The Iron Age 1934-09-20: Vol 134 Iss 12

of THE IRON AGE ber 20, f J. H. VAN DEVENTER G. L. LACHER WwW. W. MACON T. H. GERKEN R. E. MILLER Editor Managing Editor Consulting Editor News Editor Pittsburgh Detroit Boston Cleveland Chicago Editor Emeritus Washington Cincinnati hy- em- Contents cate The Next Move 1934 Finish Helps Metal Products Sales Square Deal, Not New Deal This Plant New Materials Freight Cars ting bar Machining Work Buick-40 hich Arc Welded Japanese Steel Equipment quip lling Flash-Welding Used Produce Wide Sheets the Relation Raw Materials Bearing Life was News Personals and Obituaries hori- hine, Washington News sec- This Automotive Industry ning Construction and Equipment Buying riven Products Advertised dard Index Advertisers 116 the head THE IRON AGE PUBLISHING COMPANY PUBLICATION OFFICE: Corner Chestnut and Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. EXECUTIVE OFFICES: 239 West 39th St., New York, ) e hook STAFF essed Member, Audit Bureau Circulations Findley, 311 Union Bldg., Cleveland lower : ; Member, Associated Business Papers B. L. Herman, 675 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, N. \ | Hottenstein, 802 Otis Bldg., Chicago rauli¢c | Published every Thursday. Subscription Price: Peirce Lewis, 7310 Woodward Ave, Detroit | re is United States and Possessions, Mexico, Cuba, Charles Lundberg, Chilton Bildg., Chestnut & $12.00 year. Single Copy Cents Ober, 239 39th St., New York Robinson, 428 Park Bldg, Pittsburgh : Cable Address, “‘Ironage, N. Y.”’ W. C. Sweetser, 239 West 39th St., New York just Warren, Box 81, Hartford, Conn shing EIGHTIETH YEAR SERVICE THE METAL WORKING INDUSTRY ated THE IRON 20, 1934 Page Allied Stock List You're sure find the kind, ity and size material you require. Let this book serve your inventory record steel and allied products hand for immediate use. You will have the largest stocks assure your uninterrupted production and easy scheduling ments will immediate usual. RYERSON STEEL SERVICE you have not received copy the new Ryerson Stock List, card will bring return mail. Address the nearest plant. Joseph Ryerson Son, Inc., Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, Boston, Philadelphia, Jersey 400 dea THE IRON AGE SEPTEMBER 20, 1934 ESTABLISHED 1855 NDER the radical bureaucracy established through the emergency powers conferred upon the President the last Congress, industry and business have been belabored and be- damned. appeal reason fair play could expected move minds closed the virtues the profit motive and already consecrated social- istic regimentation. True, many the members the last Congress abdicated their powers the patriotic endeavor help the Administration meet emergency. Upton Sinclair said the voters the last election, “perhaps they would not have voted they did had they known what was going done.” The forces sound conservatism and common sense, shocked into temporary paralysis the astounding actions the radical clique which has tuled America for the past months, are now rallying spontaneously all parts our country. They are longer inarticulate. Because this, the next Congress will have more say about things than the last one not likely that two sessions, hand running, can made sing the chorus.” Business, therefore, can expect better and fairer deal from our legislators, provided business lives Vol. 134, No. The Next Move should “take the play” away from the professors sponsoring practical plan put the unemployed its present opportunities. Business could not have produced such plan year ago, for was unorganized and had means collective expression. That not true today. call issued volunteer committee could now sum- mon, week’s time, the appointed representatives vast majority businesses and industries. Such meeting should called. And should result report the next Congress which would convincingly show what must done and undone effect reemployment. business and industry sponsor practical plan for recovery, they will find agriculture ready put its great political influence back it. For agricul- ture, too, “fed up” impractical experimen- tation. speak with collective voice, will listened the next Congress. ‘If not, the professors will continue speak and act for us. _ By City. | | rejoinder Must Follow the Price Gold,” which appeared The Iron Age Aug. Mr. Bath does not agree with Mr. Losely that increasing wages the way recovery. And his reasons for disagreeing are both interesting and effective The metal working needs know more about gold, even though this metal one not encountered the great majority metal-working plants. For the invisible effects gold are likely have important influences all us. was made restore the prime commodity prices. The prices farmers’ goods, lumber, cetera, be- cause the increasing value gold had dropped per cent price, prior revaluation. Wages had not fallen nearly far. Restoring prime prices, even only partially, put men back work. raise wages now would tend recreate the disparity prices which previously stopped trade. Men want weekly wages with full hours, not meaning- less hourly wage increases which make the product too costly sell with resulting unemployment. Three years ago England repriced gold substantially the same amount did the United States later. England the New York Times Aug. has this say, not com- ing—it has come. England’s trade practically normal.” Yet the average hours were worked.