The Iron Age 1939-09-21: Vol 144 Iss 12

President J. H. VAN DEVENTER Editor Managing Editor News Editor Editor Emeritus Machinery Editor Art Editor FRITZ FRANK Associate Editors Washington Editor Resident District Editors CAMPBELL Chicago Cleveland Detroit Editorial London, England Cincinnati FRAZAR Boston Hamburg, Germany MEYER CHARLES Post Milwaukee San Prancisco SANDERSON ASA ROUNTREE, Toronto, Ontario Birmingham EROY ALLISON Roy EpMONDs Newark, N. J. St. Louis TURNER, JR. Buffalo Owned and Published by CHILTON COMPANY (Incorporated) Fditorial and Executive Offices 239 West 39th St New York, N. Y Publication Office hestnut and 56th Sts.. Philadelphia, Pa. OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS MUSSELMAN, President FRITZ J. FRANK, Executive Vice-President FREDERIC C, STEVENS, JOSEPH HILDRETH, GEORGE EVERIT B. TERHUNE, Vice-President WILLIAM BARBER, Treasurer JOUNN BLAIR MOFFETT, Secretary Vice-President Vice-President JOUN VAN DEVENTER, JULIAN CHASE, THOMAS KANE, CHARLES BAUR, CARROLL BUZBY, FAHRENDORF DIX, Manager Reader Service Member, Audit Circu'ations Member, Associated Business lapers Indexed in the Industrial Arts Index. Published every Thursday. Subscrip- tion Price: United States and Pos- sessions, Mexico, Cuba, $6.00; Can- ada, $8.50; Foreign, $12.00 a year. Single copy, 25 cents. Cable Address, **Ironage, N. Y."’ ADVERTISING STAFF Emerson Find!ey, 621 Union Blidg., Cleveland B. L. Herman, Chilton Bldg., Phila. H. K. Hottenstein, 1012 Otis Bidg., Chicago H. E. Leonard, 239 W. 39th St.. New York Peirce Lewis, 7310 Woodward Ave., Detroit C. H. Ober, 239 W. 39th St., New York 428 Park Bldg., Pitts. D. C. Warren, P. 0. Box 81. Hartford, Conn. Don F, Harner, 1595 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, Cal. Metallurgical Editor BINGHAM ROBERT BAUR, General Advertising Contents SEPTEMBER 21, 1939 High Point for the Trends Steel Mill Equipment Steel Engineers Assemble Next Week What the Executive Should Know About Job Rating Beryllium—A Versatile Element Steel Standardization Flame Gouging for Grooving Steel Hydraulic Types Predominate Recent Press Designs the Assembly Line Washington News NEWS THE WEEK Statistics Metal-Working Activity Weekly Ingot Operating Rates Rate Activity Capital Goods Plant Expansion and ‘Equipment Buying New Industrial Just Between Two Products Advertised Index Advertisers Copyright 1939 Chilton Company + 106 118 148 % rhe rie Y rio | wer alo he & TIE PLATE ROLLS MADE FOR CIA FUNDIDORA FIERRO ACERO TTSBURGH ROLLS DIVISION BLAW-KNOX gh, Pa. Masters the maker: Phoenix why Phoenix serve longer, costs minimum. CUT STRIP BLOOMING SLABBING PLATE RAIL MILLS ROD SKELP MERCHANT AND PIPE NON MILLS = ... THE IRON AGE ... SEPTEMBER 21, 1939 Vol. 144, No. Point for the EXT week, the Association and Steel Engineers holds its annual convention Pittsburgh. The present association was organized the Association and Steel Electrical Engineers. Pittsburgh was its birthplace. came into being time when electricity was first making itself felt important factor steel production. Steel operating men did not then know any too much about the problems and possibilities electricity and electrical equipment men did not know any too much about steel. Today, that situation completely changed. Electricity accepted part steel making. And our specialized electrical steel mill experts the apparatus plants know much about steel the steel man himself. All this, course, has been for the good both parties. But today these parties consider themselves one. That was why the name this organization was simplified Association and Steel Engineers. The meetings this association draw immense attendance, particularly oper- ating men. They get down perhaps should say ''steel addition its 2200 members, the association draws and welcomes interested non- members its meetings. Probably the greatest single accomplishment the Association was being the creator the National Safety Council. The sponsorship industrial safety, de- veloped the Association, was probably the first directed effort along this line any industrial field. the 1912 convention Milwaukee was quite evident that the safety activities were becoming diverse necessitate divorcing from the Association organization. that point, the National Safety Council came into being its own way. The forthcoming exhibit and meeting Pittsburgh the week Sept. undoubt- edly presents the high point date the activities the organization. The equip- ment exhibition and broad nature the technical papers presented denote the increasingly broad and increasingly important role being played the organization. | HED 1855 ESTABLIS q | | wea 4 | : ¥ i AL tee with INLAND LEDLOY another impressive record made Inland Ledloy YOU CAN SAVE WITH LEDLOY 47% increase hourly production small gear blanks. Formerly, cold rolled SAE X-1315 was used, automatic lathe with spindle speed 332 r.p.m. Pro- duction: pieces per hour. You can expect these same important savings your machining operations when you use Ledloy. Isn’t worth trial order for test, obtain these advantages: machining speeds increased 100%. FASTER WITH LEDLOY tool life lengthened 50% 200%. With Inland Ledloy 1020-90, spindle speeds were stepped ton steel machined. 407 r.p.m. Production: 112 pieces per hour. Inland Ledloy the original lead-bearing steel There was noticeable difference machining Ledloy. Inland metallurgists, and announced the industry The chips were short and crisp. Regular carburization 1938. each SAE analysis Ledloy possesses the produced uniformly hard case with soft spots physical characteristics ordinary steel—except for irregularities. better machinability and slightly reduced grain sensible step toward enjoying money savings call Inland—or write for Inland Bulletin 50). INLAND STEEL COMPANY, SOUTH DEARBORN ST., CHICAGO, ILL. INLAND LEAD-BEARING STEELS INLAND PRODUCTS INCLUDE: SHEETS STRIP TIN PLATE BARS PLATES FLOOR PLATES STRUCTURALS PILING RAILS TRACK ACCESSORIES REINFORCING BARS Goes Productio | | YY 3 A Y,, SS SS SS: — worth eloped for CHARLES DEAD Steel master passes away after colorful career man the board Bethlehem Steel Corp., and one the founders United States Steel Corp., died Monday, Sept. 18, his home Park Avenue, New York City. Coronary thrombosis