Fig. 157.—Two Forms of Gauge-pins.
Gauge-pins of some sort should be stuck into the tympan-sheet along the marginal lines as guides for placing the paper in the press for printing. Two forms of these pins, which can be bought for twenty-five or thirty cents a pair, are shown in [Fig. 157]. These pins must be so placed that there will be no danger of them mashing the type.
Figs. 158-161.—Home-made Gauges.
There are several forms of home-made gauges which may be used, three of which are shown in [Figs. 158, 159, and 161]. The first ([Fig. 158]) consists of an ordinary pin bent into the shape shown. The second ([Fig. 159]) is made out of a strip of cardboard scored and bent as in the drawing. It must be pasted in place and held in position until dry, to prevent it from slipping (see [Fig. 160]). The third form of home-made gauge-pin consists of a quad ([Fig. 161]), or thin piece of furniture, pasted to the tympan-sheet.
In Inking the Press be careful to spread the ink evenly over the disk, and apply just enough to make a clear, clean copy. Too much ink will clog the type and produce a smeared print.
Ink should not be left upon the form after the latter has been removed from the press, but should be washed off immediately with benzine. The disk and rollers should also be washed after use, as the ink will not be good when hard and will become dirty.
The Life of a Roller is greatly increased by using machine-oil rather than benzine for washing it. Benzine is too drying for the composition of a roller (which is glue and molasses) and takes the elasticity out of it, causing it to crack. Keep the rollers in a cool place in the summer and not in too cold a place in the winter, for extremes in temperature also affect the composition.