Fancy Baskets.
Fancy baskets which are made of cane, willow, special straw and other materials can be sprayed with admirable effect in many cases where brushing would be impossible. Indeed, the application of a spray in this work may be considered to have created almost a new industry in a wide range of fancy goods, which may be sprayed with gold paint, or a great variety of coloured enamels may also be employed. In this case celluloid varnishes are also employed with the addition of coal tar dyes for the production of colours such as mauve, blue, moss green, rose pink, amber, orange, fire red, navy blue, etc. The work of spraying in this case is usually done over a bin such as is shown below, a simple wire device being used at the top to support the basket while it is being sprayed, although even this is often dispensed with as the article may be held by the handle, and being very light this is not found to be irksome.
Fig. 94.—Bin for Spraying Light Articles.
Gas Meters.
At the present time less than half a dozen gas meter manufacturers or repairers have a paint spraying plant in use, and these are described elsewhere. The saving, however, by spraying the paint is in this class of work very considerable, amounting to about 1 to 5; that is to say, five times as much work can be turned out with a spraying machine as by hand. It is generally recognised that the quality of the painting is much improved, it being harder and better in appearance and generally more satisfactory. Turn-tables of a simple character are employed, and 24 hours are allowed for the drying of the work. For protecting the indicators, the name of owner or manufacturer and brass plates of similar character, various types of shields or masks are employed, consisting of a plate of requisite shape soldered on to a piece of stiff wire, with turned ends, which embrace the meter and hold it in position. There appears to be no reason why the larger size gas meters should not be painted by spraying, provided that a suitable plant, which would be of a simple character, were provided. There is but little doubt that in a little time every manufacturer of gas meters will find it necessary to employ a spraying plant.
Gas Stoves and Ranges.
In this class of work spraying is used almost exclusively; as only one side of the iron is to be painted the dipping process is obviously unsuitable. The work is done at a pressure of about 45 lbs., but sometimes a little less is sufficient. The usual exhaust is provided and turn-tables are employed having bearing wheels on the outer edge of a circular plate. Those used for the larger ranges are usually level with the floor. In addition to black, all kinds of colours may be used. This work is mostly done piece work. The smaller parts, such as rings, cookers, etc., are also sprayed. The stoving is done at 350° F., but when two coats are given the first is subjected to 450° F.
The interior of the ovens are coated for a finish of oxide of tin, which when stoved at a high temperature assures a great increase of "body" or opacity. Sometimes the finish is left solid, but in most cases the coat is stippled.
The usual overhead runways consisting of hanger on four wheels on V-shaped girder are employed.