Music Trade Review
Issue: 1923 Vol. 76 N. 15 - Page 51
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
APRIL 14, 1923
HOW THE FACTORY SCHOOL IS CREATING SKILLED HELP
Shortage of Such Labor in Piano and Supply Industries Similar to That Existing in Allied Lines
of Commerce—The Federal Board of Vocational Training Figures
The depletion of the amount of skilled labor
available in the piano factory is becoming more
and more important every year. Unquestion-
ably it is a problem that must be met shortly
and solved to some extent at least. What is
confronting the piano and supply industries is
also confronting other lines of manufacturing,
especially in similar fields, and the plans with
which they are endeavoring to meet the short-
age contain valuable experience for our own in-
dustry.
In commenting on the situation as it con-
fronts the furniture manufacturer, whose prob-
lems are closely allied to those of the piano
manufacturer, the Furniture Manufacturer and
Artisan recently said:
"A large number of manufacturers' associa-
tions in different industries have gone on rec-
ord as favoring a modification of the present re-
strictive features of the present immigration
laws so that more and better workmen can come
into this country from the northern lands of
Europe. The customary resolutions have been
passed by these associations, forwarded to Sen-
ators and Representatives at Washington, but at
this writing there is little chance of any new
immigration law being passed for some time.
"Opposition to any change in the present im-
migration law has been voiced largely by labor
union leaders. Apparently, the opposition is
based, not on the proposal itself of changing the
law, but rather upon the fear that any new legis-
lation would be an entering wedge to further
lowering of the immigration bars to the extent
that labor in this country might eventually have
to lower its standard of living to compete with
foreign-born workmen of fewer wants.
"Well-digested legislation always takes time.
Politicians usually keep in step with the loudest
noise. Eventually, public opinion will crystal-
lize and a fuller and more general understand-
ing of the problem will lead to a wiser immi-
gration law.
"In the meantime, furniture manufacturers
who are looking to the future should overlook
no opportunity to further the cause of voca-
tional education, both within and without their
plants. A number of big plants already have
established trade schools with excellent results
and more should follow. One of the reasons
why some manufacturers have hesitated to insti-
The man who uses Behlen's Varnish
Crack Eradicator can afford to figure
lower, yet makes more profit on a re-
finishing job, than the man who does
not use it.
The reason—he saves the time, trouble
and expense of scraping off the old var-
nish and shellac and the finished job is
just as satisfactory too—if not more so.
Send for a sample can to-day and try
it
tute such schools is the fear that after they have
gone to the expense of training efficient cabinet-
makers they may find their efforts rewarded by
some of their men accepting jobs in an-
other factory, possibly one that has no trade
school. That is a possibility, but the need of
their own factory of insuring an efficient num-
ber of workmen for the future is greater. A
statement was made not long ago that the aver-
age age of cabinetmakers, in one factory was
fifty-five years. Some day all these cabinet-
makers must be replaced, and with the present
immigration act shutting off large numbers of
desirable workmen from Europe they can only
be replaced by utilizing to the fullest extent the
educational-facilities of the country in vocation-
al education and in trade schools in the plant.
"The public schools are probably doing as
well as they can with the funds at their disposal
and present public understanding of this prob-
lem. Yet the most reliable figures—those of the
Bureau of Education for 1918 and the statistics
of the Federal Board for Vocational Education
1920—show that in public and private schools
there are only 260,000 boys taking vocational
courses and 56,000 studying agriculture, or a to-
tal of 316,000; whereas there are more than
200,000 boys taking commercial courses. Since
the ratio of workers in productive occupations
to workers in commercial life is about ten to
two, while the ratio of students in these two
activities, roughly, is three to two, it follows
that the school facilities of the country are at
least three times as adequate to supply the de-
mand for trained commercial workers as they
are to supply the demand in the productive,
technical trades.
"More factory schools would be a boon to the
public schools in that they would aid in evolv-
ing tests of efficiency to guide public schools in
developing individual ability, in training young
men according to their aptitude and in placing
young men in technical positions suited to their
skill and temperament."