* little reflec- tion will make this clear. change the price gold Gold redemption medium for currency has been use most the larger trading nations the world for about one hundred and fifty years. was assumed that be- cause, for instance, the dollar was always redeemable for grains gold that its value would always the same. Nothing could farther from the truth. The value gold itself fluctuates more violently than almost any other commodity. the value gold not mean the arti- ficial price arbitrarily set some *London Cambridge Economic Service for July. 12—The Iron Age, September 20, 1934 one hundred years ago our Con- gress but its purchasing power over the average other things. Gold international commodity just like anything else. silver and cop- per and iron and lead. are wheat and copra, coal, scrap iron, lumber, hides, silk and rubber. They ex- change about the same relation one another the world over. There are prime commodities from which are derived all the various manufactured articles entering trade. the average given quantity these will exchange for ounce gold some given date and later find that half ounce will buy the same amount, the logical infer- ence that gold has become more valuable—not that all the other goods are worth less; not that the regiment out step with one man, but that the one man out step with the regiment, Gold Fluctuations From the records the Statistical Society Great Britain the attached chart indicates the fluctuations the purchasing power gold over the average other things for one hun- dred and fifty years. The changes have been tremendous. Prof. Irving Fisher puts it: “If the American dol- lar was really ($1.00) January 1865, then 1896 was $3.19; was dollar 1896, then 1913 1913, then May 1920 was cents; was dollar May 1920, then March 1983 was $2.82.” When Congress fixed the price gold odd dollars ounce did not give stable money, only made sure that matter how violently the value gold might change our money would change with too and the record our and depressions, our booms and infla- tions has been the sorrowful story that changing values ever Long ago learned less im- portant things create standards, For many years those standards have been becoming more exact till our own trades are accustomed work split thousandths but standard value have adopted single commodity, the value which never the same from one year’s end the next and which will change much one hundred per cent two three years. were give shop the blue prints for new machine carefully worked out thousandth tolerances and left them nothing but wooden yard rule work with, rule which might only three feet, you who read THE IRON know what kind product would get. And you know too went and kicked about the shop superintendent what sort phemous reply would mine, yet have left the management our affairs men who must work with standards which fluctuate madly, incomprehensibly that the very best brains have been utterly loss. not thing wonder that exchange our services, engineering brains, our mechanical ability, our steel, our machinery for money without knowing something least about this money are getting our share the bargain? not strange that specialize and strive all our lives get money, neither knowing what nor what will worth when get it? Partly, think this because have thought the matter too compli- cated. laugh. Money, for the engineers have known, they would but put their minds it, much more simple matter than prob- lems they meet every day. that have been confused and bemused Recovery, stood The they little true. think popul: group ple what comm per, lumbe third prime The railro and thing price ers do. cause excha precis 1928, chang tariff amou modit for count lars gold A 7 and Gold CYRIL BATH President, Steelweld Machinery Co. people who thought they under- stood and more largely still because never thought about all. got think now. The Prime Third Population excuse generally given gold standard apologists for the horrible changes our money values that they are the same for everybody. little thought will show this not true. Most are too prone think only terms wages and manufactured things. Roughly our population can divided into three groups. About one-third our peo- ple are engaged the production what will call world competitive commodities such silver and cop- per, lead, cotton, wheat, hides, oats, lumber, petroleum, cetera. Another third are engaged turning these prime goods into manufactured goods. The third group might referred the service group taking the railroads and utilities, medicine, law and government generally. any- thing tends seriously disturb the price relations between the producers prime goods and the manufactur- ers the service groups will have little do. Industry will stymied be- cause the two prime groups cannot exchange their products. That precisely what did occur starting 1928, World priced change the world over, freight and tariff allowed for, for the same amount gold. the value gold went the price world com- modities went down. For instance, 1926 bale cotton exchanged for five ounces gold. our own country ounce gold was dol- lars and consequently bale cotton was worth around 110 dollars. gold increased value, very soon ounces gold would buy bale cotton and ounce gold was still priced dollars; conse- quently, bale cotton was worth dollars. And wheat that was dollar and half soon was fifty cents. You can see what happened. When the wheat farmer was 1926 getting $1.50 for his wheat had pay perhaps 25c. for railroad and ware- house charges, 25c. perhaps taxes and debts. had one buy needed tools and manufactured articles. the time wheat hit 50c. had nothing left spend manu- factured goods all. many cases couldn’t even pay freight mar- ket and certainly not pay debts and taxes and live. Multiply the wheat farmer’s situation the entire groups prime producers, one-third the populacion the United States, and you can see why trade started dry up. Very soon the manufacturers felt the loss the business and started laying off men. This added the poverty the labor- ers the poverty the prime pro- ducers and still further curtailed the demand for prime The Shuttlecock Disaster Back and forth the vicious shuttle- cock disaster shot—solemnly ob- served bullet-headed stupidity “normal” process. This kept until gold was worth much more than anything else that everyone tried get once. The banks blew, the gold standard was sus- pended April and the dol- lar was worth just what the trading world thought was worth. the time this occurred manufactured goods had the average dropped some per cent from the 1926 level, wages per cent, commodities about per cent and debts, taxes, railroad j “a CYRIL BATH rates not all. any wonder that monetary system capable causing such debacle broke down? The marvel that anyone should want get going again. you wanted gold now you had buy francs other gold standard cur- rencies bid the world markets for it. watching this from day day was easy for anyone see what the dollar was worth. Grad- ually cut loose from its golden anchorage and the