THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED to the man who desires to invest in “The Most Profitable Machine In a Most Profitable Business” The Original Face-Down Ideal Concrete Block Machine And to the man who ts interested in the promotion of artistic concrete construction IDEAL CONCRETE MACHINERY CO. LONDON, ONTARIO, CANADA ; SOUTH BEND, INDIANA COPYRIGHTED, 1910 By IDEAL CONCRETE MACHINERY CO. PAE) DBA Le —“The most profitable machine in a most profitable business’ HIS is a complete list of the high- grade IDEAL Machinery which is fully described in our elaborate price catalogs. 1—Ideal 2—Ideal 3—Ideal 4—_Tdeal 5—Ideal §—Ideal "Ideal leal 9—I deal 10—Ideal 11—Ideal 12—Ideal 13—Ideal Model “A” 8x 4x16” Block Machine, Model “A” 8x 6x16” Block Machine, Model “A” 8x 8x16” Block Machine, Model “A” 8x10x16” Block Machine, Model “A” 8x12x16” Block Machine, Model “E” 8x 6x24” Block Machine, Model “E” 8x 8x24” Block Machine, \ Model “E” 8x10x24” Block Machine, Model “E” 8x12x24” Block Machine, Model “A” Brick Machine. Cement Brick Machine. Solid or Hollow Veneer Block Machines. 14—-Ideal Block Machine Attachments. 15—Ideal Block Machine Pallets. 16—Ideal 4” Course Block Attachments. 1%—Ideal 6” Course Block Attachments. 18—Ideal 19—I deal 90—Ideal 21—I deal 22—Idea e3-_ldeal 24_Tdeal 25—Ideal 26—Ideal 2%—Ideal 28—Ideal 29—Ideal a Water Table Attachments. Chimney Block Attachments. Window Block Attachments. Sash Weight Attachments. Material Feed Tables. Material Steel Hoppers. Striking-off and Compressing Tool. Adjustable Sill and Cap Mold. Sill and Cap Mold. Cement Step Mold. Sidewalk Mold. Sill and Cap Plates. 830—Ideal 45° Jamb Block Octagons. 31—Ideal Adjustable Octagons, 20 to 80°. 39 Tdeal Block Machine Face Plates and End Doors. 33—Ideal Fancy Belt Course Sets. 34—Ideal 35—Ideal 36—lIdeal 3%—Ideal 38—Ideal 39—Ideal 40—Ideal 41—Ideal 42—T deal 43—Ideal Raney: Cap oets. Molded Cornice Sets. Window and Door Frame Sets. Circle. Block Sets: Silo and Cistern Block Sets. Model “A” and “E” Automatic Tampers. Model “A” and “E” Scrapers and Finishers. I Power Batch Mixers. Power Continuous and Proportioning’ Mixer. Sill and Lintel Machine. 44--Tdeal Sill and Lintel Movable Deck Car. 45—Ideal Sewer Pipe Molds. 46—Ideal Drain Tile Molds. 47%—Ideal 48—Ideal 49—ITdeal 50—Ideal 51—Ideal 52—I deal 53—Ideal 54—Tdeal 55—I deal 56—Ideal 57—Ideal 58—lIdeal 59—Ideal 60—Ideal 61—Ideal Ornamental Ball Molds. Balustrade or Spindle Molds. Monolithic Column Molds Sectional Column Molds. Column Base Molds. Column Capital Molds Column Pedestal Molds. Lawn Vase Molds. Pier Block Molds. Chimney Block Molds. Simplicity Block Lifters. Mortar Gauges. Waterproofing Fillet Weatherproof Colors Metal Wall Plugs. Page Two We aim to keep our line strictly up to date. Attachments, Interchangeable on any Model ‘‘ A” base Model “E” 8x 4x24” Block Machine, ; ae mae ap eee aay Attachments, Interchangeable on any Model ‘‘ E”’ base Model A—8x8x16” Block Machine. Front View. Model E—8x8x24” Block Machine. Front View. Ideal Block Machine equipped with Ideal Scraper and Finisher. ented attachment which superiorizes the machine above all others. A pat- (ald VA DYOSIEE To Whom This Book Is Written T IS meant for you if you are keenly alert for an opportunity to make money; if you are seeking a profitable investment; if you are looking for an opening where moderate capital and real energy can be made to produce results, if you wish to enter one of the most profitable enterprises of the present day. It is meant for you who are a block maker, because through it you can learn new methods and ways which will increase your output and add to your income. It is meant for you, the contractor, because it will explain to you the merits and advantages of a reliable and economical building material. It is meant for you if you are a wide awake architect, because it illustrates the ways in which you can make use of a material that is acceptable in all forms of con- struction work and lends itself wonderfully to every artistic ideal and requirement. It is meant for you if you are a carpenter who wants to reap your share of the steadily increasing profits from the certain line, This book is meant for you if you are a lumber dealer, because it tells how you can add a line to your business which can be made to return you more profit than the sale of either lumber or cement. It is meant for you if you are a coal dealer, because it points out to you a feature by which you can utilize your men and your time during the dull season and thereby add hugely to your profits. It is meant for you if you are a prospective builder because it will show you ways by which you can have the best results at the most moderate expense. It is meant for you if you are a farmer because it brings out the possibilities of greater convenience and improvement on the farm, and the securing of absolute clean- liness, perfect sanitation and fire protection. It tells you about us, The Ideal Concrete Machinery Company, of South Bend, Ind., and it tells you about “the most profitable machine in a most profitable business.” Read it carefully, Who We Are I. ARE the manufacturers of concrete machinery; high grade, reliable con- crete machinery. We manufacture machinery to be used exclusively in the concrete block industry. We are specialists on machines for the making of concrete blocks. And as a result, we produce machines which stand first in this most profitable business. The Ideal Concrete Machinery Company was organized in 1903, and located in South Bend, Ind. Ours was the first plant of this nature to be established upon the factory scale. Its growth has been steady until at the present time we are the largest exclusive con- crete machinery manufacturers in the world. The sale of the machinery has increased in direct proportion to our factory’s scope, and today the product of the Ideal Concrete Machinery Company is found in every inhabited portion of the Globe. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * TALY uses Ideal Machines in her elaborate municipal improvement scheme now | under way. Up and down the Soudan are buildings built of concrete blocks made by Ideal Machines. Scotland has towns where the larger proportion of the houses are made of con- crete blocks and where our machines are known well and with favor. In India, China and many South American ports, we find a ready market for Ideal Machinery. Our export machinery in 1909 amounted to over one-tenth of our entire business. In this corntry, Ideal machinery and Ideal concrete blocks are known from Coast to Coast. Men like O. C. Barber of the Diamond Match Company are investing fortunes in the building of establishments where millions of Ideal Blocks are used. Railroad Companies, such as the Union Pacific, New York Central, Canadian Pacific, Delaware and Hudson, etc., are building stations; industrial concerns are erecting buildings, and property owners are constructing their homes with Ideal Con- crete Blocks. Today, more Ideal Machines are sold than those of any other company and more Ideal Concrete Blocks are used in construction work than the concrete blocks of all other machines combined. The Ideal Concrete Machinery Company is not only the oldest, but it is the most successful and largest concern of its nature in the world. Page Three —“The most profitable machine in a most profitable business” Residence, Senora Aloy de Tomba, Mendoza, Argentine. Showing