47
The most trouble with glue stains in wood-
working is caused by the penetration of the
glue solution through thin face veneers. This
seepage is very likely to occur if the veneer is
less than one-twentieth inch thick and some-
what porous. The consistency of a glue in
part determines whether it will be squeezed
through the wood or not. It is quite obvious
that under similar conditions a thin glue will
penetrate farther than a thick glue. For this
reason the quantity of water that is added to
a glue might be diminished and "fillers" added
when staining is feared. The amount of pressure
exerted by the panels in the press is also a
factor, but it would not be advisable to reduce
the pressure in order to check the flow of the
glue.
Casein and vegetable glue stains can be almost
entirely removed by sponging the stained sur-
face with an oxalic acid solution, prepared by
dissolving one ounce of oxalic acid crystals in
about twelve ounces of water. Still better re-
sults may sometimes be obtained by moistening
the wood first with a sodium sulphite solution
made up in the same concentration as the oxalic
acid. In this way very stubborn stains can be
almost obliterated.
UPWARD TREND IN COPPER MARKET
Authorities Expect to See Strong Increase in
Present Basic Quotations
Although copper prices for the past few weeks
have been quoted at a fraction below the high
levels of the current year to date, the opinion
prevails in the trade that the trend of con-
sumption, prices, and production are still on
the upward grade. The metal is now quoted at
17% to 17^ cents a pound, and while prices
have recovered approximately 45 per cent from
the low levels prevailing in August, 1921, the
statement is made that still higher levels will
prevail before the present period of prosperity
has terminated. It is expected, however, that
the peak levels will not be reached until well
on toward the end of the current boom, and
that then the price of this commodity will react
sooner than prices of other commodities, as the
red metal fluctuates more easily than does steel
or the general average of commodity prices.
HOW TO ELIMINATE GLUE STAINS
In a general summary of the industry, the
Use of Oxalic Acid Solution Said to Remove Standard Daily Trade Service points out that
Stains Due to Caustic Soda in Glues
the visible stocks, which had accumulated to the
It frequently happens that casein and vege- extent of 815,000,000 pounds on May 1, 1921,
table glues containing costly soda produce have been declining with increasing rapidity,
stains on certain kinds of wood, notably the and on March 1, 1923, amounted to only about
oaks, maple, cherry, elm, ash, birch and beech. 230,000,000 pounds. It is also said that the
Some glues stain the wood more than others, visible stocks now on hand, representing not
and those that contain the most alkali are likely more than five weeks' supply, have been largely
to be most injurious. The staining is due to contracted for, so that practically no stocks now
the action of the alkali in the glue on the tan- overhang the market. Also that shipments for
nins and other constituents of the wood, where- both domestic and export requirements are now-
by a substance related to ink is formed. No running about 200,000,000 pounds per month, or
means have yet been found of preventing this at an annual rate of 2,400,000,000 pounds.
The trend has been marked in the copper
chemical action. Precautions can be taken, how-
ever, the Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, market during the past several weeks.
Wis., believes, which will keep the discolora-
tion from the finished surfaces.
Monarch Tool &Mfg.Co.
Wall Boxes, Magazine Slot Boxes,
Coin Slides, Reroll Machines, Money
Boxes, Pumps, Pump Hardware. Spe-
cial Farts Made to Order.
CINCINNATI, O.
130 Opera Place
w
Tanned for Player-
Pianoaand Organs.
Also Chamois
Sheepskins, Indias
and Skivers
A Specialty of
H, BEHLEN & BRO.
Aniline*
Shellacs
THE
Cxclusive manufacturersof
Stains
Fillers
10-12 Christopher St., New York
Near 6th Avc. and 8th St.
ARTNOVELTYCO.
Piaivo Beivekes
and Musie Cabinets
GOSHEN
V/rite/or'catalog and details
INDIANA
Pneumatic and
Pouch Skin Leathers
T.L.LUTKINSIi
4 0 SPRUCE ST.. NEW YORK.N.Y.