price gold ad- vanced. gold went price course did gold equivalents. did silver; did copper; did wheat and cotton. nine months the in- come the farmers and prime pro- ducers this country was per cent. Because this income had gone low even per cent rise was far short the wage level. They didn’t keep this money throw away. They bought desperately needed manufactured goods and the factories few months had the greatest rise industrial activity history. From April July the dollar approached its old purchasing power went business. Uncle Sam Horns Then something happened. would never for any government the midst recovery and not the A.A.A. and the N.R.A. and the The Iron Age, September 20, 1934—13 A.W.O.L. and basketfuls Government which after twelve years trying manage just one busi- ness, alcohol, and which had just given manage everybody’s business and the commodities and securities too. The terrible wrong which natural process had tended correct re- storing the buying power the prime producer groups was largely offset artificially attempting codify and raise the cost manufactured goods, and recreate the disparity which had existed. Trade course started slow down. What saying now was saying July 1933 often and publicly possible. Mr. Losely has very different theory the value gold. not, says, its purchasing power that makes its value. what costs produce. This very novel the- ory value for anything. What 130 100 Index mine went just about per cent. went high shut down many mines and greatly reduce world out- put. Value Gold Its Purchasing Power The value gold its purchasing power. has little with pro- duction costs. Costs the instance given were going but the value gold was down. Toward the end his article Mr. Losely says can look forward price level 140 per cent 1926. says this because falls into the common error thinking gold has constant purchasing power over cause thinks that the rise due the adjustment the gold price has not yet taken place. took place once far the prime markets were concerned. The only thing that | | VALUE GOLD ENGLAND 1820 1840 happens when, was the case re- cently, the United States and France between them get two-thirds the gold supply the world locked their vaults? What would happen two-thirds the cotton crop were cornered? Wouldn’t the value the remaining cotton shoot up? Would Mr. Losely repeal the law supply and demand relation gold? Gold just another commod- ity more subject manipulation than the rest. set the sup- ply and demand for gold, just like anything else. fact when from 1914 the other gold standard na- tions the world were shipping gold exchange for goods three years imported per cent addi- tion our monetary Gold became more plentiful and there- fore less valuable. those three years dropped value per cent.* That say our prime price levels commodities went that much. wasn’t due world demand for everything else because the same goods silver standard countries silver our own countries had such rise. During this period the cost producing gold any given *See Warren and Pearson “Prices.” Iron Age, September 20, 1934 1860 1900 1920 1940 could make price level 140 per cent 1926 would for gold get approximately half valuable now for the present price doubled. Here the situation today. Prime commodities dropped per cent and came back half way. Wages from the 1926 level the whole had about per cent drop; they have come back the whole most the way. You have this picture then: commod- ity producers are getting per cent 1926 values, wages are per cent 1926 values and Mr. Losely thinks they should raised further. can’t done. Not that wouldn’t all like per cent risé but the rise would get would likely into the street. People have got get over thinking wages coming out industry—they are paid the whole community and.if you try pay wage scale which exorbitant from the standpoint the values received farmers and other large sections the population you any business. From March 1933 January 1934 wheat for instance went from around dollar; cotton from six cents pound around 10c.; silver from ounce around 45c.; copper from five cents around nine cents; lumber went per cent per cent; did all free commodities. When Mr. Roosevelt announced fifty-nine cent dollar January only confirmed the value money which had been gradually obtained over period nine months. Overnight Changes There was sudden overnight change such Mr. Losely Now how about steel and the ma- chinery businesses? Well frankly, kept our prices pretty well thank you, but did business. Thirty dollars ton was steel before the col- lapse and never went much lower, matter fact, its present level the steel people wouldn’t making more than the usually long face—if they had some business, What steel and machinery want isn’t price rise but production. Give your commodity producers price and your manufacturers automatically get pro- duction. Mr. Losely charges that Prof, War- ren has overlooked the possibility constant value for gold being found ideally located mine producing sufficient amount gold for all oc- casions constant price. Prof. Warren didn’t overlook it. just knows there “aint sich animal” and there has never been the his- tory man. Why consider fan- tasy—this serious business. What must get clearly mind that when the value money changes doesn’t change once for every- one alike. The commodity producers the world markets get first, down. Other things follow. Some things try not change all. Most serious all, debts don’t change; mortgages and taxes stay just high. Freight rates, telephone rates, gas and light bills, all the service trades tend stay put. Wheat has sell competition but the freight from Wichita Chicago stays just high ever. Manufactured goods don’t down alike together. Everything thrown out gear. When the previous value money restored those speaking, that went down first first and proportion they dropped. Detroit due various govern- mental and union activities wages are dollars per hour above 1926 prices, yet dollars are buying per cent more the average prime goods than they did 1926. Surely the last thing raise wages further. the contrary, the rise gold values has not gone nearly far enough where wage can the come through governn have sc being work Money Living