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The Linotype Forum

YESTERDAY'S TECHNOLOGY...TODAY

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Dave's Linotype website has now become "Metal Type" - Links below


Metal Type - Yesterday's Technology . . . Today!

HOME | PHOTOS | FORUM | STORIES | CLASSIFIEDS |

FORUM NOW CLOSED
Please feel free to browse the old posts, but new posts should be made in the "Metal Type" Forum (Link below)
http://www.metaltype.co.uk/cgi-bin/forum/ikonboard.cgi
Subject: SALT LAKE DEADLINE


Author:
Dave Hughes
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:57:54 07/19/01 Thu
Please reply to this message with your comments on Dean Nayes' article. If you haven't read it yet <a rel=nofollow target=_blank href="http://www.linotype.20m.com/Nayes.html">click here.</a>
Replies:
Subject: Pictures of Lino rooms


Author:
Paul
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 10:36:41 06/06/01 Wed
Has anyone got any pictures of newspaper Linotype rooms and/or newspaper hot metal composing rooms?
Replies:
Subject: My Old Memories


Author:
Vernon [alias 'Scouse']
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 11:09:00 09/08/01 Sat
Hi to All...........
I was suprised to find an actual website of such great interest in some of the best type casting machines ever produced. I served in the British Royal Marines between 1971 and 1990. As it turned out, they had their own printing offices set around various Naval Bases. These offices were occupied by some of the best piss-heads[I mean drinkers] one could ever meet. Should you have met any of these men you would no doubt have been pushed into having 200 business cards or some nice headed paper for your mum.
I spent twelve years with these guys, eight of which was sat in front of either a linotype or intertype.
Apart from supplying every ship and shore establishment with stationery, I would have to keep my eye on the pies on the 'pot'. Morning Stand Easy[Smoko] there was always someone moaning that their pie was to hot or to cold honestly it was like The Three Bears!!!!!
Back-splashes were very common, especially on Fridays when the bosses used to go home early. Amazingly, bottles of booze used to appear as if by magic. Stories were told, yarns were said and the weekly exploits divulged. This was the start of a good weekend.
All In All..........without the linotype or intertype life would be boring. Sorry to get carried away.



Vernon{Scouse Bear}
Subject: Dave's Messages


Author:
Dave Hughes
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:27:24 09/07/01 Fri
I shall be using this area to post site-related messages - please check periodically.
Replies:
Subject: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?


Author:
Admin
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 21:10:07 09/05/01 Wed
Please reply to this message with any appeals for information on former work colleagues, etc. Try to make the subject line as descriptive as possible.
Replies:
Subject: PRINT UNIONS


Author:
BILL NAIRN
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 02:51:51 09/24/01 Mon
In New Zealand we had the advantage of being some time behind what happened to "hot metal" printing in U.S.A. and U.K. We had very strong chapels in newspaper plants and 100%union membership. The union here decided early on that it was futile to oppose the new technology but as N.Z. had a very regulated industrial relations climate the union was in a strong position through the national award (contract) as this gave control of the occupation and process to union members only. In 1988 we achieved the best deal anywhere in the world for either retraining (optional and for a trial period)or a very generous redundancy agreement. It took five years to achieve this. Ninety-five percent of newspapers here are owned by two companies: INL and Wilson
& Horton - INL accepted the deal in 1988 and although there were no redundancies at W & H until 1999 when O'Reilly the
new owner paid out a reasonably good deal.
Fraternally, Bill Nairn former Printing Trades Union officer
and linotype operator.
Subject: PENNSYLVANIA PRE-PRESS


Author:
Dave Hughes
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:07:36 07/18/01 Wed
Please reply to this message with your comments on Thomas Berkheiser's article. If you haven't read it yet <a rel=nofollow target=_blank href="http://www.linotype.20m.com/Berkheiser.html">click here.</a>
Replies:
Subject: Can you name this font?


Author:
Geoff Dean
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 07:12:08 11/09/01 Fri
<img src="http://www.hughesd.fsnet.co.uk/forum/ticket.jpg" align="left" hspace="5" vspace="5">Dave, this is a picture of the "Black Oak" type I asked you about some months ago. I have two "lino" slugs - 6 pt - of this typeface, whatever it is called. Someone suggested "Beton" - nothing like it. It is the "ADULT" line that I am referring to on the ticket. I still have not contacted our State Museum to see what they have as the Government Printer fonts went to them. I have seen a 1954 type book, but this type is not shown. I hope to see a later book and see if it is shown there. Everyone I have asked just says that they have never seen or heard of it; but I have two slugs that says it does exist somewhere.
Regards, Geoff Dean, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia.
Subject: Weight of largest linotype machine


Author:
Dan Cole
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 17:18:34 11/16/01 Fri
I am doing some research on old printing presses and I need to know the dimensions and the weight of some of the biggest printing presses that might have been in use in the late 19th century. I would appreciate any information anyone could give me.
Subject: size of linotype


Author:
Dan Cole
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 18:03:14 11/16/01 Fri
I am doing research on the linotype machine. I need to know the dimensions and the total weight of the largest machines in the late 1800's. Would appreciate any info.
Replies:
Subject: Printing History


Author:
Jim Baldwin
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 12:40:09 11/28/01 Wed
I am trying to find out information about a printer called LUNN who was operating in Fakenham, Norfolk, UK in the early part of the last century. Only one sample of his work has ever been seen! Can anyone help?
thanks
Subject: Doing music using a Linotype


Author:
Romain Dunand
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 10:32:49 12/23/01 Sun
Has anybody ever heard of Linotype operators who were able to play one or a few tunes with the noise of the fall of matrixes in their magazine ?