possi- bilities of elaborate construction. Under Construction. The Complete Mansion. Vertical Tooled, THE EXPERIENCE OF EVERY IDEAL CUSTOMER. F. S. Gould, Fairmount, Minn., writes to friend: “I have had five years’ experience with different block machines and am so well satisfied with the Ideal that I would not sell mine unless I received the price of a new machine.” A Home in Paisley, Scotland, THE IDEAL —“The most profitable machine in a most profitable business” Our Proposition to You Briefly Stated i ‘ EMEMBER this point. If we, The Ideal Concrete Machinery Company, inter- est you in this particular business, we will act toward you, the man who buys, as an individual, Our proposition to you is on a personal basis. We do not class you with a group and say, “Here is a good thing, do the best you can.” We make your business our business and study your particular needs. If you in- tend to enter upon the concrete business in one or all of its different phases, we will gladly advise you as to the machinery and outfit necessary and counsel you as to the methods most productive of results. And when we do advise you to buy certain machinery and outfit, or counsel you as to the methods, it is because we know that this course will be most profitable for you. We are in the market to sell you our machinery,—the best that money can buy— but the selling is only the first step. For, then you have become one of the Ideal family, sharing our success and profiting by our advantages. We have equipped you with our Ideal Machinery—we intend to see that you make Ideal profits. So we follow up your business, we study your local conditions and we give you the benefit of a thorough, elaborate Promotion Service Department. Through that service you are made a part of a gigantic advertising campaign which will make your business known from coast to coast. You are supplied with publicity matter and ideas, Plant of Menefee Art Stone Com- pany, Fort Wayne, Ind., largest mod- your questions are answered, prize contests arranged for your competition and a ve Gonercte’ bioeick plant a ethene magazine dealing entirely with matters of interest to the concrete industry mailed to inal eG tates Uisesizou ll deallublociomaiam you each month. You become an “Ideal” man, in line for all that Ideal Machinery chines and complete Ideal equipment. and methods can produce Have been Ideal customers since 1904. We will make you permanently satisfied. We will give you a vital, enthusiastic interest from day to day, year to year, because we make you one of the Ideal system, —a responsible representative in a business which covers the globe. Making Concrete Blocks—A Profitable Business OLLOW concrete block construction is fast becoming universal. It is not limited to any particular locality. The use of blocks in buildings of enormous size such as all the Texas State Fair buildings—the six acre plant of the Grand Rapids Refrigerator Co.—the Insane Hospital at Michigan City, Ind., etc., has proven just as practical as when adapted to homes or suburban villas. Beautiful resi- dences like that of the Beyer Bros. at Winona Lake, Ind., removed any doubt as to the use of concrete blocks where artistic effect is necessary. Egypt, Italy, India, England and in fact all the continental countries support large Ideal concrete block industries. South America is the home of several plants and in our own country we findconcrete block construction in every state, city and village. Ideal concrete blocks were used in constructing the King Piano Co.’s plant at Bluffton, Ind., the Elkhart Motor Car plant at Elkhart, Ind., the Thomas Motor Car plant at Detroit, Mich., the Wolverine Motor Works at Bridgeport, Conn., the Agri- culture and Manufacturing Bldg., State Fair of Texas grounds at Dallas, Texas, the railway stations of the Union Pacific & Oregon Short Line, the Tri-City gas house at Gadsden, Ala.—everywhere throughout the wonderful scope of this country, we find concrete construction. Magnificent homes, huge factories, extensive estates bear witness to the popularity of concrete block construction. This universal use is made inevitable because concrete blocks possess certain dis- tinct advantages over other forms of construction. Concrete blocks are wonderfully strong. When but a month old, a good con- crete block will stand a crushing test of from 1500 to 1700 pounds per square inch,— which is amply sufficient for any building purpose, with a good margin for safety— and becomes much stronger as it becomes older. In support of this statement we have on file in our office for examination, govern- ment, college and expert tests, and reports on compression tests made on Ideal blocks. Concrete blocks are units that can be inspected and tests ! and, if imperfect, thrown out before being laid in a building, thereby securing ~vusolute stability and architectural symmetry of construction. Concrete blocks are fire-proof, repair-proof, moisture-proof, vermin-proof and frost-proof, thus eliminating deterioration, cost of maintenance, lessening insurance and saving fuel. Concrete blocks provide a sanitay wall with sufficient air space to produce in- terior heat in winter and for coolness in the summer. Electric wires, water and gas piping also can be placed in the air space of the blocks, providing absolute protection against crossed wires, and also securing great economy of space. Vital points like these make the demand for concrete blocks world wide and such a demand means profit for the manufacturer. Given your market then, the manufacture of concrete blocks offers additional advantages fully as distinctive, to you. ie vteis blocks effect a saving of practically one-third of the expensive material, A shipment of Ideal Machinery to —in itself a very appreciable item. Egypt for Government Work. ‘They Concrete blocks represent the only real fire-proof base on which to apply stucco find the business as profitable there or plaster for exterior decoration with charming and artistic effect. Such a combina- eK ig jan every other part anes Page Four aka VORMEOLUE TO” a ae ~ = —— — — ae tion is far superior to stucco or plaster on metal lath over a wooden framework, as no construction containing wood is fire-proof and as the wood will swell or shrink, causing the outer covering to crack and soon become unsightly. Concrete blocks mean more profit than brick, both in the cost of laying and the material. A mason should lay from two to three blocks in the wall in the time it takes him to lay twelve bricks, which are the equal of but one 8x8x16 block. .An ordi- nary mason will lay 200 of these blocks in a day, while a first-class man will do better. The average wages at 50c per hour means a cost of 2%c per block to lay in the wall. This saving in the ratio of three to one amounts to a big consideration for anyone. As regards comparative cost of materials to the man who is building a home, we will take one instance. One hundred 8x8x16 blocks will displace over 1200 bricks, which would cost laid in the wall $16.80. The one hundred blocks would cost, laid in the wall, $10.63. The profit is $6.17. To be still more definite, we will estimate the cost as it would concern the con- tractor who is bidding on a proposition when either brick or concrete blocks may be used. His figures would be as follows: MOOR cotmimone brickcusn oF tassels seen nite erent cree $7.50 Magom Wilke Zhe S800) nee eRe ooo cocoboduoeebumene donb oonooS S88) lel peta ty y2,0 ONDE da Yue .. came eeercae tie an aieeckeustesyetrcle ons. < 1.67 Mieneuane sito NOOO ste Sooke Sane onan oe od boone Gop HaDOmeG ne 1.50 Roel. Coss ieotal sth aie oc ache ona soos anoceedos ous $14.00 Vs. il jeytil, Tesh TPrevauleynal (Ceinsittsss.coac0ncacessodcsoakoodes as SFOS PORCtieettecleanmcandaand sora Velen cee tem ecesioet nets ects 60 leabotetomm aces 50! Diss. yee tes wie ae eei tela is okie vist le atone 1.00 iticicentalSmiotmcaken iat oiriameer tes se eee ye ier serra res cD Conte) Besy alge nlite dap asennad cocemaed an oes a Ga) Casi 7 lalks, Garenk WOO) sels, oso ascnadssncaseoodue due $4.93 (Cancieiegocsoysie lollle), Ate Kore slain csc cas a Cac en eeeycemen Goes dS laninowm-andeimortat ede. GaClinn Gansta jisc merits Sebi este. es 3.08 Biotalaco steal a1cisinie wal lerceeervar rere rseiee eer cinerea. $ 9.16 Difference and profit in favor of Concrete blocks........ $ 4.84 Pie eD COME ete DIOCKc. 4, otter, rohit aie eer Aa iene neilvin seem Sy alls MASE PTO ten COU DIKS).. cur. sgt s con cst dha gs ksom ils « oe sermers Paces (ROM COCA VS At Mere 5. Foc os Saveur Tee These Figures Spell Money for You ONCRETE blocks offer from ten to twelve times as much net profit as the straight sale of cement. A dealer in handling cement makes 25c a bbl., or $25.00 a car profit. One bbl. of cement and twenty cubic feet of sand or gravel will make fifty 8x8x16” Ideal blocks, on which a net profit of more than 5c per block easily can be made. One car (100 bbls.) of cement therefore will net a profit of $250.00 or ten times as much as the dealer makes on the cement itself. All this means profit for you,—straight, legitimate profit. Why, in ten days, you can clear enough to pay for one of our Ideal Machines, and have money left. Two men easily can make 275 perfect Ideal Concrete blocks in one day even though they mix all their concrete by hand. Now one barrel of cement and twenty cubic feet of sand and gravel, will make fifty 8x8x1l6” Ideal blocks, and you can net 5 cents a block without effort. In ten days you have produced 2750 blocks, which will net you at least $137.50, or more than the first cost of a model “A” machine with equipment complete. Don’t worry about the market. product of this century. If you are a good business man, $200 a month is a low estimate of your net income on an investment of $1000, and that income can be trebled by a comparatively small increase in equipment. On a one thousand dollar investment you can make 20% on your money twelve times a year, or 240% a year, and still retain the original in- vestment. These figures are not imaginary—these are the definite results, estimating net profits at a lower figure than is usually secured when the business is carried on economically and good blocks are made. To give an example, Mr. Isaac Grogg, of Auburn, Ind., made a” initial investment during the first year, of $700 in Ideal.equipment. In his town « 5,000 people he secured contracts to furnish blocks for thirteen buildings and during his first year in the concrete block making industry Mr. Grogg made himself one of the substantial business men of his city. What one man can do you can do.» 4 We urge this business of manufacturing concrete blocks upon you because we know that no other such an opportunity, for big returns exists today. Moreover it is a profitable business wherein previous technical experience is not necessary. The man who would succeed splendidly in the concrete block industry must be far-sighted, particular in securing his equipment and industrious. He cannot be a “penny wise and pound foolish” man,—he must meet his trade with the latest im- provements and ideas, confident that the future of the concrete block industry is one where the field is world wide and where the profits are limited by ambition. Making concrete blocks is a profitable business because there is the world demand for the product, made logical and permanent by many vital superiorities, and the real saving in labor and expense as compared to the manufacture of other construction materials. Your product has the demand as no other Page Five A. > enn i A DC —“‘The most profitable machine in a most profitab ee 1 CALLS THE IDEAL A ‘MONEY MAKER... E. E. Cooper, Contractor & Builder at Booneville, Ark., has the following complimentary words: “My Ideal outfit is more than satisfactory. Your machines are everything that you claim for them—the best and most practical of any. Since adopting the Ideal, our business has increased until we are obliged to keep the plant running day and night. It is a money maker for the man who owns it.” Stucco Block Home, Elkhart, Ind., shows wonderful artistic scope. A MAIL CARRIER LEARNS THE BUSINESS. Showing how the profits of cement block construction with the Ideal are possible to the man who has not had previous technical experience — we quote from a letter written us by Mr. Arthur’ Snodgrass of Balmorhea, Texas: “Two years ago while carrying Rural Mail at Little River, Kansas, I ordered an Ideal block machine and commenced the manufacture of blocks as a side line. I made $1200 a year. Now I have moved to this “live _ wire” town and am in the Ideal block business to an extent that makes me big money the year round.” r ah gee Grain Bin Built of Ideal Blocks for the Marine City, (Mich.) Roller Co.1a. Notice how use of gray | white blocks in tower lends. tis effects. ; aw ie tS » 2 2 ye le business”’ CHES DEALE Fifteen Reasons :— Why the Ideal Machine Is the Most Profitable Machine In This Most Profitable Business E have pointed out to you the reasons why you can make money in the concrete block industry. We have set forth our proposition to you and we have explained some of the profit-making features of the hollow block industry. Now, we want you to know about the Ideal Machine. Just as certainly as we know that the future of the concrete block industry is paved with prosperity, we also know that the Ideal hollow block machine is the most profitable machine that can be used in this industry. We will point out to you the distinct reasons why the Ideal is vastly superior to all other concrete block machines. The Face-Down Principle —Which Gives Beauty and Strength to the Block Reason IRST and foremost, the Ideal is a face-down machine and every Nepnior block is made with the face at the bottom of the mold through- out the entire operation. jl You can place a thin layer of rich facing material against the face of the mold and fill in the backing with coarse, strong, cheaper material. You can secure beauty of design and color, and at the same time produce a cheaper and stronger block, because of this feature. The amalgamation of the two mixtures is perfect and the backing is so thoroughly bonded with the facing that Ideal Concrete Block Wall at Guernsey, Channel Islands, England, Page Six —“The most profitable machine in a most profitable business’ Another Bush Hammered Block, —tooled margin, . The field for beauty is enticed on The ideo THE IDEAL. FOR LUMBERME Wm. Keithly of Superior, Ne writes—‘Bought an Ideal when ness was at low ebb—not en lumber trade to keep one man bus Very soon I was RUSHED wit Ideal work. This year made sold more material than two red b: yards and two cement competite ie Money comes in hand over fist.” AS 24” Bush Hammered showing one of the many effects p sible with face-down machine. — i jee te Leys pine George W. “smi he \ Mich.,—‘TI find the Ideal only cement block machine. — menced