Abstract: A form for making a stepped-bottom basket including a three-dimensional L-shaped frame vertically partitioned into two segments that are releasably fastenable to one another. The first segment includes top, front, rear and side walls that define the shape of the interior of the deep portion of the stepped bottom basket and the second segment includes top, front, rear and side walls that define the shape of the interior of the shallow portion of the stepped bottom basket. The second segment may include an integral splint guide capable of receiving inner reinforcement splints for the bottom of the shallow upper basket portion. Adjacent walls of the segments may be adapted for securely fitting and fastening the segments together.

Abstract: A stain machine including a rotatable drum enclosing a plurality of perforated splint-receiving chambers. The drum is selectively moveable from a soak, or stain-engaging position to a higher spin position, located above the level of the stain in a stain tank. The drum rotates at a first slower speed in its soak position and at a second higher speed in its spin position.