Here in France, a Linotype mechanician told me that some guys used to play "La Marseillaise", the French national anthem.

Thanks.
Subject: Getting the paper out


Author:
James Carpenter
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 17:34:59 01/05/02 Sat
There is no other feeling like it. Presenting your traveling card to the chairman. Slugging up on a large metropolitan newspaper, when you came from a small one. Picking up your first "take". Sitting down at the keyboard of a Model 31. Hearing the mats falling . . . the smell of vita-flux as the pots are cleaned. I miss all that. We got our work done, and everyone enjoyed their job. No other job like it. Making your deadline!
Subject: ARE THERE ANY JOBS FOR LINOTYPE OPERATORSE


Author:
Edwin Langford
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 16:07:51 10/18/01 Thu
I was a linotype operator for over 20 years and then bec
ame a combination man.

Our plant went to offset and i haven"t been able to find any other place that uses linotypes
Replies:
Subject: Linotype restoration


Author:
Steve Garrison
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 22:52:35 02/09/02 Sat
I first was introduced to hotmetal typesetting in high school print shop classes in 1965-67. I'm now the Postmaster in Eureka, NV, USA. The curator of the Eureka Sentinel (newspaper) Museum has a linotype machine on display that was shut down when the newspaper closed in 1980 and hasn't been run since that time. She wants to get the static display turned into a functioning print shop for visitors. The Linotype is a single magazine and is obviously an early model. Other than the electric pot, the machine is driven by flywheels and leather belts which extend from an overhead gang-drive shaft which is connected to two disk presses and another press that I have never seen before. I plan to take digital photos which can be sent via e-mail (how far we've come!) to anyone interested or capable of providing any info on these frontier, turn-of-the-century print shop machines. I would appreciate a message from anyone who may be capable of offering info on any of these machines. Thanks in advance for your interest and help. pmsteve@eurekanv.org
Subject: New "compositor" e-mail service


Author:
Dave
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:17:44 02/10/02 Sun
I'm proud to inform you that Dave's Linotype Website now hosts compositor Mail, a state of the art E-mail service, offering free E-mail addresses @compositor.zzn.com.

Using compositor Mail you can access your E-mail from any Internet enabled PC in the world, and enjoy state of the art features such as ICQ integration, automatic mail filters and anti-spam rules.

Plus: You can still get messages arriving at other POP accounts you may have.

<A rel=nofollow target=_blank href="http://www.hughesd.fsnet.co.uk/email.html">Click here</a> for your free compositor E-mail account.
Subject: From a young printer


Author:
Rick Harnden
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 00:12:35 03/08/02 Fri
Hi. Just celeberated my 24th year in our trade. Unfortunatly I missed out on letterpress and started on on offset. Very interested in any info or comments. I have used a Ludlow, Chandler Price& a Thompson. I'm currently assembling a type case with an assortment of type and cuts I inherited when I bought my windmill in '83. Working in Cobourg, Ont. and love the letter press trade!
Subject: Thanks from Minnesota


Author:
Jeanne Tizard Dahlman
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 19:46:14 03/17/02 Sun
Many thanks, all of you, for the trip down memory lane. Dad owned a linotypesetting plant (Tizard Type)in Minneapolis, MN, 1947-1960, after working for the Minneapolis Tribune and Anaconda's Montana newspapers. Some of my best childhood memories are at the shop: the smell of drossing the pots, the expletives deleted every time a mold squirted, the happy click of the mat-distributors, the fine people who sat in those low chairs. Although excluded by the ITU from operating the machines, I could help with bookkeeping and a bit of proofreading (truly a lost art).
Subject: Movie sets


Author:
Jeanne Tizard Dahlman
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 20:08:32 03/17/02 Sun
Can anyone tell where the moviemakers found the linotypes used in the movies "Field of Dreams" and "The Front Page" -1974 version?
Subject: Why Slugs?


Author:
David Evans
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 22:43:31 03/20/02 Wed
Our ladies at work here in Halifax, England recently asked me why the product of our Intertype machines is referred to as "slugs". Does anyone know the origin of the term?
Subject: Health Hazards


Author:
Tony Gayle
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 13:47:43 02/13/02 Wed
As my final contribution friends, for the time being, I wonder if any of you feel you have suffered any long term health effects from working with LEAD, TIN & ANTIMONY (was the latter ingred. called?) Most of the men I worked with were heavy smokers so this would have probably clouded the issue (no pun intended). But one hears today of asbestos related claims and can only wonder. Like you I not only breathed it in and had the odd 'splash' on my legs but also it was common practice to put pies, bags of chips, toast etc. on metal pots. The air quality at The Advertiser in particular was very poor. I am 52 and very fit at the moment but one never knows what is round the corner. I wonder if my ex-employers (both titles now owned by Guardian/Manchester Evening News) have ever had claims made against them? Or if Murdoch has ever had claims against him from ex-printers (now that would be interesting).
Replies:
Subject: Repair help needed


Author:
Dave
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 00:34:12 07/31/01 Tue
Hi,
Was wondering if there are any Lino operators in the Oshkosh WI area that would be skillfull on repairs of Elektrons. Waiting for Dave Seat to make his way to our facility but thought I'd give this a try also. Have 3 Elektrons in need of some emmediate TLC. Any leads appreciated.
Replies:
Subject: ETAOINSHRDLU


Author:
Chris von Rosenvinge
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 15:10:08 02/25/02 Mon
I know that ETAOINSHRDLU represents the declining frequency of letters in English and that it was also the basis for the keyboard layout of linotype machines.
Can anyone tell me exactly how the linotype keyboard was arranged?
It appears that one unfortunate consequence of substituting desktop computer technology for professional typesetting is that typesetting is today done with the QWERTY keyboard layout. That layout was originally designed to be inefficient: to slow down the typist so that the metal pieces that imprinted the letters wouldn't tangle.
Second question: Does anyone remember the story by Edgar Allen Poe that used the ETAOIN letter frequency to solve a mystery?
Replies:
Subject: how to deal with unions...


