Merganthaler Linotype Model 31
three Model 31 Merganthaler Linotypes in a row
Larry Raid getting things started
Larry Raid explains the first elevator action
the keyboard
the assembling elevator, without mats
the assembling elevator
a mat
this is the side the compositor sees
this is the side that the hot metal sees
mats ready to be cast
the first elevator
vice frame is open to show the mold wheel
the mold wheel
close-up of one of the molds
David demonstrates how to close the vice frame
this is where the slug falls after casting
a pig of printer's metal hanging into the metal pot (85% lead, 11% antimony, 4% tin)
skimming the pot (535 degrees Fahrenheit)
the second elevator and distributor
this is how you can put mats onto the distributor by hand
the distributor at work
mats
looking up into a magazine
class in session
magazines
Buddy Lang demonstrates his fancy two-handed space band cleaning technique
restroom facilities
Buddy's tape measure with picas and inches
Larry and Tina sorting leads and slugs
outside the Ludlow Building, where our classes took place
a 40ft (?) long, 4-color offset press, waiting for some attention
in the storage area there are 30 more linotypes
one of our work tables
the Ludlow Typecaster
the mold for casting type in the Ludlow is hand-set
the back, where the metal is cast
ready for proofs
the Pearl Press
a little Chandler & Price
Larry casts a new composite roller for my Kelsey 5x8
butter, not margarine!
the core is wrapped with string
checking to see if the composition is ready to be cast (blocks were bought from Tarheel Rollers and melted in a double boiler)
the composition is a mixture of hide glue, gelatin, and glycerin
the top of the mold needs pressure
wait for it to cool before removing
a small but dedicated group (my shirt says "lead is not dead")
the graduation ceremony
the train behind the classroom
the caboose, where Tina stayed
