Plate XXXVII.SHIPBUILDING.(See page 100.)Larger image
Plate XXXVII.
SHIPBUILDING.
(See page 100.)
Larger image
Admiralty and merchant work is initiated in separate drawing-offices. The "Printed Instructions to Draughtsmen" throws light on the general principles which influence design, and one or two quotations may be made:—"Every machine or structure is designed with a certain object in view; therefore, in designing, keep that object always to the front. Go straight to the point, and let the object be attained in as simple a manner as possible. Avoid all curves and indirect lines, except those conceived to give uniform strength or stiffness, or required for some definite purpose. There should be a reason for the contour and shape of every detail. It should be remembered that designs made in this way, requiring least material for the work to be done, usually look best. Besides keeping the object clearly to the front, it is necessary in designing to remember that certain facilities must be attended to for moulding, machining, and erecting. It is also necessary to keep in view the circumstances in which the structure or machine is to be used. Every little detail should be definitely attended to on the drawings, and not left to the judgment of the men in the shops; remember that it is usually the unexpected which happens, and that even the want of a split pin may cause a breakdown. In making drawings or sketches for ordering material or for the shops, assume that those who have to interpret the instructions have no knowledge of, or information concerning, the work in question, except what is contained in the drawing or order you are making out. This will ensure that all information issuing from the drawing-office is complete, and that no work is done in the shops without drawing-office instructions."
The draughtsman, in designing work, must so arrange details as to fully utilise, as far as is compatible with progress, the special machine tools available, the system of gauges, templates, and jigs extensively applied in theshops, and existing patterns. Bonuses are paid for improvements in design whereby economy may be effected in machine operations, etc.
There is a large estimating department, where records of costs, rates, wages, etc., are of the most complete description. The card system adopted is admirably suited for enabling references to be made at any time as to the cost of units in any contract. Here also it is possible, by the simple process of comparison, to effectually check the economy of design and manufacture, without which a high premium is placed against efficiency.
The staff in these departments is largely recruited from the shops, and thus there is an incentive to the willing apprentice to excel. The great majority of the vacancies in the technical staff are filled by apprentices who have spent three and a-half years in the shops, and who are chosen as a result of examination and of a satisfactory record in the shops. Financial facilities are afforded to boys and to progressive workmen to attend special classes, not only in Greenock but in Glasgow. Competitions are instituted at intervals to encourage expertness in some branch of work—for instance, in the use of the slide-rule, etc. Thus in many ways the growth of an activeesprit de corpsis encouraged, apart altogether from the influence which the historical and present-day success of the firm engenders.
The same broad policy is pursued in the shops. Payment by merit to the tradesman is adopted as far as possible. In the engine works the bonus system—first adopted in 1902—is extensively applied. The arrangement is satisfactory from the point of view of tradesman, employer, and client.