Author:
Andrea
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 13:44:27 04/25/02 Thu
Hi, i'm doing a project at university on designing a HRstrategy for a newspaper(media)-company. This company has a new printing plant and has to reduce the headcount of the existing staff in order to move to the new plant. A first agreement are voluntarily redundancies and early retirement. But in order to get a complete Human Resource Strategy, i ask if some of you have experience or knowledge in such concerns. I'm very thankful for any help i get.
yours andrea
Replies:
Subject: De-unionisation of media organisations


Author:
James
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 15:14:12 11/16/01 Fri
Im writing an essay on de-unionisation of media organisations and how the Wapping dispute was the catalyst and I would like to find more information, quotes etc regarding Murdoch, Thatcher and how they stripped unions of their power and also other factors that affected the unions at that time so if anyone has any info please mail me - james.root@talk21.com Thanks.
Replies:
Subject: "Banging Out" Apprentices


Author:
Roy Bowker
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:29:03 05/05/02 Sun
I often think of the time I was "banged out" approx 1957.
After being tied to a trolly and wheeled through the factory, during which old tins of gunge were tipped over me, I was then tied by my wrists over a power shaft whilst standing on a work bench, my trousers and underpants were pulled down and a mixture of "bronze" blue and oil was then plastered around my parts! I was left there for what seemed a lifetime, but in fact it was the lunch hour. The worsed part I think was when they all came back from lunch including the women, oh I cannot discribe what I felt, particularly as I was going out with one of the girls at that time.
Anybody have anything like that happen to them?
Roy Bowker
Subject: Ex-linotype op


Author:
John Crump
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 08:35:10 12/04/01 Tue
Well Dave what a great site. For some reason I just typed Linotype in Google and hey presto, out you came. Well I'm just getting the hang of this keyboard after working a few years as a Lino and Intertype Op. Like quite a few folk on this site I live in NZ although I'm English by birth. I worked at St Stephens Bristol Press (alas no more) in 64 and we had five machines all Intertypes from Slough. I started on a C3 with had a pure velvet keyboard and eventually worked up to the flash C4 with quadder, they had a Monarch too. I came to NZ in 1970 and worked for the Wellington Dominion and later the Evening Post too. The Dom had some really ancient American linos made from a place called South Hackansack New Jersey, the first time I had used American made equipment. It was poorly maintained and we had frequent breakdowns. For some reason they took the font distinguishers off line and one ended up with a load of wrong fonts in your proof. Both the newspapers were great papers to work. I also worked for Coulls Somerville and Wilkie in Wellington (soon to be amalgamated with Whitcombe and Tombs) to be known as Whitcoulls. Great to work on a well maintained C4 again virtually on the DSIR magazine. Well that's enough for now.
Replies:
Subject: Brown Brothers in NYC


Author:
Bob Pellegrino
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 04:36:07 07/02/02 Tue
My dad worked as a linotype operator for many years in NYC at Brown Brothers, a Big 6 shop. Does anyone know of this company? I would be interested in hearing any stories about this company...also, I will be uploading a great old photo from about 1935 when my dad was an apprentice at the company. I followed in his footsteps and own a pre-press company called CyberColor Inc. here on Long Island. If you are a pre-press person you can visit my new forum at <a rel=nofollow target=_blank href="http://www.voy.com/95491">http://www.voy.com/95491</a> Dave,keep up the great work and happy 4th of July to all.
Subject: What effect has New Technology had on newspaper quality?


Author:
Dave Hughes
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 10:24:10 06/06/01 Wed
New technology - has it brought many improvements to the quality of our newspapers - what do you think - leave a message here.
Replies:
Subject: linecasters galore!!


Author:
Arthur Johnson
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 13:40:09 08/20/02 Tue
Yes at Gulgong Pioneers Museum we have a real collection of linecasting machines, 2 model 48 Linos and an American 14,
a C4 and a C3 Intertype and two Ludlows and an Elrod.
We have a good collection of mags and founts for the Linos and the Inters plus 4 cabinets of mats for the Ludlow.
We only have room for one 48 and the C3 to go on display plus one Ludlow and the Elrod the rest are in storage.
We will be setting and printing our local show catalogue for next February. We will be busy setting on the C3 and the Ludlow doing all the standing matter for this catalogue it's 96 pages 8vo and 500 copies, didn't think twice about jobs like this years ago but it's a big job for the museum.
Arthur Johnson at Gulgong NSW Australia.
Subject: Evening News Cover Price


Author:
Phil Smith
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 11:46:16 09/08/02 Sun
Hi,

I wonder if any of you could help me please?

I am trying to find out what the cover price of the last issue of the London Evening News was? (I think the publication date was 31st October 1980)

Also could anybody confirm that the headline of the paper on that date was "Goodbye London"

Many thanks for any help you can give me. Replies direct to the e-mail address would be appreciated.