ended Mr. life years after brief illness which started last month London. Several times during recent years had fought off attacks se- tious illness but Aug. New York ship news reporters who often had interviewed the steel master after his trips abroad saw him carried off stretcher. HARLES SCHWAB, chair- His funeral was tentatively sched- uled held St. Patrick’s Cathe- dral, New York, Thursday morn- cloister Loretto, Pa., where Sister Cecelia, sister Mr. Schwab, had lived for years without seeing her brother, nuns assembled prayer they received word his death. In- dustrialists were saddened. New York Mayor Guardia said that Mr. Schwab “was quick grasp and in- stitute changes that have made indus- try what today.” The Sweeper Braddock 17, however, the builder the Bethlehem company and the man about whom more steel traditions have centered than any other, was sweeper and utility boy the Spiegelmire store Braddock, Pa. years later became general manager the Carnegie company’s Homestead works, then and now one the larg- est steel plants America. His career was parallel the period this coun- try’s greatest industrial development. Meteoric Career Although the Bethlehem leader fre- quently asserted that “getting along life was largely matter luck,” the Schwab vigor and versatility were rooted strong heritage. His father had been weaver, innkeeper, the operator livery stable and SCHWAB his desk when was years age. mail coach but became woolen manufacturer who obtained order make blankets for the Union Army his mill Williamsburg, Pa., where, Feb. 18, 1862 Mr. Schwab was born. When was years old his father moved Loretto western Pennsylvania hamlet 200 persons, where the boy was enrolled the St. Francis College for two years. You Want Get Out School, however, was not occupy much the ambitious young villager’s time, and when his “Charlie, you want get out Lo- retto, there too little opportunity here you,” the boy went Braddock, Pa., work store not far from the Edgar Thomson steel works Andrew Carnegie. slept the store, rose each morning, swept the floor and waited early customers who came be- fore the regular clerks arrived. One customer who bought from young Schwab was the famous Captain Billy Jones, then neighborhood figure THE IRON AGE, September 4 n f atl PORTRAIT Mr. Schwab which was drawn few yeors ago for The Iron Age John Frew and one that Mr. Schwab liked. than Morgan.” When Schwab, never loss for words, talked Jones into giving him job the steel plant, was the real beginning meteoric career. Within two years Schwab had become chief engineer the Edgar Thomson works. The meeting with Jones was de- scribed Mr. Schwab himself “luck.” any event, the young man immediately studied steel plant engi- neering and endeared himself Cap- tain Jones, rule-of-thumb, trial-and- error engineer whose fertile mind had invented the Jones mixer. Meanwhile the uses chemistry and physics predetermining the qualities steel were just becoming known. Lack money, which was bother Schwab less later years, was then problem, 32-B—THE IRON AGE, September 2!, since the young engineer had married Eurana Dinkey, Braddock, May 1883, and the expense setting new home was strain his pocketbook. made some extra money giving piano and organ les- sons but was Henry Phipps friend Andrew Carnegie, who loaned $1,000 for laboratory equipment which was set Mrs. Schwab’s sewing room the Schwab cottage. Read and Analyzed Nightly young home samples steel analyze them for their various properties, develop methods heat control and mixtures, and take other steps the early stages steel metallurgy. Schwab corre- sponded with other pioneers this line. subscribed foreign magazines, and read eagerly all could lay his hands regarding the physical ences applied steel Carnegie Selects Schwab Six years passed and the steel dustry was rapidly growing with the expanding needs the nation. New vigorous leaders were needed, Andrew Carnegie had acquired the huge plant Homestead and, when its perintendent had difficulties, Carnegie asked Captain Jones make recom. mendation. the man,” Jones said, and Schwab was placed charge the Homestead works. When Jones was killed mill accident 1889 Schwab was ap- pointed his successor general perintendent the Edgar Thomson works, Heals Homestead’s Wounds was the Edgar which gave greatest talent— that organizing men work gether—an opportunity for His magnetic smile, which was be- come world famous, his contagious optimism, his tact and his encourag- ing friendliness were strongly needed industry which had developed into rough and tumble battle which financial powers the country were struggling for control steel. Healing wounds remaining after the Homestead strike 1892 was next task. The basis re- lationship which set Home- stead met with success, leaving An- drew Carnegie overjoyed the way the situation, which had jeopardized his own fortune and reputation, had turned out. Frick, most powerful partner with whom Carnegie broke later years, did not hesitate give credit the 30-year- old Schwab for his part the Home- stead affair and Carnegie recognized outstanding ability. Car negie’s admiration grew and 1897 offered Schwab the vice-presidency the Carnegie Steel Co., training for the presidency. Head Man Nothing Schwab Carnegie, “because that position would second man and would good, but manager all these works very happy and! prefer stay manager.” Carnegie said have laughed and short time appointed Schwab (then 35) the presidency the Carnegie pany. Schwab was become world-famous figure. Meanwhile capital all sections the country was being poured into steel plants and New York and cag bre | gre the | | gr¢ Ins | | tha Ste pre cor tha for cor a tra 9 col , me ma i § cago financiers were attempting break Pittsburgh’s grip that indus- try. The tough little Scotch steel mas- ter, Carnegie, would not downed and was prepared parallel any plant which aimed dispute his suprem- acy. But Carnegie (Schwab knew) was eager retire, after his long, hard battle the upward road from poverty, and had desire get into new era battles way out could found. 