t chuck for a wax chuck and you will then have no necessity for
removing the brass chuck.

The center, or cone for the reception of the pivot, should be turned out
with the graver at an angle of about 60 deg. and such a graver as is shown at
B, Fig. 1, will answer admirably for this purpose. After you have
carefully centered your wax chuck, place a small alcohol lamp under the
chuck and heat it until the wax will just become fluid and yet not be hot
enough to burn the wax. Revolve the lathe slowly and insert the staff so
that the pivot rests squarely and firmly in the center. Now re-heat the
chuck carefully in order that the wax may adhere firmly to the staff,
keeping the lathe revolving meanwhile, but not so fast that the wax will
be drawn from the center, and at the same time apply the forefinger to
the end of the staff, as shown in Figs. 18 and 19, and gently press it
squarely into place in the wax chuck. The lines in Figs. 18 and 19
designate about the right amount of wax after the work is ready, but it
is well to add a little more than is shown in those figures, and you
should be careful to keep the wax of equal bulk all around, or when it
cools it will have a tendency to draw the staff to one side. Now remove
the lamp and keep the lathe revolving until the wax is quite cool, when
it should be removed, by means of a graver, down to the dimensions
designated by the lines in Figs. 18 and 19. When this is accomplished
re-heat a little, but only enough to make it soft, but not liquid, and
placing a sharpened peg-wood on the tool rest proceed to the final truing
up, by resting the pointed end against the hub.

CHAPTER VI.

I have described above one of the methods in vogue for holding a staff by
means of wax. It is the common method employed by most watch repairers,
the popular method so to speak. The method which I am now about to
describe may seem awkward at first to those who have not practiced it,
but once you have fairly tried it, you will never be contented to work in
any other way.

The first requisite is a true taper chuck; and it is well to purchase an
extra one to be used solely for this purpose, so that you will be
prepared at all times for staff work. Select a good steel taper, and
having placed your chuck in the lathe, see if your taper fits well by
inserting it in the chuck while running slowly. If it fits well, it will
be marked almost throughout its length. Insert again in the chuck, and
with