National ference Thirty Priced from Pear trying have Like had the reaucr has eral down pering menta A na na the wag : a D an wh AID A hoy ie j rer ch ar + le ext break d + 1S | natura the 7 3] enough bring the prime goods any- where near into line with present wage scales. Only this done can the nation prosper work be- come plentiful. have all been through hard time. mistaken governmental action are going have some more it. Instead being glad get job and chance work want Utopia; instead 150 are throwing aside the accumulated experiences our forefathers and remodeling state which had done more for its citizens than any other know of, England and the pound group nations with pure man- aged currency, which fluctuates very little, are recapturing world trade. Here what the largest bank the world has say. This from the Money Wages and Cost Living Index from the National Industrial Con- ference Records. business for the rest and pre- vented social revolution probably but didn’t far enough. The value money had doubled, only canceled part it. The nation stag- gered and fell under the impossible load. Part that load was taken off our backs but the dollar, compared with 1926 levels, still $1.47. It’s high enough that with the added bur- Thirty Basic World Priced Commodities from Warren and Pearson’s Index. | * Basic Commodities hourly wages risen d f 110 the 5 of riry > wage earning classe £ 100 decreasin hourly wages, ection 9g es ur — bre 10 D A follow if d but econon 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1926=100 trying get back our feet have decided try fly! Looking for Utopia Like the dog the fable, have dropped the water the bone had our mouths—a substantial rise prime goods—and look vain for the mirage new society. The downfall democracy has been bu- reaucracy—like cancer our midst has been its recent growth. While have been indulging paternal- istic codification business and sup- porting army crack-down Gen- eral Johnsons, other nations have got down brass tacks and pering. While are being govern- mentally led into one knows what labyrinth regulations; while Midland Bank London. No- vember report says: “Sterling pure managed currency, almost com- pletely divorced from gold for only basis for true monetary stabil- ity the world today. Recov- ery set shortly after our departure from gold and has continued ever since. This recovery has been steady and has been shared in, one after another, those countries that had taken the same step.” This much clear. There won’t any per cent wage raise for anyone unless the prime producers get more money for their goods. The raise the price gold from dollars ounce brought their prices back part way and made some 1930 1932 1933 1934 den governmental regulation cannot maintain headway. Debts are still fearfully high; mortgages are still unpayable largely. top years bitter hardship cheap dol- lar would far preferable one that still too dear. are going learn that our government had fulfilled its function understanding and managing money would not now have trying manage all our other activities. are going learn apparently watching the other nations first and force trade competition follow. the meantime shall have dif- ficulty holding the wage levels have unless bring our money fur- ther line with the value which prevailed from 1922 1928. The Iron Age, September 20, 1934—15 How Finish Helps all manufacturing operations performed metal products, polishing and buffing are prob- ably the most costly. Two causes for this condition are: First, the back- ward state the art itself, little being known concerning the effect the several variables involved the processes polishing and buffing; and second, the failure consider the finishing operations the design the product. Established practice design accounts for most every other operation. The design studied ascertain whether the most eco- nomical from the standpoint turn- ing, drilling, planing, milling, weld- ing, forming. But not single part, out hundreds investigated, was the process polishing factor determining the most economical design. polishing wheel has several limita- tions. cannot work into sharp corner. cannot work for any length time along sharp edge perpendic- ular the axis the wheel, project- ing into the face the wheel, for the reason that the edge will soon wear through the abrasive head, and the wheel will cease cutting. cannot polish against sharp edge parallel the axis the wheel without de- stroying the edge and short time stripping the abrasive head from the wheel. cannot, unless very soft wheel, adapt itself changes the contour surface, and even with such wheel the variation contour that will covered limited. FIG. 16—The Iron Age, September 20, 1934 Fillet will conserve Wheel Life and make better Polishing Job group paint and enamel articles being published this series interrupted this point present request this article, which describes many methods for reducing finishing costs chang- ing the basic design the metal product. Other examples how design may affect finishing costs will included later this series which being prepared for The lron Age. Mr. Kent, the author, consulting engineer West Fortieth Street, New York. Furthermore, with soft wheel, the work cannot held close toler- ances. Hence, changes contour must scrutinized closely the finished surface held within close limits. polishing wheel can- not climb over projections sur- face, but must work around them. These are the principal limitations the action polishing wheel and, with few minor exceptions, that buffing wheel. Other limitations will appear the discussion that fol- lows. Terms Defined First, clarify the subject, the following definitions are repeated, and the words polishing and buffing will used hereafter according these definitions. Polishing the art producing smooth, uniform surface wheel, greater less flexibility, the abrasive being glued the face the wheel. Buffing the art putting luster “color” polished sur- face, means abrasive com- position, bonded with wax grease, which smeared the face buffing wheel. Let consider briefly the limita- tions some polishing applications related design. Fig. shows two ways which wheel may work sharp corner. Apparently the sur- faces with which