MAKING A READING BOX
Q. Does anyone know where or how
I could get a glass box made? Or perhaps, plans for one?
A. N. Golas discusses buying and making your own reading box in Coping with Allergies pp 168-169. Unfortunately, the book was written in 1979 and the Human Ecology Equipment Design and Fabrication Co. of Garland, Texas may no longer be in business. But the instructions on building are still relevant. The reading box consists of a shallow glass-covered aluminum box that permits the reader to be protected from the volatile components of a book while he reads. The pages are turned by means of a slender rod that is inserted through a slot along the front side of the box. I made one from a Bud Radio Co. AC420 unpainted aluminum chassis base which can be purchased from a radio parts store. This base is 13 by 17 by 3 deep, which is large enough for most books. Use a piece of window glass, single strength, 13 by 17, as a cover. The sharp edges of the glass should be dulled with sandpaper. Fasten the glass to the base with steel angels along only three sides of the glass, so that the reader can slide the glass of the open face of the chassis to permit insertion or removal of the book. On this open face of the chassis (17 by 3), cut a slot about 1/4 wide and 15 long. This slot should be positioned about 1 down from the open face of the base. Cut the slot by drilling three 1/4 holes at each end and then joining the holes with a hacksaw, finishing with a file. The hacksaw blade has to be turned 90 from its normal position in the hacksaw frame. Make the rod from a 12 piece of 3/16 dowel, suitably pointed at one end. I recommend a small bag of activated charcoal to be placed inside the box to help absorb the fumes. To read, place the open book inside
the box, replace the glass. Through the open slot at the front, slide
the pointed rod separating the top page of the book from the rest of the
book, then turn the page. With a little practice, it becomes easier.
|