The Iron Age 1899-04-06: Vol 63 Iss 14

“THE IRON AGE A Review of the Hardware, Iron and Metal Trades. Published every Thursday Morning by David Williams Co., 232-238 William St., New York. Vol. LXUI: ‘ee 14. "ee York, Thursday, Apr il 6, sie $4.50 a Year, including Postage Single Copies, Ten Cents Reading Matter Contents.........page 48 Classified List of Advertisers.... “' 163 Alphabetical Index te Advertisers ‘' 168 Advertising and Subscription Rates ** 57 TRADE MARK. THE OFFICIAL RECORDS Show that ROLLA O. HEIKES Dynamo st. Pan Mo. =" af FG cues WITH Sesion Wow York. Boston U. M. C. Factory Loaded SMOKELESS Shells | TUDOR IRON WORKS, yr y on nae one. National Sportsmen’s Association Championship, MANUFACTURERS ALSO THE BOAT SPIKES, |National Sportsmea’s Association Continuous Match. gece dae ielioncgiapaeiica aaa Both GREAT EVENTS held at THE Rewsrerd aren, Sportsmen’s Show, Madison Square Garden, New 0 pristol’s Recording York City, March 2d to 15th, 1899. _ Instruments, Figures are unnecessary, results tell. Use UNION METALLIC CAR= For Pressure, Temperature . , and lectricity TRIDCE COMPANY shells and factory loads and you will secure results, All Ranges, l.ow Prices and Guar- anteed. Send for Circulars, sores GAHALL BOILERS » ~9 Also Massachusetts and Phenix Brands of Sash Cord, SAMSON CORDAGE WORKS, - Boston, Mass, CAPEWELL HORSE NAILS. TURN BUCKLES, tans NEW YORK, T iW PHILADELPHIA, BRANCH OFFICE: 1! Broadway, New York. or uae. } Cleveland City Forge and Iron Co., Cleveland, O. BOSTON, : ROIT, / | ae gf ened BRANCHES: SISCHIEMATI. é 1 _) ee . SAN FRANCISCO. ; Brooklyn, E. D., N.Y. rain ly gy “ f BALTIMORE, A Soft Coal NEW ORLEANS. tt | eee) Ce ee NAIL COMPANY, : | HARTFORD, CONN. i | H | WE CLAIM THE FOLLOWING MERITS FOR JENKINS BROS.’ VALYES. Manufactured of the best Steam Metal. - Noregrinding. therefore not constantly wearing out the Seat of the Vaives. : gl JENKINS DISC, which is suitable for all Pressures of Steam, Oil, and Acids a. 2 3 4. The Easiest Repaired, and all parts Interchangeable. 5. Every Valve Tested before leaving the factory, 6. ALL GENUINE stamped with Trade Mark. JENKINS BROTHERS, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston. Brass Prices High, So Ose Bright “Swedoh” Stamp- sex 145 — | in ily Brass PI ave Money. ase _ YS |_in Steel Easily Brass Plated and Save Money Does your ir galv ranized iron MAGN OLIA META L Best Anti-Friction Metal for all Machinery Bearings. resist or crack or buckle ? Beware of Imitations. Apollo Best Bloom is Genuine Magnolia Metal is made up in bars of which this is a fac-simile : The name and trade- CAE 7 <7 mark nd on cach workable soft tough flat. : Apollo Iron and Steel Company, Pittsburgh, box and bar, and the | words nufactured in United States” and * Patented June 3, 90,” a A { MAGNOLIA METAL CO., (Sezmcfactarers 266 & 267 WEST ST., NEW YORK. Biter balding are stamoed on the un- der side of each bar.” THE IRON AGE MANUFACTURERS OF BRASS AND COPPER Seamless Tubes, Sheets, Rods and Wire. ingot Copper. §|Waterbury Brass Co. SOLE MANUFACTURERS Established 1845. Tobin Bronze Shel, Roll and Platers’ Brass, German Silver, Copper, Brass and Ger- (Trapse-MarRk REGISTERED.) ‘ man _— bea Brass and Plat P L . R d /opper iubing. Ca Cea Leu) compen nivers AND Bune ; Piston Rods and Bolt Route s PERCUSSION CAPS, | eines. TAPE MEASURES, 19& 21 Cliff Street, - - SB SARLIS SVGLS TS, Brass Ketties, Brass Tags, Powder Flasks, Shot Pouches, &c., AND SMALL BRASS WARES OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. HICK’S PRIMERS, BERDAN PRIMERS. Cartridge Metal in Sheets or Shells a Specialty. DEPOTS: ee RC TUNERS OF” 60 Centre St., New York. 126 Eddy St., Provi- dence, R. |. 38 Mechanic St., Newark, N. J. sH EET: BRASS MILLS AT WATERBURY, CONN. ~ & COPPER. THE NEW DEFENDER BRAZED BRASS & COPPER TUBES. All Her BRONZE CASTINGS are made of our... SEAMLESS BRASS & COPPER TUBES”’38 "DIAM. Ordnance Bronze Bridgeport Deoxidized Bronze & Metal Co., EAN DEPOT. 226 Lane BRIDGEPORT, CONN. New York. WATERBURY CONN, Bee CHICAGO, ILL. ( NEW YORK, ROOM 202 POSTAL TELEGRAPH BRANCH | 8L06, 253 BROADWAY. ace \ PHILADELPHIA,ROOM 320 PHILA BANK BLDG. OFFICES, | ciwcinNaTi, 0. ROOM 308 NEAVE BLOG. | MATTHIESSEN & HEGELER ZINC CO,, LA SALLE, ILLINOIS, SMELTERS OF SPELTER AND MANUFACTURERS OF SGHEBEET ZINC AND SULPHURIC ACID. Special Sizes of Zinc cut to order. Rolled Battery Plates. Selected Plates for Etchers’ and Lithographers’ use Selected Sheets for Paper and Card Makers’ use. St -ve and Washboard Blanks. ZINCS FOR LECLANCHE BATTERY. Mirs. of Stamped Brass, “Silver and Nickeled Goods, Brass Labels tor Cans and . . Rubber Moulds, o 2 38D - “/ NY Address all a AN Se SPECIAL a a” signa S , 4 ' oF er H we, tommunica- 4 , LR A hl - € a GOODS tions to the ee gv OES, PM a, MADE TO . : ; wae ae ' . 7.2 D, factory. ‘i Wy re ryt Pa as, ame | fs & ORDER, BRONZE DOOR ENOBB, Bronze and Plated Roses, Combined Rose and Escutcheon Plates, Socket Shells, &c., Patent Mirror Pin Cushion Business Cards, Mucilage Brushes. Novelties ot new design made to order. SALESROOM: | 17 Chambers St., New York. FACTORY: 86-92 Third St., So. Brooklyn, HENDRICKS BROTHERS, Belleville Copper Rolling Mills, Brazsicrs’, Moist aac. Sheathing COPPER. COPPER WIRE AND RIVETS. Importers and Dealers in ingot Copper, Block Tin, Spelter, Lead, Antimony, etc. 49 CLIFF ST.. NEW YORK. MANUFACTURERS OF Sheet and Roll Brass WIRE PRINTERS’ BRASS, JEWELERS’ METAL, GERMAN SILVER AND GILDING METAL, COPPER RIVETS AND BURRS. Pins, Brass Butt Hinges, Jack Chain, Kere- sene Burners, Lamps, Lamp Trimmings, &c. 29 MURRAY ST., NEW YORK, 144 HIGH ST., BOSTON. 199 LAKE ST., CHICAGO, ROLLING MILL : | THOMASTON, CONN. FACTORIES : WATERBURY, CONN. SCOVILL MFG. CO., Manufacturers of BRASS SHEET, WIRE, TUBES, Hinges, Buttons, Lamp Goods, Nipples, Pumps and Oilers for Bicycles, Braziers’ Solder, Aluminum. Factories, WATERBURY, CONN. DEPOTS: Chicago, New York, Boston. AGENTS FOR Brooklyn Brass & Copper Co., DEALERS IN COPPER, TIN, SPELTER, LEAD, ANTIMONY. 100 John Street, - New York, WILLIAM S. FEARING. 