wheel contact will polished right the vertex the angle. Practically, however, since polishing wheel more less flexible, and the abrasive head comparatively thin, the sharp edge the wheel will very soon become rounded, and the surface the work from will remain unpolished. The wheel shown will retain its form longer than the wheel shown but two operations will necessary finish the two sides the angle. the function the piece such that there necessity for sharp corner, the pro- vision generous fillet the corner, shown the dotted line will assure long life wheel head and permit polishing single operation. Fig. shows the converse Fig. that is, sharp edge the work Whee/ Abrasive Head and Wheel Fabric cut awa Sharp Corner Work Abrasive Head instead faces economi tion wit the would head thus vertex the whe The two ope latter width worn may the new the The ishing always poli therefor tion done Abra = Ve = — Whee — = Work Metal Products Sales—25 ROBERT KENT Design Factor Economical Polishing and Buffing instead the wheel. the sur- faces both sides the edge are polished, obviously the most economical method single opera- tion with wheel grooved conform however, the sharp edge the angle would soon cut through the abrasive head and into the fabric, thus not only failing polish the vertex the angle, but also spoiling the wheel. The alternative method involving two operations shown.at this latter method used, another com- plication may develop. the wheel wider than the work, groove the width the polished surface will worn the wheel, shown This may overcome either oscillating the new wheel axially, moving Section FIG. the work across the face the wheel. The latter usually possible pol- ishing hand the lathe, but not always possible when the work done polishing machine. The designer, therefore, must take into considera- tion whether the polishing done hand automatic machine. The form the work that will permit the most economical polishing, ob- viously, that shown where the sharp corner rounded off and grooved wheel conforming the con- tour used. Difficulty With Sharp Edges The effect both wheel and work, wheel working against sharp corner represented, with the wheel contact with it. The thickness the abrasive head and the flexing the wheel are exaggerated order show the action that takes place. The cushion the wheel slightly compressed, shown the abra- sive head following the into the resulting depression. The sharp corner the work digs into the head and has much the same effect the surface the wheel lathe tool has piece lathe. The abra- sive grain torn bodily from the glue which embedded and the wheel soon stripped bare. The effect the work shown Instead the sharp corner intended the de- rounded edge formed, due the wear the wheel and irregularity pressure the wheel the work. The proper relation wheel and work shown The edge this case will left sharp and the life the wheel head will greatly pro- longed. tion where advantage may taken this tendency round the corners wheel working against edge. The Iron Age, September 20, The piece question slotted plate. cutting the slots slight burrs are left the edges, which necessary round the edges very radius. The polishing wheel will supported the solid section the plate the sides, and will project into the slots Abrasive Head x x m | FIG. only very slight distance. The rounding effect will minute, and the stripping the wheel head almost negligible. selecting wheel proper density and exercising care the application its pressure the work, almost any desired degree rounding can obtained. Reversing the direction travel the work will round the opposite edge. very hard wheel used, will not project into the slots all, and prac- tically rounding will occur. Avoid Contour Change The meaning change contour contour may the junction two entirely dissimilar surfaces, where plane surface intersects cylindrical one, change direc- Another case change con- tour shown where two planes angle each other are joined are continually increasing radius. These are but three ele- mentary cases out infinite num- ber possible cases change contour. Change contour presents one the most difficult and expensive all problems for the polishing and buffing departments, and the designer should make every possible effort avoid it. The most casual inspection will make obvious the fact that one formed wheel can devised that will finish the plane and cylindrical one that will fit the ever-varying radius The piece shown can finished with flat wheel the same width the work, twisting the work passes the wheel. Even so, the warped surface the twist will require some touching up, increase time and expense. Even such part were produced suf- ficiently large quantities war- rant finishing straight-line auto- matic machine, the type fixture necessary hold the work, and present the wheel permit covering the entire surface, would Iron Age, September 20, 1934 extremely complicated, and the cost would probably prohibitive. single case shown Fig. illustrate how projection will vastly increase the cost polishing. The polishing wheel will traverse the surface until comes contact with the projection. The strip p-q-r-s will remain unpolished. completely polish the surface, four passes are re- quired cover strips a-b-f-e, a-k-m-d, c-d-h-g, h-e-j-l. Unless prevented constructional reasons, the projection could made separate piece, doweled screwed the primary surface. such event the entire surface a-e-h-d could finished single pass much lower polishing cost. Projections are particularly objec- tionable parts where quantity pro- duction involved. such cases automatic polishing buffing ma- chine indicated, but projecting part almost invariably precludes the use such equipment. lug ridge the path the wheel will relegate the work the hand lathe with consequent tremendous increase cost. increased cost may mean illustrated classic ex- ample. Five men with automatic equipment finished the same quantity work hand-polishers. Where quantity production involved, the designer should study the form the parts most carefully, adapt them automatic polishing and buffing all possible. Some Practical Cases Having considered the elementary e° A x a Work Travels FIG. Felt Bob FIG. wheels related