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| This dusty old machine is one of my neighbours at the new work station. One day I'll find out what it is. |
I spent most of the day at the computer, and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Even better, I had company for a noontime walk. My companion walks as fast I do, and even so, we damn near froze. It's gotta snow any day if this cold keeps up. Frigid.
The machine is a linotype that was used to produce the raised lead type on strips of lead. the strips, layed in order they came out of the machine, would make a column and would be placed in a metal frame held into place with wooden "spacer" bars. The metal frame with all the columns intact would be placed on the press, slathered in ink and newsprint would be pressed against it to make a page.
ReplyDeleteI used to watch the whole process when I was a kid. There is an "artisan alley" in Detroit where this type of "letterpress" is still done. Fascinating stuff!