256 Broadway, NEW YORK, SELLS TO THE TRADE Sheet Brass, Fancy Sheet Brass, German Silver, Copper, Brass and German Silver Wire, Brazed and Seamless Brass and Copper Tubes, Brass and Cop- per Rods, Brass Ferrules, Pure Copper Wire, Sheet and Ingot Copper; Spelter, Tin, Antimony, Lead, &c. THE BRIDGEPORT BRASS 6O,, BRIDGEPORT, CONN. 19 Murray St., New York. 85-87 Pearl St., Boston. 17 N. 7th St., Philadelphia. MANUFACTURERS OF Brass {SHEET AND TUBING Copper | WIRE. Lamp Goods of all Kinds, BRASS AND COPPER GOODS In Great Varieties, Sense SCREWS, GUTS ARO FITTINGS FOR GAECTEGss CURPGSES © 6TOCE. eecthian omen | ie 1 fF. WELCH MFG. CO, 68 SUDBURY STREET. SOSTOR. THE PLUME & ATWOOD MFs. Co. JOHN DAVOL & SONS, | ‘THE: IRON AGE. THURSDAY, APRII New Foundry of the General Electric Company. In the Schenectady plant of the General Electric Com- pany the building which has most recently been equipped is known among the employees as ** Number Ejighty- three."’ That means it was the eighty-third building to be erected at Schenectady by this company. To the outside world it is the new foundry, and as such has been the topic of considerable interest for more than a year. On March 3, 1898, the specifications were issued. Twenty-two days later contracts were awarded, and on the fifth day of this year the first metal was poured and the largest iron foundry in this country swung into operation. 6, 1899 square feet of window glass insurt part of the interior the hghting of every Through a very complete system of ventilation in stalled by the Buffalo Forge Company the air in the entire building is changed about four times an hour, a constant supply of fresh air being brought in from out of doors, heated and circulated throughout the entire walled space. Impure air, gases and smoke are constantly on the out ward move. A very convenient arrangement allows for the opening of ventilators, and the windows in the monitor, by which, together with the heating blowers, the buildinggcan ve quickly cleared of dust, smoke and steam when shaking out castings or pouring metal. An arc lamp 1s provided for every 2600 square feet_of UGS > ee oN ih, BF oe £3 2 Frame of Main Building Nearing Completion. NEW Fig. 3 shows the floor plan of the entire foundry. Fig. 1 shows the structural frame work when nearly completed and the traveler employed in building the roof. An idea of the size of the building can be formed from the dimensions, which are as follows: The main build- ing, 140 x 503 feet; the cleaning room wing, 120 x 103 feet; the large lean to, 38 feet 6 inches x 243 feet, and the small lean to, 11 feet 4 inches x 152 feet 4 inches. The hights are: The side walls, 23 feet 9%; inches; the main gables, 58 feet 3 inches; the wing gables, 51 feet 8 inches, and the cupola room wall, 28 feet 8 inches. are 3,250,000 feet. As a rule, molders are supposed to be employed at dirty work, and among the least considered points in numerous foundries hereabouts are light and ventilation. Upon entering ‘** Number Eighty-three ’ the first and most striking feature is the splendid illumination. . More than 23,000 square feet of skylight and almost 13,000 The cubical contents FOUNDRY OF THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. floor space. This permits night work under most favora ble conditions. The crane system throughout the foundry provides for the economical handling of work. There are seven, all electrically driven, and made by the Morgan Engineering Company. The main crane, used for the heaviest work, is of 40 tons capacity with a span of 65 feet. It travels ‘the entire length of the main aisle. One of 10 tons capacity and 65 foot span also traverses the main aisle of the build ing. A 10-ton crane with 47 feet 2 inches span runs through the chipping shop or cleaning room and connects with those traversing the main building. A 7-ton and three 5ton box cranes take care of the wings of the building. The main columns supporting the two large cranes and the roof are so arranged at the base that a socket can be attached to each one. A similar bracket will be fastened to the upper portion of the column and the arrangement will allow for the placing of jibcranesin any Lelia Tew Ny etl —————— ’ 2 THE IRON AGE. portion of the building where they may be needed. Details of the columns and'crane tracks are shown in Fig. 2. Three 5-ton jib cranes of 21-foot swing have been ordered for this work, which has not as yet been completed. The idea is to have the cranes portable, so tnat whenever one may be re- quired at any portion of the floor it can be taken by one of he traveling cranes to the nearest column to the position wanted, fastened in the sockets and operated. Supplemented by 21's-inch and 36 inch gauge tracks which connect all{portions of the building, sand and coke sheds, pig and scrap iron storage and other buildings, the 7 4 é 4 re ph — “Ly April 6, 1899 The small amount of core oven space which is required through this method is rather surprising, when the size of the whole plant is taken into consideration. It is said that about three-fourths of the space which would ordi- narily be required is saved. Another advantageous point is that the oven is always working, and can be operated 24 hoars every day, and that the amount of heat lost is re- duced to a minimum, as the doors may be opened at fre- quent intervals with an exceedingly small loss each time. The method used is a car system. The oven, Fig. 4, contains four openings or doorways. Running into the Fig. 2.