making Ideal block ‘ months ago—orders now for fi sand.” . THE IDEAL —“The most profitable machine in a most profitable business”’ the tamping on the latter naturally produces clearer and sharper designs in the face. The use of the rich facing material makes the block both dense and more water-proof. Perhaps the most serious drawback to concrete blocks in the past has been their uniform, dull gray appearance. The face-down Ideal remedies all this. Coloring material and various ingredients such as granite, white sand or light colored sand may be mixed with the facing material and any desired effect produced. For instance, light colored sand or crushed stone and a white Portland cement will give a light gray effect. White cement with white sand or crushed stone, mixed with a little marble dust gives a cement block with a pure white facing. The Cores Are Horizontally Removable Reason HIS feature of superiority in the Ideal in combination with the Number face-down principle produces concrete blocks which are without By a flaw. One arm-lever inserts or removes the cores with a single, direct power. ‘The Ideal is the only face-down longitudinal core machine which ean be legally manufactured, sold or used. We originated this superior type of machine and own and control the patents thereon Simplicity of Operation —“A Child Can Run It” Reason HE Ideal is not built to confuse—it is simplicity itself. There epahar are exactly two working parts used in the entire operation of making an Ideal concrete block—the lever which throws back 5 the cores and the mold latches which are used as handles in turning over the mold after the block has been made. Think of it, only two machine operations in the entire process! Such simplicity means everything, not alone because you can make blocks easily yourself, but more, because your men can do satisfactory work without your direct and constant super- vision. Inexperienced men turn out blocks which are accepted and used the world over—yours can do the same. There are no cogs or chains to break, no springs to wear out, no wheels or gears or sprockets or belts to get out of order, or to require the use of tools. _ The Ideal eliminates the “bugaboo’ of “expert” labor or prolonged experience. Simplicity means satisfactory work, and you are sure of simplicity with the Ideal. A Maywood, Ill., Home—illustrates use of exterior plastering on Ideal Concrete blocks,—does away with cracks and bulges common with plas- tering on wood lath. The porch is of Rapidity of Operation panel design Ideal Blocks. Reason VERY move you make in the operation of an Ideal saves you Sere time as compared with work on the ordinary block machine. 4 The wonderful simplicity of the Ideal is, of course, the primary cause, and long experience and careful arrangement have removed every unnecessary or bunglesome feature. You scarcely stir out of your tracks during the entire process from putting in the mixture to removing the finished block. You can change the face plates in five seconds as against a slow tool handling operation on other machines. You can place or remove the cores with one single movement of the arm. You can put the completed block in position for removal on the pallet by grasping the side latches of the mold and making a one-quarter turn of the mold. Finally, you can average 25 per cent more blocks a day than your competitors. Speed in every feature of the work and the saving of time in every possible opera- tion—all mean more profit to the owner of an Ideal. Ideal blocks used to build a com- bined music hall, assembly hall and club house. a we . ‘ . t yO ae Rockface 24” block, tooled margin— overcomes the possibility of “‘monot- The A. H. Brown Residence, Leesburg, Ind. A Splendid Example of Ideal Construction. ] -onous” effect. 5 , a r j ‘Pe hen is , piex ae «® sii ae Ss ree as the pee a . — ah. Page Seven Yon. : . a 4 ~~ —— = — ee THE IDEAL —‘The most profitable machine in a most profitable business” First Operation. Introducing the pallet (for off-bearing of blocks), the machine being in a _ closed position. Can also put in pallet with machine open. Fifth Operation. Filling up the mold with coarse material to be tamped at the ends and between the cores. Ninth Operation. Turning the block in the mold by grasping handles of doors, bringing block with face vertical and resting on pallet. Thirteenth Operation. Machine in discharging posi- tion, showing Face-plate ver- tical. Operator holding block with Block Carrier. 7 ee SS ee et CE CTD Second Operation. Third Operation. Fourth Operation. Putting in the rich facing Tamping material with square Pulling in the cores, in material, which should cover end of tamp before cores are which process any excess the face plate evenly with a inserted, thus bonding coarse material is discharged half-inch of the material. backing material perfectly through the core openings in Permits of coloring, water- with fine facing material. the front plate. : proofing, etc. Seve ; Seventh Operation. Eighth Operation. Pe US AS aa Striking off surplus material Withdrawing the cores after Tamping between the cores with Straight Edge. Our the block has been made in and at each end of mold, Striking-Off Tool is excep- the mold and smoothed off using blade end of tamp. tionally desirable for this on the top or inner side of Square end tamp is used for purpose. block. balance of material. >at ee Tenth Operation. Eleventh Operation. Twelfth Operation. fee ee ene cats ane, Operator preparing to pick Picking up block with Block- eeonl block abe late a a up finished block on pallet by Carrier, including pallet upon ie drone buae i a Sues using Block Carrier. All which the block rests. elt y its own edges and corners fully pro- tected. Operation of Model “‘A’’ Eicht-inch Block Machine Model “‘E” 24-inch Machine requires two men for off- bearing Fourteenth Operation. Changing full Face Plate for T takes more time to read the above than to make a block. ore Hass hire ang Qua é y € : a4 OCKS, lilustrating® ereby ; Operators make from 200 to 300 blocks in ten hours, with the simple method, of making mixture prepared. fractional blocks or designs. i = i ~ CSS cee Ee Be hd Page Eight “ THE IDEAL —“The most profitable machine in a most profitable business” Mechanical Perfection Reason ECHANICAL perfection in a block machine means that everv Number block produced by that machine will be the same, that the 5 proportions will be unvarying and the lines absolutely correct. It means that the building which is constructed of such blocks will be architecturally true and beautifully exact. It means absolute depend- ability and safety. No Ideal Machines leave our factory unless they are mechanically perfect. The best material is used in their construction. Only experienced workmen are allowed in the assembling rooms. The effort of our entire establishment is to secure absolute correctness and accuracy. You use an Ideal Machine, you get an Ideal block—perfect ! The wall laid up of Ideal blocks is a wall of uniform mortar, joints, every block has even margins and the corners are clean and sharp-cut. Architects specify Ideal blocks because they know them to be architecturally perfect. The perfection of the Ideal gives a character and individuality to each block. You see it in every design—the true, sharp lines that exactly represent the cut stone effect, the stone panel effect, the tooled surface appearance. The product makes the Ideal known