design, let examine few actual cases. Fig. shows two designs oven that re- quired polishing over the entire inner surface. The original design the front elevation shown the formed face wheel with which was proposed polish into the corners. This was impracticable, not only be- cause the wheel would wear out quick- the vertex the angle, pre- viously discussed, but also because impossible reach the bottoms the corners, leaving unpolished the surfaces comprehended between and the plan and the side elevation. The revised design shown The edges are rounded the radius the smallest wheel that can used. Consequently, the corners become sec- tors sphere. polishing wheel the face which rounded the same radius the radius the wheel will then polish the inside the edges a-b, b-c, c-e, and make perfect contact with the entire surface the spherical sector forming the corners. Fig. shows two designs connect- ing rod which the polishing cost varies widely, due slight differ- ence design. Both rods required polishing all over. The deep channel the two sides the I-section pre- sented the difficulty connecting rod The bottom and sides the chan- nel could polished easily wheel with abrasive head the face and both sides. Such wheel would fail reach into the corners, exactly the previous example. These cor- ners could finished felt bob, shown, slow and expensive opera- tion. The connecting rod shows design that permits finishing the channels with single wheel. The web swept upward the sides the boss, and wheel the same radius the sweep can then the rod from end end. The ordinary wall plate for switches, Fig. instance the effect finishing against parallel the axis the wheel. The travel being will edge design provid edge which come depart Cire anothe edg the lies ing set-up The flatiro polish duced from they chine parts plate, the tom line The have sole iron. which with wheel / FIG. travel the work automatic machine and the rotation the wheel being shown the leading edge will rounded while the trailing edge will remain sharp. While the design might have been changed provide for rounded edges, the sharp edge was commercial consideration which did not permit change design. The difficulty had over- come other means the polishing Circular and cross-cut saws present another instance working against edge parallel, nearly so, the wheel axis. The effect here strip the wheel head. Here again design change not possible, and the remedy lies change polishing method. for this reason that the polish- Sole Plate Cover FIG. ing circular saws means the set-up wheel has never been successful. Redesign Flatiron The housewife’s ordinary electric flatiron excellent example change contour causing excessive polishing costs. These irons are pro- duced such large quantities that from the standpoint volume alone they are attractive automatic ma- chine proposition. The two principal parts requiring polishing are the sole plate, the bottom and edges, and the cover. The polishing the bot- tom the sole plate straight- line machine comparatively simple. The edges many designs have pre- sented most difficult problem, have also the covers, both for the same sole plate and two end sections, different points along the length the iron. will noted that the angle which the side the sole plate makes with the bottom quite different wheel will traverse the edge from end end, and thus would ordinarily present easy problem for auto- matic machine. Due the fact that the angle the whee] axis the bot- tom the sole plate would con- tinuously changing, very complicat- ed. fixture indicated, and one whose “expense might prohibitive even the mechanical construction was satis- factorily worked out. Consequently, sole plate sides are very largely finished hand. very simple change design, namely, making the angle between the side and bottom constant, will permit the side finished machine with relatively inexpensive fixture. plan and two half sections the cover. Here the problem trifle different. The side the cover the rear the iron straight, curving FIG. into the top with moderate radius. approaches the point, the sides begin slope and the radius changes. The problem introduced here not only one fixtures but the wheel build wheel that will traverse the side the cover from end end, and the same time come contact with all parts its surface. The remedy here the same before, viz., new design that gives constant angle and constant radius throughout the length the cover. Projections Are Hard Buff The example selected illustrate the adverse effect projections lies the field buffing. The ideas sug- gested will apply equally well pol- ishing. Fig. shows the common fire extinguisher. ordi- narily made, consists copper sheet formed into cylinder, line rivets extending along the line the seam. domed top, with hose outlet projecting from it, fitted the cylinder. The bottom also separate piece fitted in. instruc- tion plate soldered the cylinder body, the solder being run along the edges the plate. The entire outer surface the cylinder requires buf- fing. The work done hand, although cylinder usually oné chine. However, the projecting edge, formed the seam, and the rivets soon would tear the buff pieces. The nozzle outlet absolutely precludes finishing the doomed top machine. Finally, and perhaps most all, the instruction plate. extinguisher must buffed after this soldered on, since the rough edges the solder require smoothing down. The plate itself could not separate- buffed, the lettering would disturbed. Fig. shows redesigned form Section through Instruction Plate FIG. that permits the use automatic machine effect very great reduc- tion cost buffing. The body the extinguisher formed seam- less drawn brass shell without projec- tions. The opening the top flanged inward and threaded for the cap. Likewise the hose outlet flanged inward and threaded the inside. There thus obstacle whatever the use machine. The instruction plate put after the extinguisher has been buffed, such way that finishing ‘the round the periphery the plate and filled with solder. After the cylinder has been buffed, the plate laid and electrical heating pad applied until the solder has melted and the plate has attached itself the cylinder. The foregoing are few typical