Part 4 — PLAN No. 1074. COIL IMPREGNATING AND PAINTING
Reading edition
After the coils have been wound, and before or after they have been taped, they must usually be impregnated or saturated with an insulating compound. The last process in finishing the coil ordinarily consists in painting it.
In impregnating, the coils are placed in a large steel cylinder, which is then hermetically sealed by bolting its removable top fast to it. With a power pump the air is exhausted from this cylinder. The impregnating compound—a sort of waterproof paint or varnish—is then forced in and is caused to permeate every interstice of each coil. The compound is then pumped out of the cylinder, and the impregnated coils are removed. To render them waterproof, some coils are painted with a brush instead of being impregnated, but before painting they are heated in a drying oven, which drives out all moisture. Where the coils are light in weight, little physical effort is required, but where they are heavy considerable exertion may be necessary, although cranes and hoists are usually provided.
Shop Training Necessary
Proficiency in work of this character must be acquired in the shop. The beginner starts as a helper, and as he accumulates experience, he may be promoted to a squad boss. Ultimately, assuming that he has proper qualifications and experience, he may become a foreman.
Conditions of Employment
The work is wholly indoors, under temperatures which, although not excessively high, may be somewhat above normal. The odor of the solvents and materials used in insulating and painting is offensive to some, but does not appear to affect others.
Qualifications
This work can be handled by men having minor physical defects. The loss of one eye or one leg will not disqualify. The loss of an arm or hand would not be an insurmountable obstacle provided the member is replaced by an artificial one.
Wages and Hours
Wages are often paid by the piece under a premium system. A helper may expect to receive from $12 to $17 a week, an experienced man from $16 to $24, and a foreman from $22 to $37. Usually the day is nine hours, but may be eight and a half. The work is wholly indoors. The trade is seldom unionized.