as an absolutely “true” machine. Labor Economy Reason HE Ideal saves you money because it saves you labor. One man United: » Beethres Church. Van I ieihor easily can manage the entire operation of the Ideal. More bet APE ah at i b than that, he scarcely need leave his position in front of the ing io Bepedée tid eainein appear- machine, from start to finish. ance. The Ideal not only saves you the services of more than one man, it economizes on the labor of that man! The lever which draws out the cores eliminates all pulling and tugging. The iron pallets do away with the possibility of cracked blocks, every step in the making of the block is made natural and easy. If you value the actual saving of labor and the elimination of unnecessary physical exertion, then the Ideal is your machine. Requires ia Material Reason EDUCED expense means increased profit. The Ideal makes hee prohts for you through a substantial reduction of expense for i material. The face-down feature of this machine enables you to use coarser material in the backing, while the face itself may be as expensive as your trade desires. Zimmerman Automobile Factory, Auburn, Ind. This large building, 66x278, built with saving of 35% over common brick at $7.00 per M. = Try f ARE i H The Grand Rapids’ Refrigerator Plant, Main Building—entire plant of 15 buildings cover 6 acres. An evi- dence of the accuracy and correctness of Ideal blocks. Moreover actual fig- ures show that factory was built at saving of 30% over common brick at PALACE, BUENOS AIRES, S. A. $6.50 per thousand. Built Entirely of Ideal Concrete Blocks with Stucco. Page Nine THE IDEAL ‘ —“The most profitable machine in The horizontally movable cores effect a wonderfully large saving in the body of the block, and at the same time no fraction of durability or strength is lost. And more important than these, the perfection of the Ideal as a machine and the careful workmanship in every part result in an exactness of economical operation which saves material in every block mdde. To be exact, fifty Ideal blocks 8x8x16 inches can be made from one barrel. of cement and twenty cubic feet of sand and gravel. These are seven more blocks than can be made from the same material by any other machine. In a day’s run this net gain is 27% blocks, or 225 in one week. In other words, the economy in material effected by the Ideal Machine more than pays for the labor necessary. Greatest Variety of Designs and Blocks Reason HE use of face plates which can be placed in the mold in just Ninber a fraction of time is a feature peculiar to the Ideal and is the 8 first logical reply to the eternal demand for “something new.” By the use of these you can arrange countless combination effects and also meet the old objection that “all concrete blocks look the same.’ Our system of forms and division plates, to be used in connection with the face plates makes it possible to adapt the blocks to any purpose whatever, and produce all fractions necessary. Thus the Ideal with its face plates, block forms and.division plates enlarges the scope of concrete block making to an extent undreamed of a few years ago. Under- stand—the face plate can be placed in the mold in the shortest possible time, and this, with your plates for division or end work, can produce any design desired. With such a scope you can “talk business” with every class of work from churches to music halls and show something distinctive and appropriate for each class. Interchangea bility Reason 4 fre Ideal Machine is interchangeable—in other wards, if today Wien her you make a block 8x8x1l6 inches and tomorrow you wish to Q make one wider or thicker, or even more narrow, all that you need to do is to use the proper attachment. Your machine is “adapt- Par. able” to your need. There is no change of face-plate necessary to this alteration in dimensions—merely the use of the proper attachment. The /deal is the machine which has this feature, and we cannot urge it too strongly. You are not buying a machine for today or tomorrow or a year. You want a machine for all time and therefore you want a machine which can be of service to you when you use small blocks as well as when you must have the big “fellows.” Durable and Substantial VERY day we receive letters from grateful customers who write of the constant and efficient service furnished by some type of our Ideal Concrete Block Machine. In these instances they generally mention how the initial expense has been justified many times over by the continued service. Such qualities are only what we expect—you demand. Our machines are so carefully assembled and so rigidly tested that we have a right to require pro- longed service. Reason Number 10) No imperfect casting or inferior piece goes into the Ideal. No careless work- manship or untaught supervision gives opportunity for flaws. The Ideal must be all that the name implies when it leaves our factories and hence we offer you durability and substantiality. Portable and Convenient ie Ideal is not a heavy, bunglesome affair. It weighs only 350 Niuomber pounds, and is so arranged that it can be handled easily. Better 11 still, your work about the machine is not impeded by structural clumsiness. There is no wilderness of levers and bars. Every piece . * of machinery has an “evident” purpose and the whole is assembled in a compact, accurate manner. Reason In this feature, as in the others, the superiority of the machine is due to the careful, systematic, skilled labor in the factory. Page Ten a most profitable business” ese a* mabe er eee i SAT mg ; ENGINEERS COMMEND THE IDEAL. From Plainfield, N. J., R. G. Bush writes: ‘‘A New York’ engineer, watching operation of Ideal and see- - ing machine changed from one style .. block to another remarked: “In mak- » ing that machine, brains were used as * well as cast iron—nothing in the block line is impossible for it.” Ideal Home, Highland, Ill.,—Note _. porch and border design which adds ~ “or effect and dignity to extremely plain 7 - THE MACHINE THAT WEARS. ~ “T have one of your block machines, operated it for the last three years,and | find it as good today as when it was shipped from your factory.’—J. EK. Eaton, Cashier, The Citizens’ State — ' Bank, Arlington, Kan. . | % Porch—Beyer Home, Winona Lake, Ind. THE IDEAL —‘The most profitable machine in a most profitable business” The barber Estate at Barberton, Ohio t THE BARBER ESTATE AT é BARBERTON, OHIO. ; The little town of Barberton, Ohio, like the well-known ‘‘Ar- den,” where E. H. Harriman lo- cated his wonderful estate, or ~ as old, historic Tarrytown, in which John “D.” of Standard Oil fame maintains his enor- mous household, lays a large claim to distinction because of the enterprise and scope of one particular man. Here in this little Buckeye metropolis of 7,000, Mr. O. C. Barber, one of _ the heads of the Diamond Mateh Company and a financier of national prominence and im- portance, has secured a large estate and is making his prop- erty as modern and complete as any in the country. One of the big factories of the Diamond Match Company is located at Barberton, and for this reason Mr. Barber feels that he is fully justified in building his permanent home and laying out his vast estate in this city. One ‘important feature of this extensive work, and one which has aroused widespread atten- tion and interest is that the en- tire plan of construction calls for the use of Ideal concrete blocks. Such an extensive use