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
APRIL 14, 1923
HOW THE FACTORY SCHOOL IS CREATING SKILLED HELP
Shortage of Such Labor in Piano and Supply Industries Similar to That Existing in Allied Lines
of Commerce—The Federal Board of Vocational Training Figures
The depletion of the amount of skilled labor
available in the piano factory is becoming more
and more important every year. Unquestion-
ably it is a problem that must be met shortly
and solved to some extent at least. What is
confronting the piano and supply industries is
also confronting other lines of manufacturing,
especially in similar fields, and the plans with
which they are endeavoring to meet the short-
age contain valuable experience for our own in-
dustry.
In commenting on the situation as it con-
fronts the furniture manufacturer, whose prob-
lems are closely allied to those of the piano
manufacturer, the Furniture Manufacturer and
Artisan recently said:
"A large number of manufacturers' associa-
tions in different industries have gone on rec-
ord as favoring a modification of the present re-
strictive features of the present immigration
laws so that more and better workmen can come
into this country from the northern lands of
Europe. The customary resolutions have been
passed by these associations, forwarded to Sen-
ators and Representatives at Washington, but at
this writing there is little chance of any new
immigration law being passed for some time.
"Opposition to any change in the present im-
migration law has been voiced largely by labor
union leaders. Apparently, the opposition is
based, not on the proposal itself of changing the
law, but rather upon the fear that any new legis-
lation would be an entering wedge to further
lowering of the immigration bars to the extent
that labor in this country might eventually have
to lower its standard of living to compete with
foreign-born workmen of fewer wants.
"Well-digested legislation always takes time.
Politicians usually keep in step with the loudest
noise. Eventually, public opinion will crystal-
lize and a fuller and more general understand-
ing of the problem will lead to a wiser immi-
gration law.
"In the meantime, furniture manufacturers
who are looking to the future should overlook
no opportunity to further the cause of voca-
tional education, both within and without their
plants. A number of big plants already have
established trade schools with excellent results
and more should follow. One of the reasons
why some manufacturers have hesitated to insti-
The man who uses Behlen's Varnish
Crack Eradicator can afford to figure
lower, yet makes more profit on a re-
finishing job, than the man who does
not use it.
The reason—he saves the time, trouble
and expense of scraping off the old var-
nish and shellac and the finished job is
just as satisfactory too—if not more so.
Send for a sample can to-day and try
it
tute such schools is the fear that after they have
gone to the expense of training efficient cabinet-
makers they may find their efforts rewarded by
some of their men accepting jobs in an-
other factory, possibly one that has no trade
school. That is a possibility, but the need of
their own factory of insuring an efficient num-
ber of workmen for the future is greater. A
statement was made not long ago that the aver-
age age of cabinetmakers, in one factory was
fifty-five years. Some day all these cabinet-
makers must be replaced, and with the present
immigration act shutting off large numbers of
desirable workmen from Europe they can only
be replaced by utilizing to the fullest extent the
educational-facilities of the country in vocation-
al education and in trade schools in the plant.
"The public schools are probably doing as
well as they can with the funds at their disposal
and present public understanding of this prob-
lem. Yet the most reliable figures—those of the
Bureau of Education for 1918 and the statistics
of the Federal Board for Vocational Education
1920—show that in public and private schools
there are only 260,000 boys taking vocational
courses and 56,000 studying agriculture, or a to-
tal of 316,000; whereas there are more than
200,000 boys taking commercial courses. Since
the ratio of workers in productive occupations
to workers in commercial life is about ten to
two, while the ratio of students in these two
activities, roughly, is three to two, it follows
that the school facilities of the country are at
least three times as adequate to supply the de-
mand for trained commercial workers as they
are to supply the demand in the productive,
technical trades.
"More factory schools would be a boon to the
public schools in that they would aid in evolv-
ing tests of efficiency to guide public schools in
developing individual ability, in training young
men according to their aptitude and in placing
young men in technical positions suited to their
skill and temperament."