—Columns and Crane Tracks. NEW FOUNDRY OF THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. crane system is enabled to convey work to any portion of the building. For instance, if a heavy ladle of metal is required at any point of one of the bays, it is taken from the cupola by one of the cranes traversing the main aisle, run to the nearest point where the track crosses the building. placed on a car which is run into the wing, and there the ladle is taken up by one of the various cranes traversing that bay. Likewise when a casting is to be taken to the cleaning room it is shipped to the end of the main aisle by a center crane, placed on a car and then taken up by the crane running into the cleaning room. Core Oven, One of the newest and most interesting features in this * foundry is the method by which the small cores are baked oven, which is about 12 feet deep, and extending out of the oven about 10 feet, are two tracks laid at each opening These are of about 36-inch gauge. Each pair of tracks supports a car which is 6 feet 4inches high. The entire car is constructed of steel and brass. It is 6 feet 3 inches wide. The body of the car is fitted with sheives on which the cores are laid. The front of the car is made of sheet steel, and it extends from top to bottom and side to side of the entire opening, thus serving as a door to the oven when the car is inside. The back is formed the same way, and it serves also as a door to the oven when the car is out of the oven. Each car is operated by compressed air. Directly under the body of the car and above the axles is located a 6-inch brass tube, which extends the entire length of the car. This is the air cylinder. The piston is April 6, 1899 THE IRON AGE. B3 stationary, and the apparatus double acting. It is all operated from the front of the oven by a four-way valve. With the car in the oven, and, as we have previously stated, the front serving as a closed door, the valve is opened and the car comes out full length. The back serves as another closed door, and cores are taken from the car or placed upon it, when another turn of the valve sends the car back and simultaneously closes the oven again. The upper portion of the oven is formed of hollow tile. The flue to the chimney runs underneath the four cars. The compressor which furnishes the air for opera tion of the cars is run by a small motor which is automat- ically started whenever air is being consumed and auto- matically stopped when the cars are notin use. Fig. 4 shows side and end elevation of the car. The large ovens for baking cores of greater size are constructed in the ordinary manner. A feature which is of interest, however, is the manner in which the huge rotary pressure blower furnishes the blast for the cupolas. The blower provides 660,000 cubic feet of air per hour at 95 revolutions. It is direct driven by a 60 horse power motor. A 2200-pound hydraulic elevator runs to the charging floor. This floor is unusually large, enabling sufficient coke and iron to be carried for an entire charge. Scales are placed so that the metal may be weighed imme- diately before being taken to the charging floor. A coke shed is located directly outside of the foundry. It has a capacity of 600 tons, and is fitted with automatic convey- ing machinery. The sand sheds are of 6000 tons capacity. All sand is mixed and tempered in the main building, and delivered to molders by the 2114-inch gauge cars. A Sellers centrifugal sand mixer is employed. It is portable and direct connected to a 3 horse-power motor. A separate wing is provided for the cleaning and chip- ping of castings. There are seven exhaust rumblers in this room, arranged to carry the dust outside of the build- }*------------4 | enone eal \ 6 4 Q ———————— Once = - ‘ (scans FY ’ \ | N q 2st i: , rae O)é* 12 Flask ’ \| S 30 { is a St & | Pi et d -— D ‘ — — —— vent Flask 1 Making. ¥-- — l ‘ ‘ 3 mea - °c eo ¥ ' i, ' it Sncennceel — . | ee 12.) Bib diccmencn en dlibancinneansen none a Wit] TIT | + | eis © —T ore | mare, — Thi TT =::) sana Ving ett HH 8&6 88 8 i’ LLILL Core Overs} | Car im . = SS — | Wii — | I {|| ler : i | lal Furnace re ? ace —— ____ Steam Frailroad Tra a - & | No.3- Moulding sard. | - No.4 -Mou/airn so 1 [car for sora [rer —S— ee ae —<——— SS SSS — ————— ——————_$—$_$_—$_—_ —— Wwe No 2- Moviaing Sand A tP 3 Gray Sand t 7 renin ag = "| - os d. Floor C a on | | | cna. rioor Cupola oom, Fig. 3.—Floor Plan. NEW FOUNDRY OF THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. steel doors are hung. Each door, which is slightly more than 9 feet wide and about 10 feet bigh, is divided in the center lengthwise. Three hinges couple the two sections, making of them a double door, each half hinged to the other. This double or divided door is fastened to a 2 7-16 inch shaft, which is bottomed in a ball bearing and fastened just above the doors in a roller bearing. By this method access to the oven is made very easy, as the doors can be swung either partly or entirely with very little effort. Cupolas, At present there are but two cupolas in operation. They are of the Colliau type, one having an hourly melt- ing capacity of 18 tons and the other 7 tons. It is in- tended, however, to install another which will turn out 11 tons per hour. The 18-ton cupola is provided with two tap holes, one placed in front and another on the side. They are both opened at the same time, the side tap being used by the bench molders, while the front tap hole sup- plies metal for larger ladles, which are run to various parts of tre floor by the traveling cranes. The cupolas are so located that no metal is carried more than 120 feet. Ladles are used as large as 15 tons capacity. A Root ing. <A flask making room is located in one of the wings: Adjoining it is a room for storing the working patterns. The lavatory and locker room is large and well ventilated. The walls, ceiling and floor are entirely of tiling and stone. Shower baths are furnished. Four long basins are provided and a wire locker is intended for each man. At intervals when the lockers are empty a hose can be played on the whole outfit, and this room can be kept in a Sanitary condition. The foreman’s office is elevated, and so located as to command a view of the entire floor. A covered conduit crosses the width of the building for the piping and elec- tric conductors. Cast covers are made so as to provide tracks for both 36-inch and 211!4-inch gauge cars, which cross the two principal crane spans. In the construction of the building 1200 tons of steel were employed. We illustrate in Fig. 2 a portion of the main steel columns. It is practically a double column. one serving for the support of the roof and another sup- porting the two main crane tracks. The first referred to is composed of four Z-bars 6 inches x 3, inch x 40 feet 6 inches and one web 8 inches x 3¢ inch x 56 feet. The other comprises four Z-bars 6 inches x 3 inch x 24 feet A eo mt ta te tb | al F a r 444 inches and one web & incnes x inch x 25 feet 414 inches “s W. QO. Pearson is the constracting engineer for the Hiiton Bridge mason and carpenter company. The contractors ar » Company, steel construction; Andrew Kinum work: A. E. Rendle, skylight > Lake Iron Ore Matters. Duturn, Minn, April 2. 