of this particular material in so vast an outlay of money isa powerful evidence of the stead- ily growing popularity of Ideal Conerete blocks and an abso- lute belief in their worth. The estate. will include six- teen houses, twelve large barns, four huge silos, fifty feet in height; an extensive dairy, several immense store houses, a power house, piggery, chick- en sheds and other less impor- tant buildings, the whole sur- rounded by over four miles of concrete fence. Mr. S. H. Wightman, a recog- nized authority on _ building material, has been secured by Mr. Barber to act as Superin- tendent of Construction, and it is under his direction and ad- vice that Concrete blocks are used almost exclusively as the building material. Mr. Wightman explains that he is using the Ideal Concrete blocks throughout because he knows that these blocks are strong, durable and_= sanitary. He also emphasizes the advan- tage that Ideal blocks can be used to produce great beauty in color and design, as well as prove absolutely true in every line. Then, too, he argues that Ideal block construction brings about a mighty saving over lumber, bricks or cement—both ' in initial expense and in wear- land 2— Two views of main Barber residence in process of construction. : ing properties. Some idea of the extent and 3— One of the large barns and silos, . cost of the Barber estate can be gathered from Mr. Wightman’s tog ee Manns ors Dome. figures that 150,000 24” Ideal : blocks have been used in the Boe the Figgery: dairy alone and 30,000 blocks ot the same size have gone into the interior backing of one house. The completed estate will include considerably over one million Ideal blocks, while bricks only have been used in some instances as a veneer. Page Eleven 1 Sas i . THE IDEAL —‘The most profitable machine in a most profitable business” ed ee Produces Blocks of Enormous Strength Reason EFINITE compressive strength in concrete blocks is a consid- eration which must be considered vitally important by everyone. v2 The Ideal in its economical and accurate construction produces blocks which can be depended upon to the fraction of a pound, and which are enormously strong. Number Many exacting tests have made us certain of Ideal blocks. We know what our machine will produce with the proper mixture and when that mixture is used the results are phenomenal. We know that it takes a pressure of over sixty tons to crush a block 8x8x16 inches, thoroughly cured, even though it may be exposed to all manner of weather conditions. Such a block wovld stand a pressure in a wall equal in height to 1,600 ( feet or equal to a building 133 stories high, each story 12 feet. . We know that blocks subject to all sorts of weather withstand sixty tons pressure and do not so much as crack. The secret of this powerful strength lays in the fact that the Ideal Machine gives the most satisfactory results when the proper mixture is used and that such { a mixture provides the strongest building material in the world. The average block takes a 2 and 1 proportion in the facing and 5 and 1 proportion in the backing, and | will satisfy any construction demand. Strength—you have the strength of Gibraltar in a block made by the Ideal j Machine! The Ideal Service Reason OU do not buy an Ideal equipment only—you buy Ideal service. Niro And that service gives you the benefit of an extensive adver- Number it : : ; 13 tising campaign in magazines, newspapers and trade organs. It will create a demand for the products of the Ideal Machine. More than that, you receive the benefits of our Promotion Service Department. It answers any specific inquiries which you may have. {t conducts prize contests for photographs of Ideal buildings and arranges similar awards of merit to the Ideal man who is energetic and wide-awake. A collection of these photographs is then used in publishing a book of “Views of Ideal Block Construction” to aid customers in obtaining business. It gathers and tabulates figures and statistics from Ideal Machine users as to the profits, cost, competition, etc. It gives expert information upon the displacement of hollow blocks, compared with brick and other materials, cost data for blocks and figures on rapidity. It assists you in the development of your business and gladly furnishes any advice or information. It urges you to appeal to this branch for any assistance in the particular problems which may confront you. The Ideal Machine and the Ideal service are inseparable. These make you a part of one huge concrete block industry, extending over all lands and reaping profit from every community. Patents Cover All Essential Features Reason HE Ideal is the only legal face-down, horizontal core machine on the market today. Number 14 The Ideal is a “protected” machine and the owner of an Ideal is a “protected” manufacturer or user. Today the greatest influ- ence that is keeping the concrete block industry from the immense popularity that it deserves, and the one thing that can lessen your profits is the use of cheap, infringing machines that are built to sell, not to give service, machines that copy our essential features and cloak these in inferior parts—such machines are Page Twelve ee THE IDEAL —‘The most profitable machine in a most profitable business” hurting the industry and cheapening the product to a considerable extent. You cannot produce good blocks on an inferior machine, you cannot make a success at the industry unless your process recognizes certain clear-cut principles. For that reason we not only have thoroughly patented the fundamental working principles of the Ideal, but we vigorously prosecute infringements of any of these patents. We maintain a special legal department for the purpose of protecting the concrete industry, the purchaser, and ourselves from the unscrupulous imitation and trickery of would-be concrete machine makers. Remember this, the Ideal Machine has a combination of three basic principles: (1) the mould is made of hinged sections, and the face of the block is at the bottom during the entire operation; (2) the cores are inserted into the mould in a horizontal position; (3) the block is. carried to discharging position in a portion of the mold with a quarter turn revolution. The working parts of the Ideal are assembled about these vital features and we are prepared in every possible manner to protect these. Our patents cover fourteen distinct claims and insure absolute rights over these points ¢f superiority which make _the Ideal the leader in concrete machines. The Universal ee of the Ideal Reason HE Ideal is the world’s machine. You, who in the Middle West Number or on the Pacific slope or in the specialized East buys an Ideal 15 becomes a co-worker with the government officials’ in the Philippines, the swarthy Egyptian contractor or the shrewd, university- trained scholar of the Continental countries. You are one of a world-wide company engaged in the most profitable business of today. The Ideal can be found wherever there is construction work to be done and in this universal use you have a potent reason for your own choice. The majority must use the best, therefore, all other advantages considered, you must choose the Ideal because itis the best. SUMMER HOME—BEYER BROS., WINONA LAKE, IND. The bids for this home in brick were $21,000.00. It was erected with Ideal concrete blocks for $13,000. a — Page Thirteen COMPLETE SATISFACTION. P. W. Fowler, Topeka, Kan., writes. “T have