These Notebooks describe my experiences in restoring, fixing, and maintaining my Linotype and Intertype linecasters. These do not constitute a general or comprehensive treatment of these subjects. This is just what I did, with the machines in my shop.
There is no ideal organization to this material. Linotype and Intertype machines were similar to each other, and to themselves (between models, and over time) - but there were significant differences. Indeed, the literature (see Thompson The Mechanism of the Linotype, p. 165) indicates that there were differences within single Linotype models. Moreover, both machines employed (officially) and/or were fitted with (unofficially) third-party components (such as Cutler-Hammer pots or Margach feeders). Finally, both machines were fitted (unofficially, I'm sure) at times with third-part or what would now be called "aftermarket" parts (e.g., from Star Parts).
What I have done here, then, is simply to treat each of my machines as the basic unit. I'm only describing what I've done with them, after all. The "Cross-Reference" provides a set of links which will, for example, list something such as a Margach feeeder and link to the section where it is described (in this case, my Model X has such a feeder).
Ideally, I should do CAD drawings of all of this. Drawings convey information much better than photographs, because they can highlight exactly what is important. That would delay things indefinitely, though, so I'll make do with photographs. I will, however, link to illustrations from the many very good technical works that the Mergenthaler Linotype Company (and others) put out, especially when these texts are available online.
General Topics
Moving Very Heavy Machines. [An Operational Overview of a Linecaster.] Where to Start?
A Technical History of Linecasters
[NOT DONE] Trying to track down the origin and development of each principle and mechanism.
Common Topics
Various more or less detailed technical matters which are common across various models and/or manufacturers.
[Matrix Font Schemes, Magazine Organization, and Keyboard Layouts] [The Matrix in Detail] [Understanding Linotype and Intertype Model and "Equipments" Designations]
Literature for Linecasters
Parts Books and other literature, mostly technical, for Linotypes, Intertypes[, and Ludlows].
Note: This is material I've scanned and am presenting here. For other literature (e.g., at Linotype.org, MetalType (UK), Google Books, or The Internet Archive) see the Bibliography, below.
Cross-Reference
Linotype/Intertype topics, components, assemblies, third-part parts, or whatever cross-referenced to the location in these Notebooks where I cover them.
A 2008 search of the USPTO records indicated that while "LINOTYPE" remains a trademark in category 9 for software and typefaces, the original trademark in category 7 for a "machine for producing type bars" / "typesetting machine" (registered 1909-06-29) had expired in both its original and later registrations
A 2008 search of the USPTO records indicated that the trademark "INTERTYPE", originally registered 1913-06-03, was expired.
A 2008 search of the USPTO records indicated that the trademark "LUDLOW" in category 7 for printing machinery, registered 1949-11-01, was expired. A search for "ELROD" discovered no trademark registration at all.
All portions of this document not noted otherwise are Copyright © 2008 by David M. MacMillan and Rollande Krandall.
Circuitous Root is a Registered Trademark of David M. MacMillan and Rollande Krandall.
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons "Attribution - ShareAlike" license. See http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ for its terms.
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