Phil Smith
Replies:
Subject: New York Daily News Linotype Operator


Author:
Ari
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 20:47:16 09/16/02 Mon
I am conducting some research on the Linotype and would like to speak to someone who worked at the Daily News in New York City from the 1960s through the 1970s. Thanks very much.
Subject: FRIENDS OF DAVE CAMP


Author:
PAUL CAMP
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 23:57:32 09/16/02 Mon
Hi i am Daves son i am currently looking for Jim Lake,i believe he also worked at the press along with dad George Harrison And Terry?. Jim was dads best man some fourty years ago but has not been seen in some time. Last known where abouts was the Loughborough area. It is time to party hard for the anniversary and i would love Jim to have a couple of jars with the old crew. If you have any info please get in touch.
Subject: Cold metal setting


Author:
Mark Payton
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 12:59:16 07/05/02 Fri
Hi There
I’m not totally convinced that I’m in the right place for the advice I need. Stranger and Stranger are a design consultants working in London. We have a need for someone to do some cold metal setting for us for a promotional item. Do you know of anyone near to us who may provide such a service?
Thanks in anticipation
Mark Payton
Replies:
Subject: old linotype operator


Author:
Roy Daniels
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:51:45 09/25/02 Wed
Hello Dave
I was delighted to see such an extensive forum on a trade I spent most of my life in. I started out as a printer's devil in 1952 at the Sudbury Star in Ontario, Canada. After a six year apprenticeship graduated as a journeyman in 1958. I travelled around Ontario as a lino operator using my hardlearned skills in places like New Liskeard, Wawa and back to Sudbury. I eventually left Sudbury to become a printer in Kitchener, Ontario. I set type here for the last three years linotypes were used to set the paper. Alas, they are all gone. In the museum at the back of the building a lonely model 8 sits. The cams and other moving parts are pinned, some parts were chromed, but it will probably never work again.
I still work as a printer. Setting ads, scanning pictures, sending pages to a satellite plant as our old Goss letterpress is no longer with us.
I must say, the trade was interesting, the people great, I will eventually pull the plug and really retire, but the lessons I learned as a printer will stay with me.
Good luck with your site, Dave . . . I think it is great. I know I bookmarked it.
etaoin shrdlu
Roy
Subject: Any functional Model 8 or 14 Linotypes near eastern South Dakota?


Author:
Dave Dahle
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 21:58:12 08/09/02 Fri
I have seen these fine machines (a 14 in a museum in Mohall, ND, another 14 in a museum in Devils Lake, ND, and 2 14s and a 8 in the former SD School for the Deaf classroom building here in Sioux Falls) but the 2 in ND are not hooked up. The one in Mohall had not been used in years and looks like it was not moved carefully as a few matrices have pi'd onto the keyboard, and the one in Devils Lake while still in the building it was installed in has also been disconnected and is practically shrinkwrapped in an effort to keep it clean (??), and the 3 at SDSD have since been demolished :'(

ANYHOW, I would LOVE to see one of these 2 models in action... and I have a friend who used to operate a Linotype who would like to see one in operation also for old times' sake (he shared an anecdote where he was running one with a teletypesetter and dozed off for a few minutes to wake up with the galley completely full, and when he went to check the machine over, he said the magazine was actually warm to the touch from the matrices...)

So... if there are any 8s or 14s that are still functional within a 400 mile radius from Sioux Falls, my friend and I would like to know!
Replies:
Subject: DAILY TELEGRAPH (LONDON)


Author:
MALCOLM GREGORY
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:59:30 09/24/02 Tue
My name is Malcolm Gregory and I now work in a boring Law Firm involved in archiving. In my previous life I spent 20 years working the Linotype and Intertype first on local newspapers (Walthamstow Guardian), crummy typesetters (names best forgotten) and for 15 years permanent nights on the London Daily Telegraph. I was always fascinated by the Linotype as an apprentice watching the operators from behind my type frame. What a Billy Bean machine it was. To a young lad things seems to whiz, grab, plunge and then abracabra . . . there was a line of type!! I had the ambition to be a Daily Newspapers Linotype operator from then.
When I look back at the anarchy that existed in the papers in those days I can hardly believe the fun we had at work. I don't think that I can say that now. The machine itself was unique, keyboard onwards. Also you had to be a bit of an engineer to clear the splashes, disser stops, broken liners etc . . . in fact never a dull moment.
One of the saddest sights that I saw was after I left and I was passing Fleet Street and a lorry pulled out stacked out with old linos being removed from the Daily Express looking forlorn and passed over.


Anyway, glad I got that off my chest.

Anyway, glad I got that off my chest
Replies:
Subject: Mouthpiece for Model 14


Author:
Dean D. Nayes
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 23:50:48 11/19/02 Tue
I am trying to locate a mouthpiece, single row of holes, 30 ems, for a Model 14 linotype. I also need a thermometer for the metal pot. I have restored this machine for the Jefferson County Historical Society, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and if anyone within driving distance has a good font of 9 or 10 point mats, or some space bands, or any other assortment of parts, who could donate them to the society, we would sure appreciate it. We are also looking for a 221/2" paper cutter.
Dean Nayes
Call: 618-732-6015
Subject: What a great machine!


Author:
Speed Gray
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 16:18:51 11/28/02 Thu
Hello fellow InterLinos:

After looking for more than a year, late last summer I purchased a nice Intertype C-4 through a listing I saw here on Dave's site. The machine was located in Lindsay, Ontario, Canada, about 450 miles from my home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After making the "deal" on the phone with the current owner, I hitched up my trailer and took off to take possession on my new gem.