ex- amples ways which the designer can reduce costs the most expensive department the plant. The oppor- tunities before him are legion will only look for them. The Iron Age, September 20, 1934—19 ‘ ~ ° x Y 6 | Instruction Plate Section B e ), \- n e e friendliness and close relationship between employer and employee haye proved their value, exemplified the depression experience working plant. One important point learned that rigidity plan may actually detriment. the shop mind, working details have been varied occasion arose, but the basic idea cementing close friendship has not been changed since the business was started 1881. first im- pulse may countered that such idea, though desirable, not prac- ticable except the smallest plants. The answer that this plant employed almost 800 men 1929 and, therefore, the desire and proper at- titude are present, the plan can 20—The Iron Age, September 20, 1934 This Plant made operative the vast majority American shops. not expected that this plan can put operation over night, operators who are un- sympathetic who training are slow grasping the underlying prin- ciples. the case mind the origi- truth that the working man was usu- ally the weak end argument. Out fairness this employer habitu- ally sided with the working man until was proved that was taking the wrong stand. Accordingly, the inception this business was declared policy have policing. There are signs about the shop that give orders. ad- mitted that once while tools will Deal, Not New Deal, missed, but has been found that honesty among workmen actually promoted giving them freedom, and the experience this company after more than years tends only es- tablish the policy more firmly. Overcoming Prejudice The founder believed that all men tend gravitate one side an- other questions major impor- tance. Having once taken stand man will naturally view with some contempt not only opposite views but possibly also the men who hold those opposite views. This quite evidently matter harmony within the shop, has been practice bring together workmen and their supervisors who will not divide into factions through argum outgro inas zens. crimin other any der sir the How depres muti the uted. there went had meet were, ees were comes Inequa sion The erally charac relief that other argument, previous prejudice. One outgrowth this policy has resulted shop manned -American citi- zens. This not looked upon dis- crimination against foreigners, any other group, for contended that any other group brought together un- der similar circumstances would bring the same degree harmony. How this plan worked during the depression now matter record. until 1928 the company sponsored mutual benefit association which the company and workmen contrib- uted. paid case sickness and there was also $150 death benefit. However, became apparent time went that the mutual association had inherent weakness that could not meet many new situations. There were, for instance, some old employ- ees who were off the payroll and who were desperate need. though still the payroll, comes that were totally inadequate. Inequalities multiplied the depres- sion advanced. Relief Plan The company has contributed lib- erally State relief. study this situation revealed that the very character public disbursement relief funds was hardly hoped that more than cents each dol- lar would actually reach the dis- Further, red tape, pride and other uncontrollable factors prevented fair help the company’s own dis- tressed employees. therefore seemed entirely consis- tent for the company undertake the care its own needy and the same time make case studies and lend help many instances where fam- ily, though distress, was not eli- gible for State relief. Accordingly committee was formed, consisting superintendent, man from the shop and the treasurer the com- pany. The superintendent and the shop man were constituted commit- tee investigate every case dis- tress. Funds were furnished donation from the company. The workers were invited, not forced, contribute this fund. inter- ROGERS FISKE Western Editor, The Age esting note that this invitation brought light some cases dis- tress among those the payroll. employee was helping home was told frankly that was doing his share and that was not ex- pected contribute. fact, each case was handled that all fear compulsion was dispelled worker had fear losing his job did not could not contribute. could and did contribute was given credit such way that took pride his ability help. Questionnaire Develops Information Each employee, both those working and those temporarily laid off were asked fill out questionnaire, which along with personal contact the relief committee brought light HIS the story mid- western metal-working plant which the old deal was square deal. consistently cultivated friendly relations with employees. had the temerity take real and active interest the welfare employees; some- thing that under Section would fluence and interference. course such conduct not news IRON readers, for many employers our industry have taken the same attitude. How- ever, details the plan are in- teresting and original. Also, per- haps some our brain trust will find news the fact that possible conduct industry with- out instigating class antagonism the status the workers. one in- stance the family was fair cur- cumstances but three needed milk. The dairy company was ordered leave much milk every day. Shop men, often poor bargain- ers, were some instances being im- posed upon landlords such way that the workmen were steadily going into debt for rent. The committee tried first have the rent lowered. that failed found other suitable quarters lower rent and sent company truck move the furnish- ings. matron visited children and company doctor administered medi- cal care. The fact that employee owned property was argument against his receiving the attention this committee, which set out as- sure necessary food, shelter and warmth for all could reach. Report Each Case The relief committee’s questionnaire was designed effect report which formed the nucleus com- plete record each case. check was made the number children and their condition nutrition, clothing, This brought the physical condition the family, the