1900, Mr. Schwab was visitor New York. Several friends ar- ranged dinner his honor. Among those present was Morgan, with some his banker friends. Immedi- ately Schwab seized the opportunity make speech. knew that Mr. Morgan was skeptical the profit- making possibilities huge steel combine. Yet was the only man the country who could complete such Facing him was Charlie Schwab, perhaps the one man the country who had the personality, the energy, the optimism and the knowl- edge sell Morgan the combine idea. Schwab’s talk impressed doubting Morgan and the chief figures the financial and legal world did their share composing the various interests involved. Schwab acted conciliator between Carnegie, the country’s greatest industrialist, and Morgan, its leading banker. Headed Steel Terms were length concluded and Mr. Schwab was able complete his greatest selling job, the transfer all the Carnegie interests the Morgan group for $478,556,160. condition insisted upon Mr. Morgan was that Schwab, now 39, serve first president the new United States Steel Corp. Schwab had evaluated the properties that were into the combine, had listed the companies acquired and had dictated the price paid for each company. said that Morgan accepted Schwab’s plan for the purchase without changing comma. The only issue remaining set- tled was Charlie Schwab’s pay head the corporation. His contract with Carnegie guaranteed him million dollars year but Morgan, who was opposed such fixed obligation, re- garded the contract obstacle. Thereupon Schwab tore the con- tract, proposing instead that receive per cent all excess $70,000,- 000 gross business done the new combine the first year, arrange- ment which soon brought the young man more than $2,000,000. After three years head Some Milestones Mr. Schwab’s Life 1862, Feb. Williamsburg, Pa. 1878—Became sweeper and general utility boy the Spiegelmire store, Braddock, Pa. service Carnegie companies, laborer engineering corps, Edgar Thom- son steel works. Engineer and assistant general manager, Edgar Thomson steel works. Homestead steel works. 1889—General superintendent, Edgar Thomson steel works. 1892—General superintendent, Edgar Thomson and Homestead, with headquarters Home- stead. 1897—President, Carnegie Steel Co., Ltd. United States Steel Corp., which helped form. 1905—President and chairman board, Bethlehem Steel Corporation. 1914—Refused offer $100,000,000 from German agents refuse sell ordnance Great Britain. (His family came from Baden Baden, 1916 date—Chairman board, Bethlehem Steel Corp. 1918—Director-general, Emergency Fleet Corp. 1927-1932—President, American and Steel Institute. 1928—Awarded Bessemer Medal and Steel Institute Great Britain. sales executives New York City the greatest salesman history. 1939—Died, aged 77, 290 Park Avenue, New York City, coronary thrombosis. Steel, Mr. Schwab, who 1901 had purchased interest the Bethle- hem Steel Co., $15,000,000 enter- prise which that time specialized production ordnance, left Steel devote his time the Beth- lehem concern. 1930 this company had become the Bethlehem Steel with assets nearly $750,000,000 and annual sales above $260,000,000. 1914, however, the Bethlehem com- pany was still fighting for its place the sun. Then the World War broke out and Mr. Schwab crossed the At- lantic book orders which were bring great profits his company and prove mainstay the Allies’ muni- tions for the next four years. Later, Lloyd-George, Prime Minister Brit- ain, was say: “The first American aid was Charles Schwab. gave the necessary equipment continue the war successful ending. The Kaiser offered Schwab threefold the sum were paying him would throw our contracts, but Schwab refused, and doing played big part the victories the Allies.” Division Labor Profiting the experience Mr. Carnegie, getting results permit- ting men develop their capabilities, Schwab relied increasingly upon his colleagues. 1913, had ap- Steel Co., the operating subsidiary, and 1916 president Schwab’s own energies were directed now largely conferences with the Allies, with Kitchener until the ter’s death, with Winston Churchill, with Joffre and Foch. Bethlehem was adding rapidly its facilities. 1916 had acquired the Pennsylvania Steel Co., with its large rail making plant Steelton, and the Maryland Steel Co., located Point, which was advantageous base for Eastern markets .and exports. Its shipbuilding operations Fore River, Mass., and San Francisco, were going capacity. 1917, had purchased the American Iron Steel Mfg. Co., Lebanon, Pa., large producer bolts, nuts and rivets. Then 1917 Mr. Schwab left the steel business. President Wilson sum- moned him Washington. The Pres- ident announced that Mr. Schwab had been named Director General the Emergency Fleet Corp. Mr. Schwab suggested that his responsibilities Bethlehem and the manufacture munitions were extensive and important the allies that ought not taken away from these op- erations. “Do you believe the Selective Service Act?” the President asked. “Yes,” Mr. Schwab answered. “Then,” said the President, “you are drafted.” After the war Bethlehem Steel con- tinued grow and the stature its chairman public figure continued THE IRON AGE, September 1939—32-C - y e- nto a —— photograph Mr. Schwab the prime middle age—taken about the time the World War. increase. became interested many activities outside the steel in- dustry and developed such reputa- tion teller stories that his steel friends often told each other, “Charlie could have been actor.” actor steel maker, Mr. Schwab frequently professed not have very good opinion himself. “Here once said, not overgood business man, second-rate engineer. can make mechanical drawings. play the piano after fashion. fact, one those proverbial Jacks all trades who are usually failures. Why not, can’t tell you.” This question fre- quently tried answer. Once ex- plained: Luck, opportunity, chance —call what you will—there cer- tainly something that gives some men more than even break.” Not all Mr. Schwab’s friends were given “an even break,” according his own story billiard game which risked his trousers. bet trousers against yours that beat you,” Mr. Schwab said suddenly his opponent. Mr. Schwab won and 32-D—THE IRON AGE, September 1939 demanded his winnings. Shortly after, the loser “Surely, Charlie, you don’t expect home this way.” Mr. Schwab answered, “Sure do,” and the unlucky loser headed the alleyway for his home