Linotype mechanism

by Alvin Garfield Swank; Raymond Means

THE VISE

The vise is that part of the machine which carries, as its main parts, the first elevator slide, the vise justification rods, the trimming knives, the vise automatic, the vise jaws, the slug lever, the mold disk locking stud blocks, the mold banking blocks, and the knife wiper.

The bottom end of the vise is hinged to the base of the machine by a shaft. The top part is locked to the machine by the vise locking screws, which interlock with the vise locking studs on the frame.

To open the vise to first position, push the control lever all the way in, and turn the handles of the locking screws in a vertical position, in which position they will be disengaged from the vise locking studs.

The vise may be opened to first position at any time when the mold disk is not forward on the locking studs, or the first elevator is not in the top guide. The vise should never be opened to first position when the mold disk is forward on the locking studs because it is difficult to get it relocked on the studs against the lockup pressure; also there is danger of getting the ends of justification levers out of position under the collars on the justification rods.

To open the vise to second position, let the machine turn forward until the first elevator is resting on the vise cap, just before the mold disk advances. Then lower to first position. Hold the vise up with the left hand, release pawl at the extreme bottom end of vise frame and let the vise down easily, pulling up on the first elevator slide with the right hand. This keeps the link from being damaged.

Never let the vise down to second position unless the first elevator is in the lower position. To do so would throw the weight of the vise on the first elevator lever, with danger of breaking the lever.

The vise locking studs are set at the factory to give the proper alignment of the vise with the mold. The studs often have a very thin washer between their back shoulder and the frame to give them the proper adjustment. Should it be necessary to remove or replace a stud, be careful not to lose or leave out the washers. Neither should more washers be added. To do so would force the vise in a strain when locked up, and cause an improper height of the slug.