The seller only had the machine for a year or so, obtaining it from the original owner who purchased it new in 1956; Amalgamated Printing in Peterboro, Ontario. The owner said that he had done some casting on the machine, but that there were a "few things" that had to be fixed.

I hauled it home, unloaded it, and located it my home hobby printshop. Never mind it didn't run, it just looked beautiful sitting there in all its glory! Oh, the stories I bet it could tell . . .

With the help of my good friend Dave Seat, the machine is now up and running like it did when it was new. We found a number of problems which had to be corrected: a missing 30 em ejector blade; mold driving pinion shaft leather dried out and stuck, and "groaning" when the machine cycled; broken spring on the lower case "t" keyboard springrod; and left vise jaw control rod loose on the quadder. I have ordered some parts from Don Black in Toronto to fix a worn bushing on the matrix delivery belt driving wheel pulley shaft, and a second elevator bar. Also, the heater relays are both pretty bacd, so I will replace them also. I am considering installing digital readout solid state controls. But, that's another story.

I have spent the past several days playing with this ol' girl, and getting to know her better. Like any complex machine, there are many small items which need attention and maintenance. But, my C-4 is among the living, and pumping out the lead. I took after her with an air hose and solvent rag yesterday, and she is definately looking pretty "fine" now.

. . . Now, I still have some room in my shop. Maybe a Comet with a TTS unit would look nice sitting next to the C-4! Humm . . .

Speed Gray, APA 736
The Gray Quill Press
Grand Rapids, MI
Subject: I love a Linotype


Author:
Dave Drumm
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 19:00:49 01/11/03 Sat
My playhouse in 1955 was the crates my dad's new model 29's came in. I was a good operator and machinist...but...my dad was one of the best operators of the forties and fifties. He is now 81 and an expert in set up and operation. If anyone remembers the term (speed merchant) regarding being paid by the line in book shops? Then you would love to watch his grace and accuracy at the keys. Any assistance I can be with linotype research give me a yell.
Replies:
Subject: Model K


Author:
Ron Cruice
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 07:57:36 01/17/03 Fri
For about 15 years, starting in about 1954, I operated and maintained a Linotype Model K, serial No. 802. I thought this was a low serial number, but I was informed at one point that for a K this was not particularly low, so I guess there weren't very many made. The main distinguishing characteristic of the K was that the escapement was permanently attached to the magazine, so they were not interchangable with other machines. If anyone has experience with a K, would like to hear from you.
Subject: I have several Matrices


Author:
Lynseyu Jackson
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 16:41:38 01/17/03 Fri
Hi there,
I have several 'Matrices'
Which belonged to my Grandfather when he worked in the Linotype in Altrincham England,
I also have several blocks of letters in large wooden trays, forgive me as i do not know the full names of these,
I am wondering if they are valuable? (mainly so I can keep them safe if they are) or if you could tell me when and how they were used? Or if anyone knows of My Grandfather I would like to hear from you! His name... James Kenneth Jackson 'Ken'
Thankyou so much in advance for your time!
Lynsey Jackson
Subject: Looking for Mergenthaler and/or Linotype-Paul addresses


Author:
Roy Gore
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 18:42:44 01/05/03 Sun
I worked for Mergenthaler in Atlanta, Georgia from 1973 to 1975, then for Linotype-Paul in the UK from 1975 to 1980.

I'm trying to track down what happend to Merganthaler and to Linotype-Paul. Does any one know their Head Office addresses or their WEB sites please?

Any help appreciated.

Roy Gore
E-mail: roy.gore@ntlworld.com
Replies:
Subject: typograph equipment


Author:
Rory
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 01:26:04 02/03/03 Mon
i recently purchased some "old" ludlow equipment and i am trying to find out some history and possible a value on these i have an Elrod stripcasting mach. with a machine # E41320 and a ludlow typograph mach. #11129, also a ludlow supersurfacer mach.#2386 any ifo would be appreciated thanks Rory.
Subject: Minola Hawkins - One of the first women Lino Optrs


Author:
Mary Wigton
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 09:00:29 03/09/03 Sun
I am looking for any information you may have on Minola Hawkins Wigton. She was an operator from 1922 until her death in 1961. She worked at various newspapers in the Mid-Section of the U.S. (Minnesota to Florida, Virginia to Texas and all points in between.)Her father, O.E. Hawkins, was a newspaper publisher from 1879 until his death in 1932 in Burr Oak, MI. He published the Mancelona Herald in 1905 and the Deerfield newspaper in 1879 at the age of 21. Minola learned everything hands on from him. I can't seem to find the ITU listed anywhere to search their archives and at the present time, it appears as if there is no records of her existence which I KNOW is not true. Please e-mail me any info you may have and I thank you much.
Subject: MACHINE OILS


Author:
Dave Young
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 18:26:31 03/09/02 Sat
Dave Young, ex-Linotype engineer for the Daily Express, now a volunteer for the Amberley Working Museum Printing Workshop in West Sussex, would like to know if Ludlow Lubriclean and Elrod mould oil are obtainable and, if so, from where?
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Subject: Linotype University One


