Select the best Practical Idea in this issue by logging on to the associated URL. Winners receive an award of $100. An honorarium is paid for each item published in this column. Submitted ideas are subject to editing, and sketches will be drawn to conform to AM's style and format. Submission of clear, close-up photos is encouraged.

Send material to Practical Ideas, AMERICAN MACHINIST, Penton Media Inc., 1300 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114-1503, or e-mail to cbates@penton.com Please include your name, address, zip code, and Social Security number.

Winner for October 2005: Todd Alofs, "Running in reverse silences chatter," p. 20.