MR. BALLARD.-I would like to ask if any cutting tests have been conducted beyond 9 inches in thickness with calorene? PROFESSOR KINSEY.-Not in these particular tests, but I call to mind castings of 11-inch steel which showed cutting results equivalent to these. We have no hesitancy about running into the thicker metals, but the feeling was that what could be done with 9-inch would supply sufficient data for any foundry or shipyard. It is well known that acetylene does begin to drop in efficiency as a cutting gas at 8 or 10 inches of thickness of metal, and that metals have been cut up to about 30 inches of thickness is true. The principle of cutting with the oxyacetylene torch is that of burning or chemical oxidation. The pure iron in the wrought iron or steel is ignited and then it burns fast enough to send its heat on ahead, burning on through as coal would burn in a fire. Once started the cutting may be continued with only the oxygen and without the ignition gas. But this requires that the operator shall hold his hand perfectly steady as it moves along and the path of his torch must not be diverted or the fire will go out. This is a striking illustration of oxidation of metal and it is used by engineering schools like Stevens Institute of Technology, where all the students are given a course in oxyacetylene welding of metals. Of course the trouble is that the workman cannot hold his hand steady enough to keep the torch in line, and the moment he wavers he has to relight the fire. To avoid that he keeps a little flame going with the gas; that is why we need acetylene or some other ignition gas. The reason why we can cut low carbon steel is that the melting temperature of the oxide in the steel is so low that it melts first, then drops out of the way and leaves the pure iron to burn as fuel. The reason why it is easy to get the oxide out of the way is because the percentage of carbon is low in low carbon steel; running about 0.15 or 0.20 per cent. Now, if we go to a steel which is called "high carbon," that is, tool steel of anywhere from 0.80 to 1.10 per cent carbon, it contains so much carbon that it retards the melting of the oxide, and we cannot get it out of the way. Report of Committee on Promotion and Membership This committee was appointed by A. O. Backert, president, subsequent to the last meeting of the board of directors. The committee met in Cleveland, May 13, at the time of a meeting of the exhibit committee. All the possible ways of reaching those foundrymen not members of this association were thoroughly discussed. While each member was left free to use that method by which he could reach those in his territory, or with whom he came in contact in person, or by a representative, it was thought best to concentrate the clerical and office work, as well as expense, in our headquarters office in Chicago. From there it was decided to send out a series of letters, to be signed by all members of the committee, setting forth as briefly and as convincingly as possible, the various activities of the association, and the very numerous advantages to be derived by members who will avail themselves of their privileges. The association's aims are altruistic, and the impression of "selling," or "self-seeking," on our part, was to be distinctly dispelled and avoided. The committee prepared three letters, sent out about July 21, August 10 and Sept. 15, respectively. Copies of these letters are attached to this report. The applications received and approved by the board of directors for July were 35 and for August 39, total to Sept. 1, 74. The committee plans an active personal campaign during convention week. There will be a booth at the registration desk from which membership activities will be conducted and applications received. Each nonmember who registers will receive a neat card or folder, explaining our purposes and conveying an invitation To be an active member in a real sense, is to live more abundantly and extend the knowledge and usefulness of the individual and the institution that he serves. To this end we dedicate ourselves that American foundrymen shall not have failed to receive knowledge of our activities and assurances of cordial welcome, should they choose our association. Respectfully submitted, V. E. MINICH, H. R. ATWATER, W. A. JANSSEN, B. D. FULLER, S. T. JOHNSTON, ALFRED E. HOWELL, Chairman. FIRST LETTER JULY 21, 1919 We who write you this letter were appointed a committee by President A. O. Backert of the American Foundrymen's Association, to invite you into our counsels. In these days it happens that already some of us belong to too many organizations, and we are trying to reduce such activities rather than to increase them. If you feel that way you are not different from ourselves, but we also ascribe to you the same discriminating wisdom which we profess in choosing what it is most important that we should have. Being in the foundry business there are some things about which you know there is no choice. The technical side of your business must be held abreast of the best modern practice. Social questions, labor questions, matters of general economic, financial, or political import, questions involving differences of opinion or policies that have to do with the personal equation, all of these you may side-step; leave to the general good sense of society, or get into the thick of, just as you elect, on these we make no comment. But the technical side of your business? Ah! that is different! There is never a quarrel about a matter definitely, scientifically ascertainable, i. e., there has not been since the Middle Ages. Being certain that you are decidedly interested in the technical end of your business, we say that the American Foundrymen's Association is most wonderfully planned to give to each of its members just that! The results of technical research by those most successful in the industry are made concrete and definite in the exhibits, are permanently available in the bound volumes of Proceedings. The activities of the Association are briefly : THE CONVENTION 1. held around October 2. in one of the cities between 3. Boston and Minneapolis 4. 5. [sions. Technical Research. Personal acquaintance and conversa- Plant Visitation. The annual meet- The Exhibit.-This comprises every We have made up a list of a limited number of foundrymen to whom we are sending this invitation. We feel that you particularly will appreciate the American Foundrymen's Association. We enclose for your convenience, application blank which you may sign and forward to Secretary Hoyt. We will greatly appreciate your favorable response. Yours very sincerely, BENJ. D. FULLER, S. T. JOHNSTON, W. A. JANSSEN, ALFRED E. HOWELL, Chairman. (Please file this letter in a special file marked, "American Foundrymen's Association, 1919") Dear Sir: SECOND LETTER, AUGUST 10, 1919 The responses to our letter of July 21, to which we ask you to please refer, have been numerous and generous. When we say generous, we mean in their own interest. In but few cases was our invitation to join the American Foundrymen's Association mistaken to be self-seeking on our part. In renewing this invitation we remind you that we realize how easily new ideas are swept aside, or are left in the eddy of the busy current of daily affairs. Secretary Hoyt informs us that the very large space at the coming Philadelphia Convention and Exhibit is oversubscribed, and efforts are being made to induce large space holders to economize, that others may be allowed a share. We wish now to particularly emphasize the first group of activities of the Association, given in our letter of July 21, viz., "Technical Research", "Papers and Discussions." Please keep in mind that the technical questions discussed are such as are raised by the membership. As a member, you not only have the right, but you are requested to bring forward problems that interest you or have worried you, and you may have them thrashed out in the open, by the brightest minds in the practical end of the business. The Papers Committee are now far advanced in their work for this year. Formal preparation for some specific subject suggested by you it may be rather late to expect. But the men will be there, who have experienced and weathered and mastered the very points that may now vex you. You can, you should, meet and know them. Man is a gregarious animal, and being such he can only be happy and grow in the company of his fellows with kindred interests. Will you not sign and mail the enclosed application to Secretary Hoyt? The meeting time of the American Foundrymen's Association in Philadelphia, is rapidly approaching. year and profit by full fellowship now? Why not be with us this There is much in store |