Wilbur S. Chandler

The periodical wrestle with the ash barrels that falls to the lot of city residents, where weekly collections by the official wagon necessitate regular attention to this dusty work, make any device welcome which will lessen the trouble and dirt. The simple truck here described is easily made, the materials costing but a small sum, and with it large barrels full of ashes may be removed from any cellar, the exit of which will' allow of portable ways made of two boards held together with a few cleats, and spaced to allow the truck wheels to run thereon.

The general dimensions and design are clearly shown in the drawings. The framework is made of any straight grained hard wood, preferably oak; although birch, maple or white ash will be quite suitable. First make the arms consisting of the pieces A, B and C, using stock 1 1/2 in. thick, and nicely planed all over. Then fasten the pieee D, using 1/2 in. bolts 2 or 2 1/4 in. long, and boring holes of close, fit. The handle C should be carefully mortised to B, and may be cut out to give a beter grasp to the hands. The wheels are next to be considered. Two 4 in. heavy scale wheels were used for this truck, the same being obtained from a scale agency at a cost of 40 cents. The axle, 11/16 in. diameter, is 12 1/2 in. long. A piece of cold rolled shafting was used, and it was necessary to take it to a machine shop and have two 1/8 in. holes drilled in it, each a scant 3/4 in. from the end. These holes are for the pins holding the wheels in place. The axle is attached to the back of the piece D with U bolts, but if these are not obtainable, a groove can be cut in a piece of board and fastened to D with several screws. If scale wheels are not to be had, wooden ones cut from 2 in. oak plank can be made, and bushed with brass or steel tubings will answer nearly as well.

Two 4 in. heavy angle irons L are then firmly attached with screws, the projecting ends serving to take up and hold the barrel. The pieces E and F are curved on the upper sides, and provide a rest for the barrel, preventing it from rolling off to one side when passing uneven places. They are attached to the pieces A with long screws. Countersink the heads of all screws. One end of a piece of long link dog chain 5 1/2 ft. long is fastened with a staple S to the left end of the piece F, and another staple driven out the right end. After the truck has taken up the barrel, this chain is carried around it, and the nearest link placed over the staple, a heavy wire nail or other pin holding it. This pin is attached with cord to the end of the right piece A. A coat of varnish or paint makes the truck easier to keep clean. In addition to its use for ash barrels, flour and apple barrels are frequently handled.