Monotype/Linotype Question

[wilded]

Being a long time shooter and short time cast boolit maker I am not sure of the content of certain metals etc. What exactly are linotype and monotype made of and how do I tell one from another? I ran across some of this stuff and did not know if I should buy it or not. Thanks, ET :bigsmyl2:

[btroj]

Always buy type metal if price seems reasonable.
My understanding is that Linotype is generally a line of letters cast in a single line. Monotype is individual letters on separate blocks.

Monotype is generally higher in tin and antimony content. Used type is variable as you don't know what metals may have been oxidized out over time.

[bumpo628]

The book values are as follows:
Lino - 4% tin, 12% antimony, 84% lead
Mono - 9% tin, 19% antimony, 72% lead

As mentioned above, the actual values could be lower. Assuming you're working with the book values is fine for our purposes.

[Defcon-One]

Linotype is shiny strips about 1/8" thick by 1" by 3-6" long. They often have lines of type on them. (ie. Lino = Lines)

Here's a pick (Click on it to enlarge!):

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_178454e3b599384c3a.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=1703)

Monotype is harder yet and is typically individual letters, one per peice. (ie. Mono = One)

I do not have a pic of Monotype, but it always seems to be dark grey and blocky looking. Maybe the alloy, maybe the ink?

[wilded]

Thanks guys, I'm learning. ET

[David2011]

The monotype I have is all small, very bright pieces. It sat in Houston's humidity for 30 years without turning dark but there's no ink on it, either. I'll post a picture when I can. Just a half pound of monotype in 20 pounds of WW makes it cast much nicer.

David

[evan price]

Individual letters and symbols are usually monotype. There will be a little nick cast into the side. If the nick is rounded it is "supposedly" monotype alloy. If the nick is square it is "supposedly" foundry type alloy, even harder than monotype.
I see monotype with BHN around 30 quite often.

[meeesterpaul]

I have some scans of different types posted on this site. The fonts (as the printers call their different letterpress types) come in a fairly wide range of ratios. Some of the spacers (slugs) are soft because they don't have to be durable. Sometime they have a dose of Sb but no Sn. I trust the scanner more than I trust my eye.
Check my posts for some photos of the scanner readouts.

[Certaindeaf]

It seems like you know how to spell acceptably well.. put that into a search engine and derive great joy. perhaps