six blocks away, followed two police- men called the steel master. Bearish Only Once Meanwhile Mr. Schwab was becom- ing famous for his expressions faith the country’s business future for the stories which frequently high- lighted meetings the American Iron and Steel Institute, which headed from 1927 through 1932. When finally issued pessimistic statement 1936, the event was worth page one attention many American news- papers. said: “From all can hear, conditions are very bad New York City. the Stock Exchange figures have any bearing, would seem that business over the whole country stand- still.” Not long after, Mr. Schwab told Bethlehem Steel stockholders that “business was better.” his later years Mr. Schwab said the obstacles facing the business men the nineteen thirties were greater than any himself had overcome. “sentimental man business anything business will happy and successful unless has sentiment it, said. Men their best work under the stimulus appre- ciation. I’ve been smart picking men and encouraging them, added. 1931 Youngstown, Mr. described Mr. Grace, president Bethlehem and one selec- tions, “the best business man America.” told newspapermen that “Grace worth million year.” Then and later Mr. Schwab strongly defended the bonus plan un- der which managers his company were paid. “It was the plan An- drew Carnegie, the greatest steel man that ever lived, and good plan,” the Bethlehem chairman said. “Black Beauty” the Best Whether Schwab himself was not great steel man Carnegie ap- parently remains issue for histori- ans decide. Yet power, wealth and the usual elements greatness seemed less important Mr. Schwab his later years, and his longing for scenes his boyhood grew. paved the road from Loretto Cresson his own expense. built convent Cresson and Loretto and churches Homestead and endowed St. Francis College with $2,000,000. And interview the library his River- side Drive home, surrounded fine editions famous books, Mr. Schwab pulled out copy “Black “Here one the finest books ever written,” said. Merchant Ships Able Handle Cargoes for Neutrals ASHINGTON With Con- week consider the Admin- istration’s proposal repeal the ex- isting neutrality law, Government experts close touch with foreign shipping express belief that Con- gressional action permits the sale all commodities belligerents cash-and-carry basis the American adequately take care any increased volume exports going neutral countries. Whereas superficially the volume exports for example South America might expected tax American vessels, pointed out that ships normally carrying cargo European countries probably will withdrawn, with the result that surplus ves- sels will available for shipment commodities South American and Asiatic countries remaining neutral. The result merely may realloca- tion carried that American ships are expected have little difficulty carrying increased exports. Situation Better Than 1914 The position the merchant ma- rine today compared with 1914 com siderably improved, Government cials point out. that time this try operated its regular trade less than 100 ships about 500,000 gross tons capacity. Today more than three times that number ships carrying four times that volume tonnage are operation. Figures compiled the Commerce ment’s Bureau Navigation indicatt that for the 20-year period prior the World War, this country carried less than per cent its water-borne commerce. June this year, American-operated ships wert carrying three times that amount. _ 4 4 do ° 1s lif mi an th: an Sp re lit mere fact that thing has been done certain way does not necessarily mean that must always done that way. Rather, quite often suggests the possibility doing differently—and better. Such the by-word the rolling and proc- essing industry ferrous ferrous metals, guided part the equipment builders. And, such the life blood these builders. The development the backed-up mill has reached fine point, but the has not yet been attained. However, few more months may and probably will bring forth some- thing entirely new both principle and results. The processing and finishing the products these mills still the development stage, especially speed and accuracy shearing and the production longer and more uni- form coils. tin plate shear the rotary syn- chronized drum type using ad- justable variable crank motion drive the drums has now been devel- oped. Two units now are daily operation speeds close 800 ft. per min. Even this high speed, the accuracy plus minus 1/64 in. being maintained. The merchant, billet, bar, rod, and shape mills this country have shown little advance the last years, except few isolated cases. The further development that phase MILL EQUIPMENT JOHN YOUNG Manager, Machinery Sales Division, United Engineering Foundry Co. rolling under surveillance now and studies are being made toward the end improvement from the stand- points production and quality. holds promise being the next major undertaking far the rolling mill proper concerned. The field roll neck bearing study has not yet reached end. Two new designs are the offing, one spherical flood lubricated sleeve bearing, and the other highly developed sealed chock mounted fibre bearing. Several in- stallations the latter have been made both 2-high and 4-high hot and cold mills with surprising results. Sev- eral additional installations are now under way. Circulating water with small percentage oil serves the lubricant. This type bearing can run direct- the roll neck and thereby allow larger diameter neck proportion the roll body diameter than other highly developed bearings the sleeve type. The original installation cost relatively low and indications seem point low maintenance cost. Welding its varied forms has really just started, especially ap- plied non-ferrous stainless steels. The welding aluminum, duralumin, copper, and progressed point application in- stead experimentation. The welding ferrous strip into coils has been referred the writer previous papers. Both gas and elec- tric welders have been installed, with the percentage favor the electric butt weld where the time cycle all essential, such the continuous pickle line. Two recent installations electric butt flash welders have proved that statements made previously time delay