Russian Made Linotype in Action

This is a great little video of a Russian made (?) line casting machine. Thanks to Bill Spurling for passing on the link. Check out the safety guard that flips into place over the mold and vise before casting.

Linomite

I noticed a slight little build up of type metal on the pump plunger rod when I started casting this evening, and after a couple hours of casting lines this is what that build up became:

Linomite! It was enough to restrict the plunger from returning to its fullest upward position. Gotta keep an eye on this next time. I'm guessing that this happened because the pot was a bit too cool. I'll test the theory next time we cast. Otherwise, anyone out there have tips on how to prevent this?

Friend Ivan Snyder giving the Linotype a go

Friend Ivan Snyder giving the Linotype a go a video by Stumptown Printers on Flickr.
Here's our pal Ivan Snyder sitting at the Stumptown Printers Linotype. This guy has volunteered more time, sweat, muscle, know-how, equipment, etc. to the current Portland printing community than any one I know. He has helped usher in a new generation of Portland letterpress printers who appreciate the real deal and love working with metal type. Thanks Ivan!