Part of Metal Type’s Printing Section, here Phil discusses chases.<\/p>\n
In regard to odd size or hard to find chases: \u00a0\u00a0Let me remind everyone a perfectly serviceable chase can be made out of three quarter inch plywood. \u00a0Ordinary construction plywood is not all that suitable, but the multi ply plywood as is used by the companies that make steel cutting dies, works well.<\/span><\/p>\n Second item here. \u00a0These home made style plywood chases need not always be made with the identical inside dimensions of the original steel or perhaps cast \u00a0iron chases, as often this full inside dimension is not required to lock up a small form.<\/span><\/p>\n Third point here. \u00a0\u00a0One need not necessarily use steel. \u00a0I have heard but never seen chases made of brass or bronze. \u00a0And I do suppose that other non ferous metal could be used as well.<\/span><\/p>\n Assuredly, these non ferrous metals are more expensive than steel, but if one happens to have bar metal in brass in their possession, then this becomes much more feasible. \u00a0I know of at least one case where this exact thing happened. \u00a0And if I remember correctly, this small chase was cast in a sand mould and then surface machined to a nice even surface.<\/span><\/p>\n Odd example given here: I watched on day as a worker for a Regina charity was building a fence.\u00a0 He was using bolts to hold the boards together. \u00a0Very odd and really rather expensive as one dollar buys a small pail full of nails and only two bolts. \u00a0When I questioned this man, as to why he was using such expensive joinery methods, he replied, \u00a0” we had the bolts on our shelf from a donation and we did not have any nails, besides I am half blind and can no longer use a hammer.”<\/span><\/p>\n