1899.—The scarcity of mate- rial that so militates against work in the East is as prevalent West. All sorts of iron, timber and every- thing that goes to make up construction is not to be had Kor the ore dock contracts at the head of Lake Superior, for instance, there is no way of getting drift bolts in any except by digging round in junk shops and among Jew peddlers, and the same is true more or less of all metal needed. Large quantities of Washington fir are used in these docks, and there has been some difficulty in getting all that was needed in the past quite as quick as it was wanted. Now, however, there is no chance at all. There is a rate of 40 cents on this long timber from the Pacific to Duluth. and once in a while a car comes along in a train of paying freight, but so great is the amount of higher class tonnage moving all the time now that there is no on time. kind of season, 4 Why tor IRON AGE. April 6, 1899 ble that Steel & Wire may be the owner of a valuable tract of Gogebic lands before long. Stripping contracts have been made on Mesaba lately for 200,000 yards at the Ohio mine for the Consolidated Company, at the Sauntry mine for the American Steel & Wire Company, and at the Sparta mine for the Minne- sota Iron Company interests. The Commodore is still being pumped out and nothing has been done toward a sale of the Franklin, which has been looked over quite recently by W. J. Rattle and others, experts of Cleve- land. It is reported that the Minnesota [ron Company will begin developments on their Virginia or Moose prop- erty, lying close to the Ohio, which has been trans- ferred from Chicago and the Minnesota Ore Company to the Norman Iron Company, both being sub-corpora- tions of Minnesota Iron. The Fayal has nearly 400,000 tons in the stock pile, and has three shafts to hoist from, in addition to an open cut, as against one shaft from which it mined two years ago 650,000 tons. Many men are being taken on at the Fayal stripping daily, and there will be 600 at work, with four steam shovels, by next week. All interests at the head of Lake Superior are watch- ing with much interest the negotiations for the sale of the Duluth furnace, now satisfactorily closed, the prob- ability of the reopening on a large scale of the West Su- perior pipe plant by its new owners, the United States Cast Iron Pipe Company, and the possible closing of ® i - — & é Lee | 5. /2 Bar — — —_! t Sy 35 +. . we Nl, , r t > e . N 8. /8 Bar . 2. me «64 it - , t a) . ; > Fig. 4.— Details of Core Oven. NEW FOUNDRY OF inducement in a 40-cent rate to bring very much of this timber. Without it nothing can be done on these docks, 80 vital to the shipment of ore. The Duluth & Iron Range road proposes to be ready to handle 4,250,000 gross tons of ore this year, and fully expects to move that quantity, and to be ready it has pulled down a dock and is trying to rebuild it larger. Contractors are un- der heavy bonds to have the dock in readiness by May 1, but there is no prospect that they can finish it before June 15, if then. Other ore dock work will also be much behind. The question of theopening of navigation on the upper lakes is growing more serious, and this bids fair to be calamitously late. It is no wild guess to predict that no ore can be loaded into ships anywhere on Lake Su- perior before May 10, and not from Minnesota before May 15. So the season, when of all others there should be a full time and a clear field, is likely to begin a month late. Where the Duluth, Missabe & Northern road is now building its dock there is 44 inches of solid ice, clear and dense. The Carnegie interests are still adding mines, the latest being the Dober, on the Menominee. The deal for the Queen group is to come to a head, it is now stated. May 1. In the meantime the Blue and Prince of Wales will be pumped out and opened. Among the Gogebic properties that have been idle a number of years that will this season be active and reg- dlar shippegs are these: Carey, Superior, Mikado, Anvil, Chicago, Sunday Lake, arctic and others. There are also many that are to be under exploration later, among which are Federal, First National, Valley, Jack Pot, Blue Jacket, and some others possibly. Negotiations are under way for the transfer of some of the best remain- ing properties of this range to companies, and these may be closed in the near future. It is quite possi- steel THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. negotiations for the improvement of the 50,000 horse- power of the St. Louis River, above Duluth and Supe- rior. The pipe company are said to be looking for mines, but this is hardly likely, considering their close relations to present supplies on the Mesaba, the Rockefellers be- ing among the heaviest owners in pipe shares. The conviction still grows chat the chief question as to the year’s business in ores is that of transportation, though men are scare and common labor on the ranges is sure to bring $2 a day for a large part of the season. The strike question, agitated by the Ishpeming labor- ites, is quiet for the present, but the union is strengthen- ing itself steadily, and there are grave fears of trouble later. Ds &.. F. > According to District Commissioner Wright of Wash ington, D. C., the Pennsylvania Railroad Company have definitely decided to elevate their tracks in that city. Among the improvements contemplated by the company is the erection of a $1,000,000 steel bridge over the Potomac. The railroad tracks from the south will run over the bridge on to a viaduct and into a fine new station. The improvements will cost about $5,000,000 or $6,000,000. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, it is said, will shortly make a similar improvement. The Missouri State Legislature has passed a bill which practically abolishes department stores in the State. The bill applies to cities of over 10,000 inhabitants. It divides merchandise into 73 classes, and then makes 56 groups out of the classes, on each of which groups a license tax,of $500 is placed. Moreover the local authorities are empowered to increase the special tax if desired, but $500 is made theminimum. Manufacturing establishments, wholesale houses, warehouses and auction rooms are exempt. April 6 1899 THE Coke and Charcoal Iron for Malleable Castings.