Paint and varnish removers

1) the profession of applying scientific principles to the design, construction, and maintenance of engines, cars, machines, etc. (11 letters);

2) something that provides cover or protection, as from weather or danger (7 letters);

3) a subdivision of a cavalry squadron or artillery battery of about platoon size (5 letters);

4) a person who builds (7 letters);

5) any flat, curved, or irregular expanse of a surface (4 letters);

6) the piece of land where something was, is, or is intended to be located (4 letters);

7) a person or firm that contracts to supply materials or labor, esp. for building (10 letters);

8) any machine designed to convert energy, esp heat energy, into mechanical work (6 letters);

9) the study of the distribution, conservation, use, etc., of the water of the earth and its atmosphere, particularly at the land surface (9 letters);

10) an arrangement of sewers (8 letters);

11) the study or practice of measuring altitudes, angles, and distances on the land surface so that they can be accurately plotted on a map (9 letters);

12) the point or place from which something originates (6 letters);

13) a dome-shaped Inuit house, usually built of blocks of solid snow (5 letters);

140 systematic investigation to establish facts or principles or to collect information on a subject (8 letters);

15) of the ordinary life of citizens as distinguished from military, legal, or ecclesiastical affairs (5 letters).

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