back of the door with four small tabs, which must have been soldered on previously. Lay the door over the hole in the letter-box, adjust so that the lock will answer satisfactorily, and then solder the hinges to the box. For a bead frame for the box door, cut two strips of tin 1/8 in. longer than the length of the door, and two 1/8in. longer than the width, each to be fin. wide; sink them half round in a crease-iron, mitre the corners, and solder them to the letter-box around the door, so that it will drop in freely. Scrape and file off superfluous solder, clean well with emery cloth, and then paint and varnish the box to suit the door on which it is to be fitted.

Fig. 1.

Fig. 3.

A Letter-box in Sheet Metal.