d in this way until all the lugs are joined to the strap and
then run the flame over the top of the entire strap to make a smooth
uniform weld. Be sure to have the lower edge of the strap fuse with
the plate lugs and then run in lead to build the strap up to the
proper thickness. Raise the flame occasionally to see that all parts
are fusing thoroughly and to prevent too rapid heating.

[Fig. 149 Slotting saw, a group with two plates cut off, and
slots in strap for new plates]

When enough lead has been run in to build the strap tip to the correct
thickness and the plate lugs are thoroughly fused with the strap,
raise the flame straight up from the work. Allow the lead to "set" and
then remove the adjustable form and lift the group from the burning
rack. Turn the group up-side-down and examine the bottom of the strap
for lead which ran down the lugs during the welding process. Cut off
any such lead with a saw, as it may cause a short-circuit when the
plates are meshed with the other group.

Post Building

In drilling down through the inter-cell connectors to separate them
from the posts in opening a battery, the posts may be drilled too
short. In reassembling the battery it is then necessary to build the
posts up to their original height. This is done with the aid of
post-builders, shown in Figure 100.

Clean the stub of the post thoroughly and also clean the inside of the
post builder. Then set the post builder carefully over the stub post,
so that the upper surface of the post builder is parallel to the upper
surface of the plate strap. The built up post will then be
perpendicular to the surface of the strap, which is necessary, in
order to have the covers and connectors fit properly.

With the post builder set properly adjust the burning torch to get a
sharp, hissing flame. Bring the flame straight down on the center of
the post stub. When the center of the post stub begins to melt, move
the flame outward with a circular motion until the whole top of the
stub begins to melt. Then run in lead from a burning lead strip,
Figure 101, at the same time keeping the flame moving around on the
top of the post to insure a good weld. In this way build up the post
until the lead comes up to the top of the post builder. Then lift the
flame straight up from the post. Allow the lead to set, and then
remove the post builder, grasping it with a pair of gas or combination
pliers and turn the post builder around to loose