Acquiring a Monotype Caster

[steve m]

What are the chances of acquiring a caster (and matrices) ?

[John Cornelisse]

Besides the caster you need: a few wedges, a few moulds in different widths, quite some special tools, monotype lead, and some assistance at the beginning, to learn the craft.

[Dave Hughes]

Hi Steve, I see you are UK-based. There's one currently for sale on eBay in Penzance: Monotype Caster - but I'm not sure how viable it is, or which model would suit your needs best.

[steve m]

Thanks guys.
Was thinking of something I could be sure was viable 

[Dave Hughes]

Sounds sensible Steve. Also, what you are wanting to cast could have a bearing on the type of machine you need.

For instance a "composition caster" would be useful for typesetting books, a "super caster" suitable for casting sorts, for hand setting, etc.

[steve m]

I guess beggars can't be choosers, but a super caster would be better for me !

[Keri Szafir]

A super caster generally takes a lot more shop/storage space for the equipment: type and lead&rule moulds, matrix sets, interchangeable equipment installed for different kinds of product. It's very universal, it can cast type (6 up to 72 points), lead&rule, furniture, borders etc. A composition caster is generally meant for automated casting of whole pages of composed type, but can also be equipped for lead&rule or type up to 24 points.

[steve m]

Thanks for the input Keri.
Space is not so much of a problem.
I was apprenticed as a compositor in 1970 (the last in the UK perhaps) ?!
Recently retired, I have a desire to tinker again in the black arts 

[Dave Hughes]

I was apprenticed as a compositor in 1970 (the last in the UK perhaps) ?!

Sorry Steve, I took my Indentures home in 1976 for my parents to sign!