Linotype Collage

[Mechanic]

Those interested in looking at various aspects of the Linotype may enjoy wading through the collage on the following URL. A number of the photos appear to be of a mouthpiece removed in order to clean the throat of the metal pot crucible. To do this the mold wheel has been taken off. The normal way is to take the bold slide out. This gives you easier access to the pot. There are also photos of how to stop a mouthpiece leaking by using a salt paste. We are told the method has been used for 100 years. Anything to avoid removing the mouthpiece. The hardest part of cleaning the pot throat is getting the old mouthpiece off. Some of the screws have usually welded themselves in, due to heat and dross, and have to be drilled out. Drilling out screws from a crucible full of metal at 535° F 280° C, not a job I enjoyed.

Almost at the end of the slide presentation there a number of photos of a "Mystery Slide". It appears to be a 6pt 30pica slide. How it is used I have no idea. Perhaps some of our readers know what it is.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/interrobang918/sets/72157594410115899/

[eric brown]

Looks like a plain rule slide for casting blank slugs, maybe of a particular depth for use as a mount, or to support a large typeface slug (small body) with an overhang