This section is from the book "The Boy Mechanic Vol. 2 1000 Things for Boys to Do", by Popular Mechanics Co.. Also available from Amazon: The Boy Mechanic, Vol2: 1000 Things for Boys to Do.
It is often desired to use shellac in solid or stick form, and to get it into this shape by melting and molding requires considerable time. A much quicker method is to place the shellac in a shallow box, spread it out in a thin layer and play the flame from a Bunsen burner upon it until the mass is melted and run together. Allow it to stand a few seconds, then, with moistened fingers, fold it over and over and shape it with the fingers. It is possible to make a stick 8 or 10 in. long and 5/8 in. in diameter in about 5 minutes. - Contributed by J. H. Beeber, Rochester, N. Y.
 
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