—llI. BY ERASTUS C. WHEELER, DAYTON, OHIO. The legend “ Refined Air Furnace Iron” appears on more than one advertisement of malleable concerns. This might more truly be claimed by those who use charcoal iron in large proportions, because the melting in such cases amounts to merely refining an already theoretically pure metal. Those concerns using large quantities of coke metal could more aptly use the head- ing, * Purified Air Furnace Metal.” Until there is some method in vogue tending toward the better elimination of the impurities in coke iron, this title might bear some semblance of truth. The writer again repeats that there has been as satisfactory metal produced with coke as with charcoal iron, but the fact is very patent indeed that continued encouragement has not always followed its adoption. The ordinary air furnace offers but little opportunity to effect any decided chemical reaction oth- er than the combination of the carbon which follows a natural course of evolution. From the frequency of re- pairs necessary there appears a limit to its possible de- velopments. We cannot hope for a better grade of coke iron than is made at present, and there are very plausi- ble reasons therefor. An air furnace melting 18 heats on one bottom is doing excellent work. This will cover slightly over a week's working. It would appear from a long and thoughtful study of the malleable furnace problem, and considering the raw material at hand, that the coming ideal furnace of the future (and one which will be necessitated unless there is increased tonnage in the charcoal furnaces) is a modified form of the Siemens- Martin type of open hearth furnaces. The present type is not suited for malleable purposes, yet it has produced some of the most remarkable iron on record. This suggested furnace would have the regenerative chambers or checkers as at present, would use producer gas, but would have for a lining a dolomite composition which would aid the elimination of the phosphorus and sulphur, leaving the manganese and silicon free to act upon the carbon. A lining as proposed would last at least four months. With the advent of this or some similar furnace there would be absolutely no danger arising from an all coke mixture, and an iron would be offered far superior to any charcoal metal extant to-day. This would be a near approach to the chemically pure metal so eagerly sought for. It would contain a higher percentage of iron, a small amount of carbon and harm- less quantities of silicon, manganese and phosphorus, with traces of the other metalloids. A very prominent feature would be the reduction in the percentage of total carbon, and, following the laws of metallurgy, the lower the carbon the softer will be the resulting metal. Place this metal in couplers, dead blocks and center plates and the replacements under contract would be very low. There is but one feature presented which is somewhat negative, that possibly the lowering of the carbon might in some manner affect the surfaces of castings, to im- pair their smoothness, as compared with the excellent surface modern practice acquires. It is perfectly rea- sonable to presume that this defect could be overcome in preparing the face of molds. The air furnace of to-day has no improvements rained or suggested by experience over the furnace of 40 years ago, yet the class of pig iron and the work for same has undergone the most radical of changes. This is essentially a coke iron period, and the furnaces are not prepared to refine it with that degree of safety at- tending charcoal iron melting. Therefore it cannot be denied that at the present moment charcoal iron has not been displaced through any feeling that it could be dispensed with entirely, but that there was not enough of it to go around. This is the true reason in the mal- leable men’s minds, as charcoal has for the moment been completely distanced by the cheaper article, but this suspension of activity is but momentary, for with the necessity of cheapening the fuel there will be devised a quicker method of “ charring.” Already this latter proposition is being considered and experiments are being carried forward by one of the leading charcoal furnaces, and- at latest reports with eminent success. If the slump in charcoal iron continues the air furnace must be remodeled to overcome a few of the existing deficiencies in the coke’s chemical composition. A most plausible suggestion would be the adoption of some flux of practical valne, not the wonderful inven- tions of traveling alchemists, but one founded upon the reliable ideas of experienced foundrymen. Fluorspar at present holds forth more promise of true worth than anything yet suggested. The idea of a flux is no doubt very absurd in many minds, and if we could always IRON AGE. 5 have the best of material this idea would never be pre sented. The capabilities of fluorspar are as yet un- known, excepting its great efficiency in cupola working. Ir is one of nature’s timely offerings and is awaiting de- velopment. The malleable workers are not seeking any new method of green sand melting which will enable them to produce castings without the annealing, but are ad- hering more strictly than ever to known principles. The fuels used in melting vary with the localities, but gen- eral practice remains unchanged. If this present activ- ity is continued we may look for some radical changes in the near future. and these changes will be made with reference to melting and annealing. There is already projected in the East a new furnace for the extensive use of coke iron with a large percentage of scrap, and already there have been most favorable reports in re- gard to it. This furnace has the advantage over the older furnnces of reducing the carbon more success- fully, and it also has the lower silicon products in view. This furnace is the direct outcome of a coming neces- sity, owing its origin to the inability of the present air furnace to handle an all coke mixture with the same re- sults as it did an all charcoal of twenty years ago. Charcoal iron possesses the quality of having its car- bon more intimately associated with its metallic