Wrapping a band or strip of cloth or tape around coils which have been wound as described above is known as “coil taping.” Where the coils are of small weight, little physical effort is involved, but where they are large and heavy it is necessary that they be lifted to a bench or vise, on which they are held while being taped. In some factories the lifting and placing of coils is done by laborers. Young women do most of the taping.
PLAN No. 1073. EMPLOYMENT FOR THE BLIND
Often hundreds of coils of identically the same size, shape, and construction are to be covered. Then the tapers become so adept that they can do the work without looking at it. For this reason taping affords an opportunity for men who have lost their sight. Experience has shown that where they are given the proper preliminary training the blind can compete on equal terms with others. Certain electrical concerns have given this fact careful consideration.
Wages and Hours for Coil Tapers
The coil taper may expect to earn from $12 to $20 a week. Often this is piecework and under a premium system. The work is wholly indoors. Some shops work eight hours, but a nine-hour day is the rule.
PLAN No. 1074. COIL IMPREGNATING AND PAINTING
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.