47
The most trouble with glue stains in wood-
working is caused by the penetration of the
glue solution through thin face veneers. This
seepage is very likely to occur if the veneer is
less than one-twentieth inch thick and some-
what porous. The consistency of a glue in
part determines whether it will be squeezed
through the wood or not. It is quite obvious
that under similar conditions a thin glue will
penetrate farther than a thick glue. For this
reason the quantity of water that is added to
a glue might be diminished and "fillers" added
when staining is feared. The amount of pressure
exerted by the panels in the press is also a
factor, but it would not be advisable to reduce
the pressure in order to check the flow of the
glue.
Casein and vegetable glue stains can be almost
entirely removed by sponging the stained sur-
face with an oxalic acid solution, prepared by
dissolving one ounce of oxalic acid crystals in
about twelve ounces of water. Still better re-
sults may sometimes be obtained by moistening
the wood first with a sodium sulphite solution
made up in the same concentration as the oxalic
acid. In this way very stubborn stains can be
almost obliterated.
UPWARD TREND IN COPPER MARKET
Authorities Expect to See Strong Increase in
Present Basic Quotations
Although copper prices for the past few weeks
have been quoted at a fraction below the high
levels of the current year to date, the opinion
prevails in the trade that the trend of con-
sumption, prices, and production are still on
the upward grade. The metal is now quoted at
17% to 17^ cents a pound, and while prices
have recovered approximately 45 per cent from
the low levels prevailing in August, 1921, the
statement is made that still higher levels will
prevail before the present period of prosperity
has terminated. It is expected, however, that
the peak levels will not be reached until well
on toward the end of the current boom, and
that then the price of this commodity will react
sooner than prices of other commodities, as the
red metal fluctuates more easily than does steel
or the general average of commodity prices.
HOW TO ELIMINATE GLUE STAINS
In a general summary of the industry, the
Use of Oxalic Acid Solution Said to Remove Standard Daily Trade Service points out that
Stains Due to Caustic Soda in Glues
the visible stocks, which had accumulated to the
It frequently happens that casein and vege- extent of 815,000,000 pounds on May 1, 1921,
table glues containing costly soda produce have been declining with increasing rapidity,
stains on certain kinds of wood, notably the and on March 1, 1923, amounted to only about
oaks, maple, cherry, elm, ash, birch and beech. 230,000,000 pounds. It is also said that the
Some glues stain the wood more than others, visible stocks now on hand, representing not
and those that contain the most alkali are likely more than five weeks' supply, have been largely
to be most injurious. The staining is due to contracted for, so that practically no stocks now
the action of the alkali in the glue on the tan- overhang the market. Also that shipments for
nins and other constituents of the wood, where- both domestic and export requirements are now-
by a substance related to ink is formed. No running about 200,000,000 pounds per month, or
means have yet been found of preventing this at an annual rate of 2,400,000,000 pounds.
The trend has been marked in the copper
chemical action. Precautions can be taken, how-
ever, the Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, market during the past several weeks.
Wis., believes, which will keep the discolora-
tion from the finished surfaces.
Monarch Tool &Mfg.Co.
Wall Boxes, Magazine Slot Boxes,
Coin Slides, Reroll Machines, Money
Boxes, Pumps, Pump Hardware. Spe-
cial Farts Made to Order.
CINCINNATI, O.
130 Opera Place
w
Tanned for Player-
Pianoaand Organs.
Also Chamois
Sheepskins, Indias
and Skivers
A Specialty of
H, BEHLEN & BRO.
Aniline*
Shellacs
THE
Cxclusive manufacturersof
Stains
Fillers
10-12 Christopher St., New York
Near 6th Avc. and 8th St.
ARTNOVELTYCO.
Piaivo Beivekes
and Musie Cabinets
GOSHEN
V/rite/or'catalog and details
INDIANA
Pneumatic and
Pouch Skin Leathers
T.L.LUTKINSIi
4 0 SPRUCE ST.. NEW YORK.N.Y.
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).