iron ‘(if such a term could be used correctly) than the coke. By reason of this close relationship the combination is effected earlier and easier than in the case of a coke mixture. For the casting of small and very light shapes this is a crucial point, because it makes possible the pouring of such metal while its silicon content is still practically undiminished, thereby guaranteeing a hot, penetrating liquid. In an all coke mixture for light work, with its carbon in an almost free state, there is a great amount of its silicon burnt out while endeavoring to effect the combination of its carbon. This feature presents itself in an almost daily occurrence, for such metal will often be hot enough to pour, yet is held in furnaces because tests show graphitic carbon, thus com- pelling the melters to hold the heats longer than good judgment dictates. A heat should be so calculated chemically that when the carbon is in combination it should be just the point for tapping out. In an all char- coal mixture for heavy shapes we have the features of a thoroughly reliable standard before us, and such metal after a careful annealing does not show the many unlike phases of a coke material. Take, for example, the small crystalline points which congregate toward the centers, the very wide white edges, and that entirely steely appearance of fracture often met with and not easily explained. There has never been that feeling of security regarding coke iron that has marked the char- coal epoch, because of the latter’s undeniably good qualities. With the present high tonnage the very best percentages that could be carried on mixtures have been 20 of charcoal, 45 of coke and balance sprues. This umount of charcoal metal has had the effect of temper- ing the mixture very successfully. The amounts of sili- con in both metals approximate very closely. We find from 1.50 to 2 in the No. 1 of each brand, but in con- nection with metalloids acting in a widely different way. The silicon in the charcoal iron has not the fiery life which that of the coke metal possesses. In the air furnace after the carbon is combined the charcoal’s sili- con does not burn out readily, and in rare cases indeed is charcoal metal burnt, just because of this peculiarity. This feature can be traced to its origin in blast fur- nace, as being made and smelted in a much slower man- ner and under lower heat governing conditions. In the coke metal the silicon is a very active agent, having a well defined action regarding its affinity for graphitic carbon under excessive heat. From the moment a heat of coke metal is fairly melted the silicon begins burning out the carbon, and before the metal is ready to pour has generated enough action in bath to produce a high state of oxidization. When this metal is tapped and carried away a scintillation of the oxide of iron rises off same sometimes over a foot high with a peculiar hiss, which invariably hastens a molder’s footsteps to pour same as rapidly as possible, knowing by instinct that this metal is very high and on the point of burning. With the charcoal metal under same conditions is found a quieter metal, very hot, and holding its heat for a few minutes without showing any signs of a flush upon the surface. This carries great assurance to a molder, as he pours with a confidence and relies upon his metal. The question of shrinkage arises naturally under this head, and the coke metal undoubtedly shows the higher percentages by cooling more quickly. The char- coal, cooling slowly by holding its heat®is, however, more liable to internal shrinkage than the coke. It cools from the edges slowly, leaving the centers liquid, whereas the coke sets at once. The metalloid sulphur varies greatly in comparing the two irons. In the char- coal, sulphur is at a minimum all through the grades —_ => eee 7 | ae ee ee eae i ne cre: en ee ¢ THE IRON AGE. from No. 1 to No. 6 on account of the purity of the fuel used, whereas in coke metal there is no one metalloid (barring silicon) which shows such variety. Its action is well known and better understood, perhaps, than any of the other impurities. It is positively the worst fea- ture in malleable iron casting, and charcoal iron has a long lead in this direction. Sulphur cannot be volatil- ized in air furnaces; rather an additional percentage can be absorbed from the fuel. In phosphorus we have a very useful agent, always inclined to be higher in charcoal iron. It helps with the silicon in maintaining a very fluid metal. This feature is very patent in the casting of gray iron, and the rule applies in malleable. If the phosphorus is not over 0.25 there is no danger whatever of hardening the product after annealing. In coke iron the phosphorus rarely exceeds 0.18, and its action is similar to that of char- coal. The manganese, which of late years has been looked upon as a great promoter of combined carbon, is much higher at present in coke iron than in charcoal. This is owing, of course, to the ores used. A high percentage of manganesc is desired to effect the combination of the carbon to a state when internal shrinkages and strains are relieved, though the metal may be cooling at different rates in castings. That this idea is bearing fruit is evi- dent from the success attending the practice of this theory. Carbon in the two metals has a somewhat different aspect; although the most potential factor, it differs physically and chemically. In this particular charcoal iron has another important lead. Carbon in charcoal iron is its important feature, whereas in coke it is not. To have the carbon combined with the other elements in such proportions that it will “let go” readily in the anneal is no doubt the true secret of malleable melting. A low total carbon will guarantee a soft, pliable, ductile metal. Some of the iron made years ago is still a source of wonderment to many melters. Its jet black core run- ning clear 10 the edges, its wonderful homogeneity and its physical strain rarely exceeding 34,000 pounds with 5 to 8 percentage elongation, make us rather miss these characteristics nowadays. Carbon has been changing aspects regarding its form, as combined, graphitic or free. The latter term, however, may be somewhat mis- leading when applied to metal