under min. for shearing, welding, flash trimming, and side clip- ping have now become fact. The principle alining the ends the leading and trailing coils the welding dies before clamping, shear- ing, and welding has been applied this new unit. This unit was designed strip-coil welding machine rather than modified flash welder in- stalled continuous pickling line. Requirements such machine are that must handle wide and narrow strip both thin and thick gages. Assuming that pickler has been threaded, the leading THE IRON AGE, September lat not ned his nes the his ncis fine wab ever and oca- that have ased ma- con- offi oday lume reign this coil run into the pit ahead the pickling tanks and the back end the strip cropped shear and then moved forward the end shear- ing and welding position, centered air operated dogs, and clamped the front welding clamp. The front end the trailing coil then run through the uncoiler and cropped the shear and centered and clamped the rear welding clamp. rotary shear unit then run be- tween the front and clamps, which are spaced in. apart, and both ends are sheared and matched simultaneously. This rotary end shear unit moved across the welder overhead mo- tor-driven screw and remains its po- sition clear the welder and one side the welder until the next end shearing operation required, when moved back its original start- ing position. The welder clamps are then brought the welding position hydraulic cylinders and the welding cycle started. the meantime, hydraulic gripper has been moved the delivery side the welder immediately following the front clamp and the gripped ready for the flash trimming operation following the completion the weld. soon the burn-off and push-up welding cycle has been completed, the welding clamps automatically release and the hydraulic gripper automatical- pulls the weld through V-shaped plow type stripping knife which strips the weld flash from both top 34—THE IRON AGE, September 1939 tom surfaces the strip the same time. the end the gripper stroke, the weld automatically placed tion for the side clippers, one each side the weld, that the extrem- ities the weld are clipped out. The pinch rolls the delivery side the welder then deliver the strip into the pit ahead the pickling tanks. The weld made slight skew that the necessity precision strip- ping reduced, and that per- ceptible bump occurs when the weld goes through the cold mill. The strip coil welder is. designed with minimum number adjust- ments required throughout the normal range its operation, order avoid both the time consumed the adjustments and the possibility er- ror making those adjustments. The 24-in. opening welding dies makes the dies readily accessible for maintenance. The top half each clamp articulated order give uniform pressure nar- row wide strip without further ad- justment. guides dogs are installed before and after the two welding clamps that the centerline the strip main- tained before the clamping and weld- ing operation. The automatic electric welder just described designed principally for large tonnages. For the small tonnage plant, even for the large tonnage plant where the welder separated from the continuous pickler, coil welding jig has been developed. field roll neck bearing study has not yet reached Two new designs are the offing, one flood lubricated sleeve bearing and the other highly developed sealed chock mounted fiber ° ° ° Manual gas welding used and good rollable welds are obtained. This unit consists principally two coil holders with elevated clamp and welding device between the two coil holders. two coils are joined to- gether, those two coils will have their ends sheared square the delivery end the pickle line, and one coil placed each the coil holders. The ends are then placed manually the elevated clamp and are then matched and After welding ,the motor driven cradle rolls coil the first and second coils together one side the ma- chine. three more coils are joined together make longer strip, additional coils can then placed the cradle the entry side the machine and the process con- tinued, This welding jig low cost modi- fication the automatic gas welder, which consists retractable shear with multiple tip working both top and bottom the seam the same time. this more elaborate automatic gas unit the two ends the coils are brought and sheared while being held clamps. The shear then retracted and the torches traverse the seam, making the side weld. Rolls may attached follow the torches flatten the weld where finished stock being handled. stripping the weld required. This welder able for recoiling lines with short enough time cycle the ture for pickling lines. ‘ for those tive TRECTORS, James i N, Supe, Electrica} *heeling Steel udenrille, Pittsburgh, Benwetr, Assistang C, ornegie- Progress ngly ref] Which Will the com inspiration & Wesr Supe, Blast Chea, ber 21, AGE, Septem THE IRON TRON AND STEEL ENGINEERS BOARD DIRECTORS led 1939 Mic IND VICE Pars. Way 4 Perry, Company, East Ind. > a Cordia} invite. Honorary ind ators Slike, those now ideas ang methods which Engineer, Inland Steel Co., "hila, Penna, e Miy Co., Ashland, Ky na- Co., Follansbee, Va, di- Corp,, Pitts Eh, 0 aNnaging rector BRENT WILEy A, & Ss. E, tic ire ay : OMING does the midst general domestic upswing the iron and steel business and with the strong possibility addi- tional increases export demand, the 35th annual convention and exposition the Association Iron and Steel Engineers, held the William Penn Hotel, Pittsburgh, Sept. through 29, inclusive, expected draw even more than the 5000 steel mill executives and operating engi- neers originally anticipated. With practically all steel companies cause keen competition and rela- tively high tax burden, the papers leading authorities steel plant de- sign and operation are expected well received. broadened and am- plified program, consisting tech- nical papers covering virtually every phase the production steel, provided. The iron and steel exposition, which will also the William Penn Hotel, will include exhibits the latest de- sign and products over 100 manu- facturers steel mill equipment. The entire 17th floor, the Chatterbox, and the Italian Terrace the hotel will utilized for the exposition, which 36—THE IRON