Author:
Larry J Raid
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Date Posted: 16:42:35 04/01/03 Tue
The Linotype University One is set for September 28 - October 5, 2003 at The Working Linotype Museum in Denmark, Iowa.
It will be limited to ten students, with two full time instructors and at least six walk-in instructors.
It will cover: I want a line casting machine, but the one I want, is too wide to get it out and it is too tall to get it into my place, what do I do? I have to get a machine, but how do I move it? Now, it in my place, what do I have to do, and all of the setting of type, changing the things that can be changed without changing any of the adjustments, why to make an adjustment, maintenance, cleaning, oiling, all of the other items on the machine and the mats.
It will be for the students who are have a machine and want to get it into operation, for students who are getting a machine, or for students who work for a company that is operation line casting machines.
The Linotype University One's web page is at: <a rel=nofollow target=_blank href="http://www.linotypeuniversity.com/">http://www.linotypeuniversity.com/</a>
Subject: Old Tramp Printers Stories


Author:
Don Allen
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Date Posted: 20:04:10 04/16/03 Wed
I got into the printing industry in 1976 with handset type, linotype & hand feed c&p presses.
As of late my thoughts turn back to some of the older craftmen that taught me my trade, and wished I had written down some of their stories that happened in their lives.
I'd love to hear some of the stories, adventures, etc. that you may have experienced to record & share with the newer generation of printers & typesetters.
I hope some of you respond by email and we can preserve our history!
Thanks,
Don
Subject: AMUSING ANECDOTES


Author:
Dave Hughes
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 10:43:53 06/06/01 Wed
Post your amusing anecdotes here. They do not have to be specifically about Linotypes, but try to keep them print related. I have started the ball rolling with one of my own. When a few have been posted I think I'll add a poll to judge the best!
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Subject: How to move a Linotype Machine


Author:
Ken
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Date Posted: 13:03:17 04/23/03 Wed
It has been 25 years since I was a linotype operator, but it is still in the blood. I have chance to save a model 14 from the dump and I can't remember how to move one or what tools I need. CAN ANYONE HELP?
Thanks, Ken
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Subject: Linotype 48


Author:
J.S. Feltham
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 22:31:07 08/31/01 Fri
I have a request from the Gulgong Pioneers Museum for info on a Linotype Model 48 Serial No. 14676. Would appreciate info on this machine, ie. manuf., date, etc. I believe it is of British manufacture.
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Subject: Help in Identifying Subject of Photograph


Author:
Jeff Dykehouse
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:10:00 11/02/02 Sat
This past summer I photographed some old printing equipment at a county fair. I've decided to enter one of them in a competition. I need to name the print and don't have any idea what it is. It seems to be some kind of stand, when looking at a side view it's triangular shaped, that holds single steel letters. It has 11 rows on the front that hold the letters. I'd guess it's about 20 inches tall and about 20 inches across at the base. I've got the picture scanned but don't know how to post it to this forum. This "stand" is made by Showcard Machine Company.
Hope someone can help. I can email the pic if it helps. I don't know much about using forums so if someone could email me back directly, that would be great! Thanks very much!
Jeff Dykehouse
dykehouse@aol.com
616.446.6263
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Subject: Linotype Model 48


Author:
Denis Shephard
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Date Posted: 04:55:30 01/11/03 Sat
I am currently researching a Linotype Model 48 machine that has serial No 15325. It was used by the Australian Government Publishing Service. Can you advice a source for locating manufacture date, please?
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Subject: Can anyone help me with my 'new' UK Linotype 48?


Author:
Andrew Dolinski
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Date Posted: 16:48:36 03/22/03 Sat
Hi

I am near Reading, Berkshire, England. In a recent moment of madness I have bought a working model 78 Linotype. I have squeezed this into my garage and now need to get it up and running. My problem initially is with the electrics. The motor is a 3 phase direct drive motor.

Does anyone have a single phase replacement?

Also is there anyone out there local to me who can help to service the machine and or give instruction on how to operate it?

Finally I would like to know of a source of English linotype/Intertype mats and space bands.

Many thanks

Andrew
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Subject: Recently Retired Linotype Operator


Author:
Kenneth Maples
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 00:37:46 05/02/03 Fri
In regards to Al Young operating a Linotype in 1985: I retired Dec. 23, 2002 still operating a Model 31 and it is still in operation. Worked as a printer for 54 years. Started when I was 11. Never out of a job in all that time.
The printing trade was certainly good to me.
Subject: Ventilation of Linotype Machines


Author:
Howard Herman-Haase
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:25:01 02/28/02 Thu
What type of ventilation, if any, are people using to control lead exposure when operating linotype machines? Does anyone have or know where to find data on the amount of emissions?
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Subject: Were the print unions too powerful?


Author:
Dave Hughes
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 10:41:00 06/06/01 Wed
Were the NGA, SLADE, SOGAT etc. too powerful for their own good? Was it inevitable that they would be challenged by someone like Rupert Murdoch? Post your views.
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Subject: Model 27 Linotype


Author:
Patrick Leary
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 02:20:42 10/06/03 Mon
I'm in possession of a nice 8x10 glossy photo from Mergenthaler Linotype of a Model 27 . . . all 72-channel magazines, no auxiliaries. It has the old-style crank (13 revolutions per magazine) for changing magazines, and it looks like there were only three on the machine. Anyone out there who ran one? How'd it work? I'm presuming mostly for ads and heads, right? The closest I came was a model 26 which was used for the head machine at the Canton (Ill.) Daily Ledger in 1956. We had a 72-channel on top and a 90-channel on the bottom. Heads were in 24- and 18-pt. versions of Memphis Condensed (only one-letter mats) and then we had to put in a top stub to set 14-pt. heds from the 90-channel magazine. I also swing MORE magazines for 12-pt. decks on some of the large 3-column heads. Occasionally they'd want some Memphis italic in 12- or 14-pt. for ads. The picture doesn't look like Mergy had come up with the wide 72s seen on the 33-34-35-36.
Subject: Linotype/the NGA/in Stockport


