This is a huge topic, and one which is arguably the base technology for civilization, yet it scarcely even has its own literature and is exceedingly difficult to research. About the only type-related areas this doesn't cover are the casting of type in machines (covered in Composing Linecasters, Noncomposing Linecasters, Composing Typecasters, Noncomposing Typecasters), the casting of duplicate printing surfaces (covered in Stereotype Plate Making), the stripcasting of leads and rules (covered in Strip-Casters), the electroforming of images, and of course the actual use of type. It does, however, cover the making of matrices for composing linecasters and typecasters and the electroforming of matrices.
NOTE: Most of this isn't done - it's an ambitous outline of future projects. The parts which do have some possibly useful content are:
Introduction to the Processes
[NOT BACK ONLINE YET; it desperately needs rewriting] Overall Process. [Survey of the Transformations in Matrix Making]
The American Typecasting Fellowship
If you are seriously interested in making metal type, you really should belong to the American Typecasting Fellowship.
Literature
Literature primarily on making matrices for typecasting, but not necessarily on typecasting itself. This section consists of some literature reprinted here, a few newly published pieces (letters by Jim Rimmer on pantograph engraving), some pointers to literature available elsewhere online, and a few annotated references to literature which is neither reprinted nor free but which is important enough that you really ought to buy it.
The collection here is not exhaustive. For a more thorough list, see the Bibliography, below.
Bibliography
For making printing types, casters/molds, matrices, and punches. For a bibliography of typeface history and design, see Type & Type-Making History and Design -> Bibliography. (There is some overlap between the two, of course.)
Measurement for Typefounders
Point Conversion Tables. Notes on the American Inch. History and Size of the American Point.
Making Matrices
[NOT ONLINE YET, and not much done, really] By hand and machine.
Typemetal
Typemetal considered generally (for hand and machine casting).
Trying to sort out the distinctions between the alloys used for "foundry" type, "sorts" casters, Monotype (several alloys), and linecasters. Linotype Metal as a eutectic ternary alloy.
Emergency Typemetal-Matrix Making & Using
It is possible to cast matrices made of typemetal from type made of typemetal. This was a traditional process employed in emergency situations. There were a few machines developed specifically for this. Taylor's Adjustable Type Mold. The Typofix.
(Aside: Historically, this isn't a particularly important branch of typefounding. It only gets its own section here because it is in equal parts matrix making and hand casting and didn't fit anywhere else. It is, at least, quite interesting.)
Type After Casting
Everything that happens to type after it leaves the casting mold or machine but before it is distributed by the user into the case. Regular finishing operations (rubbing, filing, grooving, cutting nicks). Cutting kerns. Mortising. Fonting. Packaging.
Miscellany, and Mysteries
[NOT ONLINE YET] [Other Ways of Making Metal Type.] [Other Materials for Cast Type; composition, zinc/Mazak] [The Form of Type; stereotyping; deep impressions.] Otherwise Uncategorized Patent Literature for Type-Making.
All portions of this document not noted otherwise are Copyright © 2008-2010 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/3.0/ for its terms.
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