The Purchase Department.
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Where to Buy Your Necessary Supplies and Accessories.
Graphite as a Lubricant.
The very efficient lubricating properties of graphite have been appreciated in the general engineering world for some time. There are few departments in which it has not been used. Although the benefits it is likely to confer on the motor vehicle are, as a rule, granted, the objection generally raised is that of difficulty of application rather than any fear of inadequate results being achieved. An important-feature of this material as a lubricant, is that it is hot affected by heat, so that whereas, in the off-lubricated engine, overheating frequently results in the oil thinning and the melting of white-metal bearings, the .same effect would not be brought about if a film of graphite well interposed between the journal dndtbrass.
Dixon in engineering cireles is almost synonymous with graphite. Jarvis Bros., Ltd., of Middlesbrough, ha s secured the agency for a device which enables graphite to be used throughout the internal-combustion engine, and particularly in the cylinder walls, and this same company recommends that Dixon's graphite, for which also it is agent, be used.
The lubricating device is very simple in operation. Externally, as our illustration shows, it appears very like an ordinary screw-down grease lubricator provided with a tap. This tap is really a .plug which is hollow, with a hole in one side ; with the tap handle in one position, this hole opens into the body of the cup, so that it becomes filled with graphite ; when inverted, this hole is open to the pipe leading into the induction manifold. Engine suction withdraws the lubricant and conveys iewithin the cylinder to the walls. A charge of graphite given in this way is found to be sufficient for over 50 miles with a fourcylinder engine.
Steel Blinds and Show-room Fittings.
S. W. Francis and Co., of 64-70, Gray's Inn Road, W.C., in order to economize in paper, have this year, instead of their usual catalogue, produced a six-fold leaflet, which is aptly described as a catalogue in miniature. It describes, in the briefest manner, the several applications of that company's speciality, which is a roller shutter, made in various forms according to the particular requirements. The company also manufactures shop fronts in brass, gunmetal, or white metal, glass fascias, and similar fittings.
A Manual of Motor Mechanics and High Efficiency Tuning. By L Mantell.
This is a new publication, in the form of a handbook, written with a view to the beginner and ordinary reader obtaining a working knowledge of the principles of the car engine and its auxiliaries, the magneto and carburetter. The theory of the engine is explained, and various points on compression, cylinder design, valves and cooling are made clerar by explanatory teixt and diagrams. The usually obscure subject of horse-power measurements is ezeplained, and various practical methods of measuring it are described. The reader should have no difficulty in. obtaining a knowledge of the standard magneto ignition systara, as 'this depends on a proper.grasp of the principles, as clearly dealt en* being obtained. Lubrication, bearing construction, and valve timing are also thoroughly dealt with and illustrated. The adjustment of various carburetters to obtain the best results in power and minimum fuel consumption is explained in detail. The book is also a guide to what ia known as engine "tuning," as it gives instructions based on practical experience as to the points that have to be seen to in obtaining efficient reults from an eegine.
It can be ordered from Temple Press Ltd., 7-15, Rosebery Avenue, London, E.G., or from the wholesale agents, E. J. Larby, Ltd., 30, Paternoster Row, E.G. It is published at is. 61 net.
Tumbler Switches.
We have -received from J. H. Tucker and Co., Ring's Road, Hay Mills, Birmingham, a sample of their tumbler switch as supplied for use on aeroplanes and. motors. This is a new pattern, fitted with brass cover which completely covers the base. Its special feature is that it possesses a quick-made action as well as a quick-break movement. We understand the firm are supplying these in large quantities to leading English and. French aeroplane manufacturers as well as to the motor trade.
Shrewsbury. and Challiner Tires.
The Shrewsbury and Challiner Tire Co., Ltd., of .A.rdwick Green, Manchester, has also evidently realized the necessity for curtailing the use of paper so far as posgible, and a good deal of wit would appear to have been expended in order to produce the brevity apparent in 'abridged list No. 74, Ivhich is as r"emaekable for the amount of information it gives as 'tor its compactness. Our illustration shows the special cross-rib tire which the company is now selling in numbers for fire-engine work. The ordinary type ssf band tire is supplied in all the usual sizes and in the company's justly famous quality.