Author:
Tony Gayle
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 12:25:00 02/13/02 Wed
Easter 1965 - left school. 'A job for life lad' - 'you're lucky to get in, it's usually a father to son business'. Started work as an apprentice with the ancient Stockport Advertiser Group on High Street. Had the usual tricks played on me - sent for a 'long stand' and a 'tin of Hampton grease'. Lots of quaint, characterful old chaps - some had been Desert Rats! Got my first go at a Lino about age 18 after years of setting headlines on a Mickey Mouse (broken down lino whereby the matrices were hand-set and inserted into the machine in a sort of metal comp. stick to be cast). There were some very old machines there, many with gas pots! Constant bickering between management and NGA. Dare I mention that the Father of the Chapel, a Lino operator got onto nightshift and into the Editor in Chief's personal documents in his unlocked office! No wonder we were always one step ahead of them. I went onto nightshift 1971 as an operator to learn that 2 hours setting a night was enough (out of a 10 hour shift) - to maintain members' staff levels! The rest of the time spent in the pub or asleep. Left about 1973 and went to Stockport Express for a couple of years. Much more modern facility - though constant bickering with management and NGA there also. Left the trade in 1975 to work as a professional pianist. Glad I got out before the Eddie Shah affair in Stockport. I donated my Linotype manual to Manchester Museum of Science and Industry. By the way, I must own up! I have always owned - and still own and use an ADANA! Guess you'll have to throw me out of the Union guys! (So delighted to find this website!)
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Subject: Looking for Linotype letters


Author:
Bob Saaranen
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 19:09:13 11/09/03 Sun
I am looking for Linotype letters to make a plaque for my second grandson's birth. I used lead letters (about 3/4 inch tall) to make a plaque when my first grandson was born and would like to make another for #2.
Any help in locating a source for letters would be much appreciated.
Best regards,
Bob Saaranen
bobsa77@hotmail.com
Stillwater, Minnesota
Subject: The origin of the word 'Deadline'


Author:
gil jackson
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 15:45:46 04/23/03 Wed
I was told at a Priorities Management seminar(presented by The Stalwart Group)that the usage of the word "Deadline" came from a prison warden in Eupore, who had no fence or wall around his prison yard. To make a long story short, he created a line around the prison and told the prisoners,if anyone crossed that line, they would be shot to death. Thus, the word 'deadline', literally meant just that.
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Subject: Linofilm Grids and width cards


Author:
Linn Corey
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 19:10:37 12/05/03 Fri
I have 20 grids and width cards that I have had since I closed my Typesetting business in 1980.
Can someone tell me what they are worth?
Also have a 304tl tube ...like new.
All collecting dust!
Subject: Hot Metal to cold type and back again


Author:
Walt Willey
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 00:53:02 05/17/02 Fri
Wonderful to know people still interested in Ottmar's machine today. He was called "the Master of Cams" for designing most all the movements of the machine using cams and followers. I still do tours and have a restored model 25 in the lobby of the NEWS behind glass. I tell the kids that the machine has both digital and analog computing in it. You see the mats teeth are cut with the binary system for dropping into the magazines and the spacebands are true analog computers! Cut my teeth at 16 on Intertype C-4's and stayed with the trade till retiring. Worked at Rocky Mtn News in Denver as Head Machinist for years and went through the hell of seeing the old machines go out the door. We formed Tech services department and I headed that before retiring in 1992. We ran the gamut of old clanky black Linos to sleek grey Intertypes and finally the blue marvels of the Elektron typecasters.The cold type era started with the ill-designed Intertype Photosetters and then to cumbersome Linofilm and linotron and the high speed Star parts photosetters. On to APS 5 Autologic photo machines and finally all were erased by area composition Pagination setters. The new computer systems eventually signalled and end to the companies that sold and dominated the hot metal market equipment and they faded away. Today I am back where I started and still still service 6 hot metal machines and maintain two perfectly running hand keyed Elektron units in a check-printing operation. Today we are considered "Masters of Obsolete Technology"!
Replies:
Subject: linotype video


Author:
dave phelps
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 18:45:21 03/11/03 Tue
I am looking for a source for any film or video footage of a linotype/intertype in operation.
Subject: Do People Want Linotypes Any More?


Author:
Prewitt S
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 09:50:57 06/06/01 Wed
Are linotype machines of any inherent value anymore? I assume to some degree it depends on the model? Are there linotype specialists out there? Is there a Linotype club or organization or printing museum that wants these things? Do people purchase them? Any help would be appreciated Prew62@cfw.com Thanks
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Subject: Printing School in Macon, Ga, ca 1930s ?


Author:
Sandy
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:55:31 10/11/02 Fri
I'm trying to find out the name of the printing school in Macon, Georgia, which my father (now deceased) attended ca 1930. He left the family farm in NC to learn to operate a Linotype, and enjoyed a newspaper career that spanned some 40 years.
If anyone can help me find out the name of the school in Macon, I'd be very grateful. I'm trying to learn something of its history and how my father learned about it.
Subject: Asbestos and linotype machines


Author:
Bud Hudspith
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 11:23:49 03/06/03 Thu
I see that there have been a few messages about health hazards on linotype machines.