generally, and perhaps it would best be said that free carbon exists only under the very highest thermic conditions, and is found more in coke than charcoal metals. During the original cast- ing at blast furnace of this hot metal there will be given off as a scintillation a silvery substance which when collected in suflicieit quantities to analyze has shown nothing but carbon. The presence of this form of car- bon always indicates a very high percentage of same in the metal being cast, and consequently a hotter iron. There has never been any doubt as to the action of car- bon in conjunction with silicon, and the one great fault with coke iron up to the present has been the difficulty of modern air furnaces to handle a mixture so high in free carbon as a No. 1 coke and also with the higher percentages of sulphur in the lower grades. The malle- able makers are looking to coke metal as their standard for years to come, as it is appreciated that the charcoal stacks cannot meet the demand, and yet the coke iron as at present produced is not meeting the reasonable expectations of purchasers. It is not the uniform metal which charcoal produces. The past closeness of the coke market has literally compelled furnaces to manu- facture their product cheaply and at a hazard as to its quality. There have been but slight chances for profit. With the bright outlook for the iron market, and a high- er selling price, perhaps we may feel warranted in an- ticipating 2 more carefully refined article. Tonnage first and last has been the theme. The latest coke fur- nace in construction calls for 105-foot stack, 23-foot bosh and these mammoths will undoubtedly turn out record breaking amounts of pig metal. What will be- come of quality when the 120-foot stack with 25-foot bosh turns out 700 or 800 tons per day ? This iron is all very serviceable to steel makers. Their operations, however, are entirely dissimilar and the chance of elim- inating objectionable impurities greater. The wide variance in analyses of coke iron has been a detriment: there has been considerable trouble in getting a uniform test from carload lots, and the most carefully caleulated heats have been known to develop curious phenomena, results being entirely opposite those anticipated. To those who do not employ chen:ists the situation has been rather more comforting, for perhaps they do not worry so much, but endeavor to catch the mixture sought for on heats following these unexplainable ones. What the malleable makers are hoping for is a system of more reliable and universal grading than that in use at present. It is recognized that this cannot be reached by the system now in vogue. We are all familiar with it and realize what a chance there is for slips. April 6, 1899 What will be said in the near future about the effects of all the metalloids upon mixture, if a “ thermic” analysis should be accepted for iron? This is a deep problem and worthy of more than passing considera- tion, as it is more than probable that iron produced un- der exactly the same heat conditions will have the same physical and very nearly the same chemical character- istics heat after heat. Of course, the elaborate appa- ratus for etching as at present employed will have to be remodeled for a simpler and more practical device with- in the capabilities of the chemist, for every chemist cannot carry through an etching analysis. When we have a grading of coke iron upon this plan, and conduct remelting and refining on some similar scale, it must follow as a natural consequence that more uniform metal will develop. When that day arrives there will be many pet theories thrown to the winds concerning the effects of this or that metalloid for good and evil, and many statements will have to be swallowed. Many believe firmly in this anticipated condition, and are in fact working mildly toward its accomplishment. It is the most plausible theory yet advanced toward enlight- enment of the art, presenting as it does the great fea- tures so eagerly wished for at present. With the char- coal iron we do not meet with such great changes, as it is more carefully refined and is certainly graded more closely. After all is said, coke metal of to-day has not displaced charcoal iron as to quality but merely as to quantity. There have been a few coke furnaces whose management has paid closer attention to the wants of malleable concerns, and these furnaces are sold far ahead. Malleable people have been compelled to accept just about what iron could be spared from the steel market, far from what they desired. We believe that the problem for the coke furnaces to consider is a more careful study of the malleable requirements, the same benefits of burden the steel makers demand, for we be- lieve that the malleable people have been slighted at times owing to their not having the recognition due them. Coke has come to stay in the malleable market, and the tonnage required is certainly large enough to warrant attention at the furnace to insure uniformity. The malleable manufacture is no longer a small concern with one air furnace. It is a large and growing factor in the arts, ever expanding and encroaching upon gray iron. The comparison between malleable iron made with an all charcoal and an all coke mixture, as regards its microstructure, develops an inherent weakness in the latter which cannot be overlooked. There appears very little homogeneity in malleable cast metal under intense lenses, and in this particular charcoal malleable shows up to much better advantage. Even after remelting and refining in reverberatory furnaces and passing through the anneal, the product under etching shows weaknesses which we never an- ticipated, and perhaps it were better we did not. The all charcoal mixture still preserves many of its initial characteristics. There is still found the congregating toward centers and edges of small crystalline points, forming in many cases a distinct white edge around the casting. In the all coke mixture these same phe- nomena present themselves, only intensified greatly. The small atom streams of combined carbon have grown into rivers, the edges are more clearly defined, and homogeneity is decidedly lacking. This white edge has caused a great amount of