A Convenient and Inexpensive Laboratory Jack Power and Bedford' describe an inexpensive laboratory "jack" made from w d e n euhes. Curdcr'describrs an ineawnsive lahorstory jack made from a small seirsors jack. Thrs jack benm a very claw relatiunship to commercially available lahorauxy mudel sclasor
jncks and aharm their disadvantages. I would lrke to desrrrhe a jack which is about equal in price to the jack described hy C~lrdevbut which is more convenient to we. A small (1% ton) hvdraulir jack was purrhabed for less than ten dollars from a local retailer. A 6 in. X 6 in. X '/in.metai plate w& fastened to the bottom and an 8 in. X 8 in. X B in. metal late was welded t o the to^ of the ram. An extension handle fur the valve mechanism was made hy drilling a hole in a b" stpal md. This jack requires very little effort to operate, is easily moved ahout the laburatory, has plenty of reserve capacity, and is inexpensive. ~
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1 Power, L. F., and Bedford, H., J. CHEM. EDUC., 52,348 (1915). 2Cordes.A. W.. J. CHEM. EDUC.. 41.130 (1964).
H e n w Rakoff Northern Regional Research Center Agricultural Research Service US. D c ~ a r t m e n of l Agriculture Peoria, Illinois 61604
320 1 Journal of ChemicalEducation