AGE, September 1939 will close proximity the meet- ing rooms where the technical sessions will held. Those attending the convention will have the opportunity making two inspection trips, one Sept. Steel Irvin Works, and one Sept. Car- negie’s Edgar Thomson Works. The visit the Irvin works will include the recently installed 80-in. hot and cold strip mills, while the trip Edgar Thomson works will afford oppor- tunity inspect recently installed slabbing mill, well other operat- ing equipment. Benjamin Fairless, president, United States Steel Corp., principal speaker the association’s formal banquet and dance Thursday evening, Sept. 28. Also included this program will short talk Strickland Gillilan, noted author and commentator. Tuesday, Sept. Iron and Steel Exposition, 9.00 a.m. 10.00 p.m. Registration, Main Lobby, 9.00 a.m. Ladies’ 9.00 a.m. BUSINESS SESSION (9.15 a.m., Forum Room, 17th Floor) Registration, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION (9.30 a.m., Forum Room, 17th Floor) Double Bus System for Power EEL ENGINEERS NEXT engineer, Aluminum Co. America, Pittsburgh, and Housley, superin- tendent power, Aluminum Co, America, Alcoa, Tenn. “Vacuum Tube Control for Steel Mill tronic section, and Poole, mill section, General Electric Co., Sche- nectady, Power the Steel Industry,” Skinkle, secretary and engineer, Pitts- burgh District Power Committee, United FRANK FLYNN District manager, Republic Steel Corp., Warren, Ohio, and surer, Association and Steel Engineers. = 4 CLARKE | | ma — = a * t 4 4 ; ASSEMBLE WEEK States Steel Corp. Subsidiary Companies, Pittsburgh. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION (1.30 p.m., Forum Room, 17th Floor) “Economics Advanced Engineering gineer, Steel Corp., Youngstown. “Modernization Open- Hearth Furnaces and Equip- Hearth Combustion Co., Chicago. “Developments Rolling Flat Steel MILLER Chief combustion engineer, Re- public Steel Corp., Cleveland, and secretary, Association and Steel Engineers. Products—1939,” Stephen Badlam, consulting engineer, Pittsburgh. WELDING ENGINEERING DIVISION (1.30 p.m., Parlor, Club Floor) “Stress Relief Welded Structures,” Dr. Hodge, chief metallurgist, Babcock Wilcox Co., Barberton, Ohio. “Welding Rail Ends and Joints Crane Wray Dudley, as- sistant superintendent maintenance, National Tube Co., McKeesport, Pa. “Welding Electrodes and Their Ap- plications,” Deppeler, chief en- gineer, Metal Thermit New York. “Automatic Atomic Hydrogen Weld- ing Steel,” Catlett, General Electric Co., Schenectady, Exhibitors’ Dance, Informal, Cardinal Room, 17th Floor, 10.00 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. Iron and Steel Exposition, 9.00 a.m. 10.00 p.m. OPERATING PRACTICE DIVISION (9.00 a.m., Cardinal Room, 17th Floor) Symposium the Preparation Steel for Subsequent Rolling: “Preparation Semi-finished Steel,” gineer, Bethlehem Steel Co., Bethlehem, Pa. “Mechanical Billet Clipping,” Lentz, chief engineer, Bonnot Co., Can- ton, Ohio. acetylene Method,” Winlack, Air Reduction Sales Co., New York. “Billet Grinding,” Rousseau, Norton Co., Worcester, Mass. Ladies’ Sightseeing Trip: Heinz Co., Cathedral Foster Memorial, Heinz Chapel, 11.30 a.m. Inspection Trip: 80-in. hot and cold strip mills, Irvin Works, nois Steel Dravosburg, Pa., 12.45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. Iron and Steel Exposition, 9.00 a.m. 5.30 p.m. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION (9.00 a.m., Cardinal Room, 17th Floor) “Gage Control for Cold Strip Mills,” Mohler, electrical engineer steel mill section, General Electric Co., Sche- nectady, “Power Requirements Cold Strip Mills,” Kenyon, steel mill en- gineer, industrial department, Westing- house Electric Mfg. Co., East Pitts- burgh. THE IRON AGE, September rica, itts- ited “Development Electrical Truck Transportation Continuous Sheet and Strip Mills,” Crockett, Indus- trial Truck Statistical Association, Chicago. COMBUSTION ENGINEERING DIVISION (9.00 a.m., Forum Room, 17th Floor) “Types and Selection Refractories for the Steel Plant,” McDowell and Bankson, Harbison-Walker Refractories Co., Pittsburgh. “Observations the Heating Steels from the Metallurgical Viewpoint,” Callinan, combustion engineer, and Gilbert Soler, director research, steel and tube division, Timken Roller Bear- ing Co., Canton, Ohio. “Modern Gas-Mixing Systems Ap- plied Steel Plant Requirements,” Arnold, industrial division, Cutler- Hammer, Inc., Chicago. OPERATING PRACTICE DIVISION (1.30 p.m., Forum Room, 17th Floor) “Vields Coke and By-Products from Various Coals,” Davis, super- vising chemist, coal tion, Bureau Mines, Pittsburgh. “Reasons for Adopting Certain Details the Design the New Inland Blast superintendent blast furnaces, Inland Steel Co., Indiana Harbor, Ind. “Reconstructed Blast Furnace Shell Welded Design,” Gould, assistant chief engineer construction, Bethle- hem Steel Co., Bethlehem, Pa. LUBRICATION ENGINEERING DIVISION (1.30 p.m., Cardinal Room, 17th Floor) Lubrication Equipment,” Thomas, lubrication engineer, Republic Steel Corp., Cleve- land. “Progress Lubrication the Steel Mills,” Pecu, lubrication en- gineer, Bethlehem Steel Co., Lacka- wanna, “Causes Gear Wear and Failure,” Jones, metallurgist, Republic Steel Corp., Massillon, Ohio. FORMAL BANQUET AND DANCE Banquet: Main Lobby, 7.00 p.m. Speak- ers: Fairless, president, United States Steel Corp., Pittsburgh; Strick- land Gillilan. Dance, Cardinal Room, 17th Floor. Friday, Sept. Iron and Steel Exposition, 10.00 a.m. 3.00 p.m. Inspection Trip: Edgar Thomson Works, Steel Corp., Braddock, Pa., 9.00 a.m. 38—THE IRON AGE, September 1939 WILLIAM PERRY Superintendent, electrical and power departments, Inland Steel Co., Indiana Harbor, Ind., and chairman, Electrical Engineering Division. JOHN LESTER PERRY President, Carnegie-lllinois Steel Corp., and official host and Steel Engineers' inspection Steel Corp.'s Irvin and Edgar Thomson Works. List Exhibitors Alliance Machine Co., Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co., Aluminum Co. American Brake Shoe Foundry American Car Foundry Co., can Manganese Steel Co., Co., Askania Regulator Co., Automatic Transportation Co., Bailey Meter Co, Baker-Raulang Co., Bantam Bearings Corp., Bearing Service Benjamin Electric Mfg. Co. Blaw-Knox (Co, Bussmann Mfg. Co., Cadman Mfg, Co., Clark Controller Co., Cleveland Engineering Co., Cleveland Worm Gear Co., Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Co., Columbus McKinnon Chain Corp., Crocker-Wheeler Electric Co., Crouse-Hinds Co., Cuno Engineer- ing Corp., Cutler-Hammer, Inc., Separator Co., Joseph Dixon Crucible Co., Edison Storage Battery Division Thomas Edison, Electric Con- troller Mfg. Co., Electric Storage Bat- tery Co., Electrical Engineers Equipment Co., Elwell-Parker Electric Co., Farrel- Birmingham Co., Inc., Farval Corp, Garlock Packing Co., Gatke Corp., Gen- eral Electric Co., General Electric Vapor Lamp Co., Graybar Electric Inc, Hagan Corp., Heppenstall Co., Holophane Co., Inc., Homestead Valve Mfg. Inc., Hyatt Bearings Division General Motors Sales Corp., Ideal Commutator Dresser Co., Industrial Heating, Tue Iron Jron and Steel Engineer, I-T-E Circuit Breaker Co., Jefferson Electric Co., Johns-Manville, Keystone Lubricat- ing Co., Carbone Co., Inc., Link-Belt Co., Martindale Electric Co., Mesta Ma- chine Co., Metals and Alloys, Miller Co, Morgan Construction Co., Morgan En- gineering Co., Morganite Brush Co., Inc, National Bearing Metals Corp., National Carbon Co., Inc., National Electric Coil Co., Norma-Hoffmann Bearings Corp, Otis Elevator Co., Pennsylvania Electric Coil Corp., Penton Publishing Co., Phil- Radio Television Corp., Poole Foun- dry Machine Co., Post-Glover tric Co., Pyle-National Co., Railway and Industrial Engineering Co., Ready-Power Co., Reliance Electric Engineering Co, Republic Flow Meters Co., Lee Rey- nolds, Rockbestos Products Corp., way Bearing Co., Inc., Joseph Ryer- son Son, Inc., SKF Industries, Inc, Socony-Vacuum Oil Co., Inc., Steel Pub- lications, Inc., Stewart-Warner Texas Co., Thompson Electric Co., Tim ken Roller Bearing Co., Tool Steel Pinion Co., Trumbull Electric Co., United Engineering Foundry Wagner Electric Corp., Westinghouse Electric Mfg. Co., Edwin Co., Yale Towne Mfg. Co. men the the thes mor q Elec i job me can | thi: . - ° ° ° EUGENE CALDWELL Consulting Management Engineer, Milwaukee, Wis. ° ° EFORE attempting make any adjustments comparisons between wage rates for different men the plant, the factors used the rating system should analyzed determine personal opinion the wage rates should governed these items. Perhaps there are some more important factors not included which should affect the rates. The factors used the Electrical Manufacturers’ Association have already been outlined. There scientific way establishing rat- ings for these factors. best the ratings given are arbitrary and matters opinion. Group judg- ment such cases superior indi- vidual judgment. The necessity everyone concerned sold the rating schedule basis setting rates cannot over- emphasized. Unless the fundamental set-up can agreed upon, there little use proceeding further with joh evaluation. Checking Rates With Normal After all jobs are analyzed and the men filling each the jobs deter- mined with their present rates, chart made whereby existing wage rates are plotted against the numbers for each job. this way can determined there any consistency between the ratings possibilities job rating surveys are very attractive, although many plants which never have attempted per- sonnel control not realize this. This article discusses the working and advantages such surveys. Last week, the author considered uses job rating, checking specifica- tions, number jobs, etc. this, the final section two- part article, there included discussions wage rate bands, wage promotions, influence improvement etc. given the several jobs and existing hourly Since has previously been deter- mined that the factors decided upon the rating scale are the ones which should influence wages, obvious that straight line can drawn the chart, ascending the ratings become higher, which will represent the theoretically perfect rate for any particular job. This straight line should estab- lished what the mathematician knows. the “method squares.” Although rather laborious calculation, very simple one. Attempts should not made estab- lish such important line the chart inspection. Then comparison can made be- tween the perfect rate and the actual rate being paid each individual filling the particular job. fairly well accepted that hourly wage rates should reflect only the ability particular worker earn profits for the com- pany particular job. They should not reflect such things length service with the company except inso- far the ability perform the par- ticular job has increased. Neither should they reflect personality, unless that has some bearing the particu- lar work performed, for ex- ample, work where the employee must meet the public. Length service certainly factor for which award em- ployee, thus creating incentive for remaining with the company and, turn, reducing the heavy expense rapid labor turnover. Pride one’s job and the company one has worked for for many years something that should encouraged. However, length service can better com- pensated for means bonuses than adjusting wage rates above the rate merited the particular service performed given job. The usual case that employees will found both sides the per- fect rate. Some are too high and some are too low. using chart this nature should borne mind that the so- called perfect rate indicates rate for that job only relation all the other jobs the plant. other words, may that all the rates the plant are too low, which case the entire curve should raised. the other hand, the rates may all too high comparison with the local market competition. Nevertheless, the chart will show what consistent comparison with the factors decided upon the rating set-up. chart available for the entire district made rating other plants under the same system, the line for particular plant may dif- ferent slope may parallel but above below the line. different slope than the district means the par- ticular plant places different degree importance upon the higher job ratings than the average for the dis- trict—either too great too little, compared with the district depending upon whether the line rises more rapidly less rapidly than the dis- trict. parallel line shows the recog- nition the grading jobs, reflected rates