HANDLE WITH CARE

Year Published: 1960s

Creator: Monotype Corporation

Description: This film "Handle with Care" was created by the Monotype Corporation circa 1960s. The film is about the care and handling of composition molds (British: mould), precision machined components which were used for casting of lead type. These were a well regarding typesetting machine that cast individual letters of type from hot metal, usually lead. The Monotype consists of a keyboard and a caster, allowing operators to create a paper strip that controls the casting of type. Monotype's casting allows for easy corrections, making it well-suited for printing books. The film provides a detailed look into the construction, function, maintenance, and care of a Monotype composition mold, a precision tool used in typesetting. It emphasizes the extraordinary craftsmanship and minute tolerances involved in mold manufacturing—down to less than a tenth of a thousandth of an inch. The video illustrates the casting cycle, highlighting the importance of timing and cleanliness for accurate type production. Viewers are guided through proper disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly procedures, comparing the mold operator’s role to that of a surgeon. Strict warnings are given about tampering with factory-set adjustments, and the use of appropriate tools and materials is emphasized. Ultimately, the message is clear: careful handling and regular maintenance ensure the production of perfect type and the long operational life of molds, as exemplified by a mold in continuous service since 1927. 00:00 The Monotype composition mold is introduced as a precision instrument, not just a piece of steel. 1:11 – Molds are ideally shipped with a technician, but a leaflet sometimes must suffice . 2:29 – Respect the craftsmanship and precision behind molds. 3:03 – Demonstration of extreme precision: measurements down to 1/10,000th of an inch. 3:36 – Diamond dust polishing are used for mold part fitting. 3:55 – Casting cycle explained in slow motion. 4:54 – Tang cutting, type ejection, and return motions 5:47 – Mold construction and parts including base, plates, and cam track. 6:04 – Cross block assembly and its five main components described. 6:35 – Explanation of screw and nick side blocks with importance of minimal clearance. 7:20 – Final mold assembly and responsibilities of the operative discussed. 8:00 – Maintenance: check blade projection and ensure parts are not strained. 8:23 – Cleaning begins: use of proper workspace, clean tools, and surgeon-like care. 9:10 – Step-by-step dismantling starts with cross block and gib plate. 10:05 – Continued disassembly, removing cover and spring plates. 10:30 – Blades are carefully drawn out. 11:01 – Warning against tampering with factory-set adjustments and eccentric dowels. 12:31 – Benzene cleaning begins; flammable warning given. 13:13 – Cleaning tight metal or burnt oil using safe methods like type metal ruler. 13:50 – Reassembly begins with screw side block and nick side block. 14:10 – Blade lubrication and positioning with care to prevent overshoot. 15:15 – Hollow screw adjustment and final seating of blades. 16:12 – Cover plate reinstalled and final seating "shock treatment" explained. 17:26 – Final alignment check using a straight edge. 17:56 – Reinstallation of blade stop, support, and gib plate. 18:22 – Cleaning and reassembly of cross block and gate blocks begins. 19:08 – Fixed gate block removal if oil ways are blocked. 20:14 – Jet blade adjustment to prevent sloppiness or binding. 21:01 – Lubrication and reinstallation of cross block assembly. 21:40 – Gib plate adjusted to ensure smooth cross block motion. 22:13 – Mold is reassembled, re-lubricated, and protected for storage. 22:47 – Instructions for returning mold to service . 23:21 – Avoid steel blanks in matrix cases for constant height molds. 23:30 – Summary: skilled cleaning results in perfect type and long mold life. 23:58 – Anecdote about mold No. 12260 still in service since 1927. 24:15 – Conclusion: longevity through care and understanding.

Complete Record: This film "Handle with Care" was created by the Monotype Corporation circa 1960s. The film is about the care and handling of composition molds (British: mould), precision machined components which were used for casting of lead type. These were a well regarding typesetting machine that cast individual letters of type from hot metal, usually lead. The Monotype consists of a keyboard and a caster, allowing operators to create a paper strip that controls the casting of type. Monotype's casting allows for easy corrections, making it well-suited for printing books. The film provides a detailed look into the construction, function, maintenance, and care of a Monotype composition mold, a precision tool used in typesetting. It emphasizes the extraordinary craftsmanship and minute tolerances involved in mold manufacturing—down to less than a tenth of a thousandth of an inch. The video illustrates the casting cycle, highlighting the importance of timing and cleanliness for accurate type production. Viewers are guided through proper disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly procedures, comparing the mold operator’s role to that of a surgeon. Strict warnings are given about tampering with factory-set adjustments, and the use of appropriate tools and materials is emphasized. Ultimately, the message is clear: careful handling and regular maintenance ensure the production of perfect type and the long operational life of molds, as exemplified by a mold in continuous service since 1927. 00:00 The Monotype composition mold is introduced as a precision instrument, not just a piece of steel. 1:11 – Molds are ideally shipped with a technician, but a leaflet sometimes must suffice . 2:29 – Respect the craftsmanship and precision behind molds. 3:03 – Demonstration of extreme precision: measurements down to 1/10,000th of an inch. 3:36 – Diamond dust polishing are used for mold part fitting. 3:55 – Casting cycle explained in slow motion. 4:54 – Tang cutting, type ejection, and return motions 5:47 – Mold construction and parts including base, plates, and cam track. 6:04 – Cross block assembly and its five main components described. 6:35 – Explanation of screw and nick side blocks with importance of minimal clearance. 7:20 – Final mold assembly and responsibilities of the operative discussed. 8:00 – Maintenance: check blade projection and ensure parts are not strained. 8:23 – Cleaning begins: use of proper workspace, clean tools, and surgeon-like care. 9:10 – Step-by-step dismantling starts with cross block and gib plate. 10:05 – Continued disassembly, removing cover and spring plates. 10:30 – Blades are carefully drawn out. 11:01 – Warning against tampering with factory-set adjustments and eccentric dowels. 12:31 – Benzene cleaning begins; flammable warning given. 13:13 – Cleaning tight metal or burnt oil using safe methods like type metal ruler. 13:50 – Reassembly begins with screw side block and nick side block. 14:10 – Blade lubrication and positioning with care to prevent overshoot. 15:15 – Hollow screw adjustment and final seating of blades. 16:12 – Cover plate reinstalled and final seating "shock treatment" explained. 17:26 – Final alignment check using a straight edge. 17:56 – Reinstallation of blade stop, support, and gib plate. 18:22 – Cleaning and reassembly of cross block and gate blocks begins. 19:08 – Fixed gate block removal if oil ways are blocked. 20:14 – Jet blade adjustment to prevent sloppiness or binding. 21:01 – Lubrication and reinstallation of cross block assembly. 21:40 – Gib plate adjusted to ensure smooth cross block motion. 22:13 – Mold is reassembled, re-lubricated, and protected for storage. 22:47 – Instructions for returning mold to service . 23:21 – Avoid steel blanks in matrix cases for constant height molds. 23:30 – Summary: skilled cleaning results in perfect type and long mold life. 23:58 – Anecdote about mold No. 12260 still in service since 1927. 24:15 – Conclusion: longevity through care and understanding.