Tempering mix

[KCSO]

I picked up a batch of what was described to me as tempering mix. This is long bars cast into segments of 5 pounds each. The stuff was used to bring lino back up to snuff for castibility. The guy I got it from thought it was mostly tin, but didn't remember the exact composition. Does anyone have an idea. I also got a bunch of Vita Flux that is guarenteed to make the lead cleaner than any other flux made. But the fellow I got it from said,"If you can stand the smell about 1 cup full of old 30 weight works just as good". I am dealing on his smelter and may get the lino and tempering moulds too.

[trk]

From my conversations with Chuck Dunham, editor/reporter/type-setter/printer/janitor/owner of the Deep River Record (Deep River, Iowa), lino looses tin through oxidation over time; hence the mix of add-metal you've got. Bought a printing press from him back then. He had a couple of linotype machines he kept busy.

Hmmmm. That was back in 1964. I think the principle hasn't changed.