physical assets, indebtedness The Iron Age, September 20, 1934—21 other obligations, such dependents other than wife and children. was longed labor union, lodge church. so, that agency was ad- vised all findings and conditions and its aid was solicited help meet the emergency. important any part this work was thorough follow system. first some men felt that the questionnaire was effort the part the management pry into personal affairs. How- ever, this resistance was soon broken down and the men swung the other extreme bringing all their trou- bles. This attitude was encouraged because helped establish another close tie between the management and the men. Solicitation Permitted may well mention that solicitation permitted the shop. This not rule adopted blind forestall labor trouble. adopted protect the men against loan sharks, gyp agents, insurance salesmen, etc., and even solicitors for bank savings accounts. felt should man buy something when company property and later feel had been deceived its value, might conclude that the company was part responsible. Further, this rule forestalls thoughts insecurity jobs depending the men’s con- tributions this that, con- cerning their attitude toward saving, etc. The actual attitude the com- pany that wants help the men with their problems both inside and outside the shop, but does not pry into any part man’s private distress, unless brings the prob- lem the company. Problems brought the company are freely discussed and aid, advice, can basis. Payroll Inconsistencies Checks having been made the workers’ home problems, attention was then given payrolls. Where incon- sistencies were found they were recti- fied far possible. Here was man with four children earning part time $600 year. Surely not enough live on. Another man with only wife dependent him was earning more than the above sum. These men could trade jobs and the picture would more equitable. single man could give way man with family. family man meager job could trained short time hold better job, and in- crease his income. The problem was attacked from the angle better 22—The Iron Age, September 20, 1934 APPLICATION FOR which used for the purpose. paying, re or own the following property, valued Mortgage (List any other reverse side sheet.) We, agree pay thie loan back the rate per. Workers could arrange for loans, without interest, payable in 10 or 12 monthly installments equalization the funds that were available for distribution through the payroll. There were few cases discontent, but far the vast ma- jority workers saw the equity the undertaking and have been con- sistently whole-heartedly for the plan. During and after this adjustment there was slackening the efforts and the help from the relief com- mittee. continued make case studies and extend help both em- ployed and workers who were pre- vented business conditions from being the payroll. There was hesitancy give employment when practicable the wives daughters deceased workers. While the above work was going was discovered that there were legitimate cases when worker was justified seeking loan. pro- tect him from loan sharks the com- pany set aside sum money avail- able for this purpose. interest charge was imposed and the worker agreed pay back the install- ments extending over period months. This plan helped im- measurably meeting back taxes real estate and personal property and Emergency Past Now The emergency has passed for this company. Funds are longer being solicited for the relief committee, which still has some cash hand which being used needed. Ex- perience disclosed the weakness the mutual benefit association which has been abandoned favor group in- surance with one the strongest companies the country. The com- pany wants the best possible assur- ance that mutual benefits can ex- tended bad well good times. Approximately half the cost insurance paid the workers and half the company. Each work- man ability $1,000. nity cla dental This has suc tive pla ceeds piece unless changed makes pected burden departm error repetitic The room, man bring dining buked = = R | = COMMITTEE REPORT Name Age Address Since Previous Address Boys' Names Ages Other dependents: Date Last Sickness Neme Doctor attending Case No. Dete ame Occupation Names Member Lebor Union, Lodge Church man? Own rent home? Rent. Date Discharged Own Real Estate? That income form wages, alimony any other That relief received during past days? relief necessary? Remarks Recommendation Investigating Committee Signatures Investigators This form was used the relief mak man protected for weeks dis- ability and death benefit $1,000. There also double indem- nity clause providing $2,000 for acci- dental death. This open shop, and since 1919 has successfully used labor incen- tive plan. The good worker who ex- ceeds the minimum and thereby earns bonus gets the entire bonus, the company not asking for split. Once piece rate set never changed unless the method tools are changed. bonus work man makes far above what had been ex- pected his job not changed, but the burden placed the time-setting department which charged with error and steps are taken avoid repetition. The company maintains dining room, open all equal basis. man may buy his lunch there bring his own lunch and eat the dining room. employee ever re- buked the presence others. This ing its case studies considered private matter which handled privately. Picnics are held the summer time and the winter dances are given respectable hall. Long friendly relations between em- ployers and workmen are thus reaf- firmed. Officials get know the families and all this done strict- man-to-man basis. Christmas parties for the children are carefully planned that matter what the condition the home may child misses visit Santa Claus. matron helps the girls with their problems and her close contact quickly able detect the girl who tends lower the mental attitude and thoughts her companions. Harmony the keynote the en- tire plan which acknowledges that men are men regardless their sta- tion with the company. The manage- ment does the things that are neces- sary help its workers over the humps their difficulties. The proof effectiveness lies the fact that labor turnover extremely low and the a