had your Ideal in constant use for some time and tested it thor- oughly as to range and operation. I am satisfied that there is none better. My blocks are considered the best in this city and my orders are booked months ahead.” Ideal Block Manufacture in Italy. UNIVERSAL BECAUSE BEST. John J. Schlaff, Detroit, Mich.: “My Ideal block machine is far su- perior to the four other makes I have used. The blocks are true, the opera- Hee rapid and the mixture econom- 1calua One of the Ornamental Blocks pos- sible on The Ideal. ¢ folding) 1 )bard Le To Sum Up, Then— E have pointed out to you that the face-down principle of the Ideal makes possible greater variety in design and beauty in workmanship, while any other arrangement to face the block either results in an amalgamation which is imperfect and soon chips away from the backing, or the general design is inaccurate and weak. That the horizontally movable cores supplement the face down principle in producing a block absolutely without a flaw, while other methods are cumbersome ,and awkward if they actually do not produce an imperfect block. We have pointed out to you how an up-to-date, thoroughly modern machine is simplicity itself as against the intricate, many part machines with which the market is flooded. That in the matter of speed alone the Ideal justifies comparisons with any other machine manufactured and that it combines this rapidity of action with a mechanical perfection which places competition as an unknown factor. We have pointed out that the Ideal saves you labor when an ordi- nary machine adds to your force; it requires such a smaller proportion of material than the ordinary machine that the difference pays for the labor. We have shown you that you have an unlimited selection of de- signs, all descriptions of blocks, while the man who buys a cheap, “quick- seller” machine labors along with one back number design and one kind of block. Again, we have shown that with your machine you meet all plans and specifications. Blocks big or blocks small make no difference,—you can supply them, because the Ideal is interchangeable. And each block will be true and in absolute proportion, while the “adjustable” machine of some near-sighted manufacturer turns out blocks that vary in size and are irregular in form. The Ideal is ¢nterchangeable, not adjustable. We have shown you that with all these points of merit you have a machine which is practically “wear-proof.” When other machines may break or run poorly, the Ideal is always dependable. Careful supervision in the factories and a definite policy of using only high grade materials produce a machine which for durable and substantial qualities is in a class by itself. In this connection you will remember that the Ideal is the one machine easy to place, convenient to operate and compact and light enough to admit of handling. We have shown you that we manufacture a superior machine, a machine which will produce the strongest possible concrete block, a machine which we make known throughout the world and with which we extend a service department aimed to secure better results for all concerned, a machine of which we are so certain that we cover every feature with patents and safeguard every purchaser by refusing to allow cheap imitations to do business, a machine which is in use all over the civilized world today, a machine which we guarantee will give you satis- faction, will bring you the highest possible profits in a most profitable business—a machine for you every day tn the year. We have told you about a machine more modern than the others, the only legal face-down horizontal core machine on the market,—simple, rapid, interchangeable and substantial_—the Ideal,—"the most profitable machine in a most profitable business.” Page Fourteen Cost $15,000o—Use of Ideal blocks saved at least $2,000. ; “THE ONE HUNDRED POINT MACHINE. J. P. Webb, Lubbock, Texas, writes in substance: ‘‘I have two other con- crete block machines and have used | many others. The Ideal is one of the best I have ever used or seen in use —a one hundred point winner.” —“The most profitable machine 1n a most profitable business” Cobble faced block—for foundation ' and fence work. UNQUALIFIED PRAISE. “The Ideal is by far the best Ce- ment Block Machine. It is built like faster and better than on any other machine. The Ideal is face down—~ the correct principle in block mak- ing.” ? From a letter written by the Rice & ¢ a clock. Perfect blocks can be made — Johntz Lumber Co., Downs, Kan. Ay 4 ‘The Hollis (Oklahoma) High School. Ideal Blocks Have Proven the Best Possible Construction Here. a “ < é— a yl - , oa iain THE IDEAL —‘The most profitable machine in a most profitable business” Special Homebuilders’ Machine N this page we picture the Special Homebuilders’ Machine. We present this concrete block machine to you at a low price for a good machine for the pur- pose of meeting the requirements of the man of limited means who ordinarily is influenced by price and who should get the worth of his money instead of being misled by the specious advertisements of mail order houses and unreliable manu- facturers into the purchase of cheap and inefficient equipment. The man wishing to buy a cheap outfit has been swindled and imposed upon in the past by manufacturers who acted upon the principle that they could sell any old thing to such a customer—that he wouldn’t know the difference—and that his account wasn’t worth much anyway. And they were successful in this nolicy to «cme extent because to the average man all concrete block machines look the same, he does not appreciate the technical features of superiority and if his effort to make concrete blocks is a failure he generally lays the fault to his inexperience, etc. Our company, which always has stood for the best of construction in concrete, and occupying as it does the highest possible position in the Concrete Machinery busi- ness, has never allowed any machine upon which we could not place an absolute guar- antee, to be sold, at any price. In our Ideal Concrete machines, with their great range and extensive line of accessories and attachments, we meet the most exacting requirements of block manu- facturers, architects, contractors and builders. We are necessarily a responsible firm and one which has forged steadily ahead, while the great majority of the builders of worthless and trashy machines have dropped out of the market because of unbusiness- like and unreliable methods. Therefore, our Home Builders’ Machine is absolutely certain for the work that we build it for—absolutely a reliable, low-priced machine. It is intended for the use of the man of limited means or requirements whereby he can obtain certain and satisfactory results, and at a low cost for the outfit. We do not advise the purchase of this Block Machine Outfit by the man who is going into the concrete industry as a business. We never advise it for the man who expects to carry on extensive construction work or building his plans upon profits from this source. The regular Home Builder Machine Outfit will enable you to make two different designs of blocks, viz.: Plain or Rock Face Blocks, Return Corner Blocks, Pier Blocks, Joist Blocks, Gable Angle Blocks, Half Blocks, and Quarter Blocks. If you prefer a Panel Block to the Rock Face, you can stubstitute the Rock Set for the Panel Set without extra cost, or you can have one of these sets at a sight additional cost. You can also get a 45-degree Octagon Set for Plain or Rock Face Bay Window Blocks at a slight extra cost, and also a 9-foot radius Rock Circle Set, whereby you can make Silo Blocks for a silo 18 feet in diameter, or for a tower rounding porch or cistern. 