the same that the district, but the entire wage level the plant question may too high too low judged the average the district. Wage Rate Bands single hourly rate for each man THE IRON AGE, September ral ric elt oil ric fg. particular job, because abilities and ex- perience vary. Most concerns find desirable set band for each job range rates above and below the perfect rate constituting high and low limit for the job. The idea would that man’s hourly rate when working ticular job would have fall between these high and low limits. When the man was first employed, would start the low rate. his ex- perience and abilities increased, would progress the high rate but could never beyond this rate while still that particular job. ticular man’s remaining the top figure for any considerable length time would indicate that should promoted the next ranking job soon vacancy occurred, where his rate could increase still further. Ob- viously, the rate bands overlap each other. Just how wide these hourly rate bands should question for de- cision each company. The Leeds Northrup Co., Philadelphia, where job rating has been use for many years, has range about 10c. variation 4c. above and below the perfect rate. This would give range 9c. for each job. length service certainly factor for which reward em- ployee, thus creating incentive for remaining with the company and turn reducing the heavy expense rapid labor but, length service best compensated for means bonuses rather than adjusting wage Robert Yarnall Richie photo. contended that plant can mechanized that skilled labor ever will required. However, job ratings indicate the direction improvements work This idea having range each job into which compensation must fall has been use tion with salaries the house Electric Mfg. Co. for many Their set-up runs clear the president. Wage Adjustments the wage bands for each job are put into effect suggested the previous section, consideration has given increasing the hourly rates employees whose present rate below the bottom limit and decreas. ing the hourly rate for those whos present rate above the maximun limit. This question that gave most the audience the recent Per- sonnel Conference, Chicago, the greatest concern. easy raise those rates which are lower than the lowest limit the band, but under present labor conditions, how are any rates going lowered order get those above the limit into the lowable range? Leeds experience could not much assistance the problem because that company put its job rating system into effect many years ago, and since then the jobs have been gone over and rated every six months. Consequently, rates get very far out line. Nevertheless, company putting job rating for the first time almost sure find number rates above the top allowable limit. that these rates cannot lowered under present conditions, one solution would raise the low rates and allow the high rates stand until such time they can brought line promotions, change nel, general increases. other words, when general increases given the high rates are left they are until after three four years the entire wage band comes the point where the high rate question inside the band. Conse quently the wage bands few become ideal work towards. Substitution Job Rates Further consideration should given the elimination entirely hourly rates for employees and sub stitution thereof rates iob mar his ot t plac if work rema tor V rate spent fact with good P h case tion, aw Under this plan man might work one-half day one job and the the day another job, for which would paid the actual rate each job for the time involved. This would, course, involve ac- curately keeping track the time fact this arrangement exactly what provided for some arrangements with employees whereby man gets the rate for the particular job when goes different work. This plan perhaps theoretically good, but perhaps not very prac- tical. cases where man asked help out lower rated job case emergency rushed condi- tion, may not fair require him lower his hourly rate, particularly cases where there plenty his own work done. Abilities Men careful analysis should made each man determine has all the qualifications set down for the now occupying. case any the qualifications are lacking, at- tempts should made place the man other work better suited his education and abilities. Promotions careful analysis should made the sequence which the jobs are placed based the ratings given. felt that the job given the lowest rating the schedule the place where new man could most easily started in. course, there are lines which cannot crossed. For example. would hardly possible for man advance from the job electrician that toolmaker. However, personnel policies that have existed the past many plants, wherein men have been kept the same type work for years, should revised. the opin- ion the writer, man this length time not capable ad- vancing higher grade work, not have been hired the first Many firms have adopted the policy only hiring new men for work the shop who have least high school education. This serves raise the level intelligence the entire organization. Such men can kept interested regular system ad- effect, and men are brought through the shop rather than being kept the same work for years, This perhaps the most important phase job rating survey. easily possible that improper atti- tude has been created the part many employees the past because they have felt there little opportun- ity for advancement. many cases there has been clear cut picture what jobs represented promotion over others. Rating schedules have been too loose, employee getting increase hourly rate when was advanced other work. The company probably largely fault when man stays the same job for years. has not been guided trained into any other work. course, there involved the problem constantly training men for new work. difficult take man from work has become expert (perhaps having previously eliminated plant headache) and place him new ‘work for must trained. However, one the ex- penses doing business training men for the various jobs, and the writer’s opinion duty continu- ously run school the sense that understudies are trained for the next higher job. Disclosing Survey Employees Careful consideration