Gate-spool

The Encyclopedia of Founding (1892)

An inverted cone, usually made of wood, and turned smooth, with a handle projecting from its base. It is used for pressing back the sand and making smooth the upper edges of a spruce-runner, forming a funnel-shaped and cleanly formed entrance for the metal. A runner manipulated thus is called a spruce. See GATE. Gathering Metal is a term used to indicate the collecting of a large quantity of metal for the purpose of pouring a heavy casting. If three or four ladles are used for casting a piece 20 tons, the metal is said to be gathered in that number of vessels. If a dam is constructed in which to run from cupolas, pour from ladles, or both means combined, all the metal required: it is then gathered in the dam. It is common in some places to supplement the regular melting in the air or reverberatory furnace by simultaneous melting in the cupola, transferring the metal from the cupola to the bed of the air-furnace as fast as it melts. This is accomplished by means of an inclined runner or spout placed so that the metal will enter the air-furnace at the side and directly over the reservoir. In the latter instance the metal is gathered into the air-furnace, which, if suitably constructed, is assuredly the very best arrangement for collecting metal in large quantities, as by this means the metal is maintained at a suitable temperature and is thoroughly mixed--something which cannot be satisfactorily done by either of the above described methods. See DAM. Gauge, or Gage, is an instrument for measuring with. It may be adjustable, like the caliper, or a fixed and standard measure, as a gauge-stick for loam-work, and may be employed for testing inside or outside surfaces. Also, an instrument for measuring any special force or dimension, as a pressure or blast gauge for cupolas and blast-furnaces. See CALIPER; BLAST-GAUGE; PRESSUREGAUGE; GAUGE-STICK.