6 We know what the home builder or farmer wants, in a block machine outht. Our Home Builder Outfit is laid out with this idea in view. We know that if you want to engage in the manufacture of blocks as a business you don’t want the Home Builder Machine. On the other hand, if you want to make artistic and reliable Con- crete Blocks of a few different face designs for your own individual purpose, the Home Builder Machine is what you want. This is a good machine outfit, sold at a low price, and we sell it as such, explain- ing fully the limitations of the equipment, which necessarily must exist with every cheap machine outfit, but we do guarantee that it represents infinitely better value at the price than any other Block Machine on the market to-day. We recommend this machine outfit to you if your requirements are fully met in the above. For detailed information about this Special Homebuilders’ Machine, and a state- ment of our terms, write for our illustrated pamphlet. Questions and Answers One Feature of Our Promotion Service Department Oklahoma. The West Is Quick to -\)NE important feature of our Promotion Service Department is the receipt and answer- Recognize the Superiority of Ideal ing of questions concerning the hollow concrete block industry and the Ideal Machines. Construction. This department is conducted by an expert on the concrete-block industry. We give below a few of the more ordinary questions asked and the answers made, merely to give an idea of the purpose of this department. These questions here necessarily are answered in the briefest possible manner. The actual correspondence of the bureau is complete in every detail. 1—Question: Can all the different designs be made on one machine, or does it require different machines to make different sized blocks? Answer: All designs can be produced with an “Ideal” Machine. “Ideal” Machines are interchangeable, Model “A” producing any length blocks from 1 inch to 16 inches; and with proper attachments veneer blocks 4 inches wide; also 6 inch, 8 inch, 10 inch and 12 inch widths, in hollow or solid blocks; also 4 inch and 6 inch high course blocks. Our Model “E” produces blocks 24 4 A Canadian Business Block. Page Fifteen (MEU OS DY ic UE. inches long, or any part of that length, and is interchangeable to 4 inch, 6 inch, 8 inch, 10 inch and 12 inch widths, the same as Model “A.” 2—Question: Can the blocks be used as soon as they are made, or do they have to be seasoned? Answer: They must be seasoned—known as curing. 3—Question: Can blocks be made of just sand and cement, or must gravel be used? Answer: Blocks can be made of sand and cement, provided the sand is coarse and sharp, but it makes a better block to use gravel or broken stone and also requires less cement when coarser materials are used. 4—Question: Will broken stone do to use in place of gravel? If so, what size should be used? Answer: Broken stone can be used in place of gravel, and should range in size from % inch to % inch. 5—Question: Suppose we only want to build a house, what assortment would you recommend? . Answer: We would recommend our 8x8x16 inch “Block Machine.” 6—Question: Could we make the blocks ourselves ? Answer: Easily. It requires no previous experience to make “Ideal” blocks. Instructions are sent with the machine. “Ideal” Machines are so marvelously simple a boy can operate them. 7—Question: We are going into the block business. What equipment would you advise for an up-to-date plant? Answer: For the starting of an up-to-date plant, we advise parties to carefully feel their way. We do this because our machines are so built that equipment, attachments, parts and accessories can be added at any time, and are guar- anteed to fit. We are always pleased to give our best advice and counsel, when asked, in the proper selection of a scientific outfit. 8—OQuestion: Do your blocks make a dry house? Answer: Unequivocally they do. They must be made properly and seasoned sufficiently. 9—Question: Do you recommend plastering directly on the back of the block? Answer: It can be done, but we recommend that all blocks be properly made, seasoned and water-proofed. 10—Ouestion: Are concrete blocks strong? Will they stand the pressure of an ordinary two-story building? Answer: They are strong beyond doubt. They will stand the pressure of any building, and are now used in every kind of construction. 11—Ouestion: How many blocks wil! your machine turn out in one day? Answer: We claim a conservative capacity of 200 per day, but we prefer to have you read what our customers say. 12—Question: How many blocks will one barrel of cement make? Answer: Fifty. 13—Ouestion: What buildings are necessary to make blocks in? Answer: Any old building or shed with a roof, or a tent of sufficient size to protect a few day’s output of blocks from heat, sun, wind or dashing rain on green blocks, will answer the purpose. 14—Question: How are blocks cured, and what do you mean by curing? Answer: By curing blocks is meant they should be kept moist continually for from 7 to 10 days. If operating within an enclosure it may not be necessary to spray them for the first 24 hours, but if simply protected by a roof, allowing drying winds to reach the block, you should commence spraying them within 5 or 6 hours, or just as soon as it can be done without washing the face. They should remain in the curing yard from 20 to 30 days before laying them in the wall. 15—Question: What is a pallet? Answer: A pallet is an iron off-bearing plate upon which the block rests and is carried away when removed from the machine. 16—Question: How long must the blocks rest on the pallet before being removed? Answer: The block must rest on the pallet until it obtains its initial set, which takes anywhere from six to twelve hours, but we advise that blocks be left on pallets for 24 hours, and when ready to remove them from the pallet, the pallet should be lightly tapped with a hammer so as to loosen the same from the block, if it shows a tendency to stick. 17—Question: Do you guarantee your machines? Answer: We do, unconditionally. 18—Question: Do you give instructions about operating machines, and materials to. domsox Answer: We do. We send specific and clear instructions respecting the operation of the machine and the materials. 19—Question: What do masons charge for laying blocks? Answer: The price varies in different localities, it depending of course on labor conditions. An average price, however, would be 3 cents per block. 20—Question: How many blocks will a mason lay in the wall in a day? Answer: A good mason will lay 200 “Ideal” blocks per day, but a first-class one will do better. 21—Ouestion: Can blocks be laid cheaper than brick? Answer: Blocks can be laid cheaper than brick, and any good mason should lay from two to three blocks in the wall in the same time that it would take him to lay 12 bricks, which is the equal of but one block of the 8x8x16 size. . 22—Question: Does your machine make more blocks in different lengths? Answer: It does. You can make blocks on an Ideal Machine of any length from 1 inch up to the full size of the machine with proper margin on each block and is the only machine which will do so. Page Sixteen — “