lower blade is on the right side of the shears, and a lefthand is one where the lower blade is on the left side

Fig. 137.

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Fig. 138.

of the shears. Left-hand shears are more generally used, and are invariably sent unless right-hand are ordered.

Fig. 139.

Curved shears, as shown in Fig. 139, are required for some kinds of work, it represents a curved shear of real

worth and great merit. It is capable of cutting in sheet-metal openings of any kind and shape. Letters are easily cut out from sheet metal. They are especially adapted for cutting off the bottoms of metal vessels, and for cutting openings in pipes or cylinders of every description, for furnace jackets, thimbles, tee joints, etc. A bottom can be cut from a pint cup or a copper boiler with equal ease.

The double cutting shears, shown in Fig. 140, combined with a pipe crimper are well known. The blade is pointed and readily inserted in the metal at the point desired to begin the cutting. They are adapted to cutting off the bottom of pails, cans, etc., and suita

ble for cutting round or square work. The crimping attachment is designed for crimping any kind of sheet metal pipe, round or square. The parts are interchangeable, and the crimping jaws are of steel.

Tinners' Firepots. The firepot shown in Fig. 141 is a universal favorite with tinners. It is lined with fire brick and made in the most substantial manner. The draft door is in two sections, which economizes fuel.

The firepot shown in Fig. 142 is so constructed that the ashes fall into a pan beneath the coal, and the fire is kept clear and the draft is good. It is light and

may easily be carried from place to place at the convenience of the workman.

Figure 143 represents a gas furnace for heating soldering coppers for plumbers' or tinners' use. It

is light in weight and consumes but little gas. It economizes time, avoids dust and dirt. By regulating the aperture through which the air passes so that the flame has a blue appearance, the very hottest flame produced by gas can be secured.

Copper Soldering Bits. Soldering bits differ greatly in size and shape, according to the work to be done.

The upper view in Fig. 144 shows an ordinary pointed. soldering bit such as is used for general work, the lower view shows a much lighter tool, having a bent

point. A bottoming bit such as is shown in the upper view in Fig. 145 is used for soldering round the bot

Fig. 144.

Soldering bits should have from 4 inches to 5 inches of copper, in addition to that which is riveted in the shank, as in constant usage the length soon diminishes by filing and drawing out. A copper bit that has a long shank tires the arm quickly, not only by the weight of