discussion. Is it due to a high silicon content retaining the carbon in a more combined state, or could it be called a purely physical creation? Looking at it from a chemical standpoint, it may be argued that the composition had been such as to retard the proper conversion of combined carbon to graphitic owing to this high silicon, as the rule holds true that this metal is always hard and short. If it were a phys- ical condition it would arise most naturally with cleav- age, and yet whether metal is broken or milled the edge is still there. Regarding the physical characteristics of the two metals, it may be said that charcoal iron in all the different gradings is a closer metal than coke. closer grained even in the No. 1, when the heat conditions un- der original casting are nearly alike, and distinctly closer in the No. 6. This may be occasioned in no small degree by the clinging propensities of the molecules in the metal con- taining the smaller percentage of graphitic carbon. The line between charcoal and coke iron has been drawn by the light of past experience. What the future develops will depend upon the coke producers, as the charcoal furnaces have done their best work. There is, however, a great difference between the two, which the coke fur- naces will no doubt eliminate to reach the plane of equality. That the malleable metal has retained its standard for quality year after year reflects great credit and praise for those who have had immediate charge of the mixing and melting, for there were many moments following the introduction of coke iron when the ques- tion of good material was distinctly serious. "5 > ep "Ere, ones on Sa ~ April 6, 1899 THE IR Something New in the Tap Line. A splendid illustration of the greater efficiency of tools as a result of some slight modification is strikingly shown in a new line of taps recently placed on the market by the Pratt & Whitney Company of Hartford, Conn. The tap is so old a tool that it seems to have been dropped from the attention of all as to any further possible improve- ment, and the only change to be noted in this article as made to day compared with the same article made, say, 50 years ago is the refinement resulting from modern methods and special machinery. The special feature in the tap illustrated herewith is the omission of each alter nate tooth or cutting point. This, in connection with a ATT WHITNEY CC HARTFORD CONN PATS “AUG 104897 STD. HARTFORD CONN. PAT ® = AUG 10 71897. $7.0. Fig. 4.-— Plug. P&W.CO. ‘ss HFO.CONN. USA. SMALL TOOL DEPT. , IN AGE. 7 Wood Harvester Company. The business will be con tinued as heretofore and with few changes in either the working force or management. For the sake of conven ience the business will be operated under the name of the Minnesota Malleable Iron Works, the Gillette-Herzog Mfg. Company proprietors. Later notice will be given as to permanent location of offices. Until further notice all communications are to be addressed to Minnesota Malle able Iron Works, Manhattan Building, St. Pau! i The Pittsburgh Steel Foundry Company. The Pittsburgh Steel Foundry Company were organ- ized at Pittsburgh last week with a paid up capital of $250,000, the members of the new concern being some large capitalists of Pittsburgh. A site of twelve acres has been purchased at Glassport, a manufacturing town on the Monongahela River, about 20 miles above Pitts- burgh. A contract for buildings and equipment will likely be placed this week. The stockholders are Robert S. Smith and C. IF. Dean, president spectively, of the Union National Bank: James J. Don- nell, of the banking house of N. Holmes & Sons: John B. Jackson, president of the Fidelity Tithe & Trust Com- pany; William M. MeKelvy, president of the Atlantie and cashier, re- HE PRATT & WHITNEY GO HARTFORD CONN PAT®—AUG 10 1897 57.0 6.—Pipe Tap. SOMETHING NEW tap having an odd number of lands, gives a constant alternation in the spiral of a cutting tooth and a space, as shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 1 shows the regular tap and the relation between the cutting points and threads being formed in the metal, the wedging action of the same and the solid compact mass of cutting points and threads. It will be noted by referring to Fig. 2 that on either side of each cutting point is a space which permits a slight lateral movement of the teeth being formed, thus preventing choking. so common in ordinary taps. It is this open space that gives much greater ease of action and conse quently renders the work very much easier on the tool itself. The field in which these taps have shown the greatest efficiency is that line in which steel is so largely used —in boiler construction, tapping steel castings, copper, &c.- covering that class of material which is more destructive to taps than any other line. Figs. 3, 4 and 5 show a set of ordinary hand taps; Fig. 6, a pipe tap, and Fig. 7, wash- out taps used in locomotive fire boxes. tind Rea 3 The Gillette-Herzug Mfg. Company, Minneapolis, Minn., announce that they have purchased from the receivers the malleable iron business of the Walter A IN Fig. 7.—Mud or Washout THE TAP LINE. Retining Company; Charles J. H. and J. M. Lockhart and Harry Darlington, capitalists; Louis W. Dalzell, of James Dalzell & Co.; William G. Johnston, former presi- dent of the Duquesne National Bank; John G. Stephen- son, president of Arbuthnot, Stephenson & Co.; Waliace H. Rowe, general manager of the American Steel & Wire Company; Frank A. McCune, of the Carnegie Steel Company, Limited, and Stewart Johnson, who has re- signed as general superintendent of the American Steel Casting Company. A preliminary organization has been effected by the election of Wallace H. Rowe, J. M. Lock- hart, James J. Donnell, William M. McKelvy and Stew- art Johnston as directors. AS soon as the charter is re- ceived the officers will be elected. Stewart Johnston, who will be superintendent of the new plant, has for some years been general superintendent of the Ameri- can Steel Casting Company. The buildings will be of the latest design, of iron and steel, and the equipment will be modern throughout, and will include three 20-ton acid and one 20-ton basic open hearth furnaces. There will be ten electric traveling cranes, ra