I am the H&S advisor for the Graphical, Paper and Media Union (GPMU) in the UK, formally the NGA.

We get periodic queries from old linotype workers, or their families, about possibility of exposure to asbestos, since a number of linotype operators have died from mesothelioma, and have contracted other asbestos related diseases.

I know that asbestos was used on linotype machines as an insulating material, so can any members of the forum remember exposures to asbestos, or do they know of people who contracted asbestos related diseases?
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Subject: Ottmar Mergenthaler


Author:
Laurie
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 15:44:24 08/04/02 Sun
I am looking for other relatives of Ottmar Mergenthaler. I am related to him as a cousin, through maternal parentage, my relatives are Mergenthalers and speak of Ottmar. My mother and I are completing a family tree as far back and as far foreward as we can get. I do have some information now but, would like to hear from more relations to him to complete a nice, full, family tree.
Replies:
Subject: Want to know approx age of my Model 14


Author:
Jay Krivoshia
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 01:09:46 10/13/02 Sun
I have a model 14 and was wondering approx. what year it was made? Lower the model # the older the machine? It is in my shop in Chester, West Virginia.
Replies:
Subject: My Experience


Author:
Frank Netherton
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 18:52:36 07/23/01 Mon
Hello
I was a compositor in a local newspaper in Plymouth, Devon England and learnt the machine with the newspaper. I am now 67 years old and would like to e-mail any linotype operator to talk about their experiences. We had to look after our: clean the spacebands, oil the places that needed oiling once a week and also clean all our fonts. Every day before we started work clean the metal plunger with a steel brush and clean off the dross before setting the news. Therefore our machine were in a marvellous condition
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Subject: Technical help on British Linotypes


Author:
Dave Bye
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:16:15 09/07/01 Fri
I'm Dave Bye, I served an apprenticeship with Linotype in their London depot from 1956-1964 as an engineer traveling the UK installing models 48 and 52 models 78, 79, and electrons, and doing major repairs in Fleet Street during this period. I still retain a lot of knowledge about these machines as I still work in the newspaper industry, all be it webb offset.
If anybody needs any help or advice please contact me via e mail.
I am from Sussex, England.
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Subject: Does anyone collect Linotype phototypsetters?


Author:
Norm Aleks
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 04:56:06 05/20/02 Mon
Hi, I'm Norm Aleks (in San Francisco). I just bought a 1970's-era phototypesetter, the <B>Linotype "Linoterm" system.</B> It looks like a much smaller version of a Mergenthaler V-I-P, but unfortunately seems to use different fonts. I used to lust after the V-I-P when I was in college (we had a smaller system for doing the school paper), and now, when I got the chance to get this one, I jumped at the chance.

The question is, <b>does anyone else collect these things?</b> Does anyone know how to maintain them, or how to interface them to modern computing equipment? (I'd like to run the Linoterm, and a V-I-P if I can find one, using TeX.)

This site, I know, is all about metal typesetting equipment, but it is my best hope right now -- I've done a bunch of Google searches and found nothing.

To anyone who thinks of something, thanks!

Norm Aleks
Subject: Smashed Ludlow Machines


Author:
Stuart Jackson
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:08:10 04/29/03 Tue
Does anyone still use Ludlow machines? How should one go about selling one? Here is a sad story.

My youngest brother recently smashed two of these machines to bits; as unsued equipment he was sick of paying inventory taxes on them.

They had been in our family rubberstamp business for many many years. Three generations of our family stood at before these giants and cast type from hot lead, my grandfather, my father, and even myself.

The company still has the many fonts of brass molds/punches for casting the type. If I do not find a buyer who wants to buy and use these fonts, my business minded brother will soon be selling them by the pound as scrap brass. Seems a pity. What to do?
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Subject: Kelly or Kelley printing machines


Author:
Jack
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 18:51:58 03/25/02 Mon
Hi, I was wondering if anyone could give me any information on Kelly printing machines. They were called Kelly A and B machines. But the spelling might be Kelley. Please let me know if you have any info, if this is a real printing machine and if they are still in business. Any background info anyone has would be great. Thank you!
Replies:
Subject: Ludlow Typograph Company


Author:
Jack
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 21:21:50 07/30/02 Tue
Hi I was wondering if anyone knew any info on what became of the Ludlow Typograph (ic?) Company that originated in Chicago, Illinois. Does anyone know who one would contact in regards to the original company? I am doing research on them and I am wondering if there is anything left of the original company? Thanks, Jack
Replies:
Subject: history of 'deadline'


Author:
Keelan Kane
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 15:40:42 01/15/03 Wed
I'm researching the history and psychology of the word 'deadline' here at Northwestern University. The page "Salt Lake Deadline" features one of the most interesting uses of 'deadline' my research team has ever encountered - 'deadline' as the number of lines a linotype operator needs to set by the end of his/her shift in order to be considered a competent worker. Does anyone know when this particular usage started being used? Please let me know. I can be reached at the e-mail address provided. (k-kane2@northwestern.edu)

Thanks much!

Keelan Kane
Subject: Anyone have any RELIABLE information on Ottmar Merganthaler?


Author:
Becky O'Brien
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 19:18:33 02/18/02 Mon
hi, im a 16 year old high school student and i am writing a research paper for my english class about a deceased relative. My relative is my great, great, great, uncle Ottmar Merganthaler (my mother's maiden name is Merganthler) and I need some reliable info or possibly an interview (email) w/ some one! it would b great if you could email me or just post some stuff...thanx!
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