The numbered end of the card is put into the clip on the index carriage, and the guide for the card set to suit the width of the card used, so that the punch will cut the holes in the centre of the card. The lacing and cylinder peg holes are first cut, by pressing in the keys E for the peg hole, and for the lacing 2 and 7 for an 8-row card, 1 and 8 for a 10-row, and a and c for a 12-row. Any blank designs, or rows of the card, are now passed over, by running back the index carriage, if the design does not occupy the full length of the card, it being the usual custom to leave all empty rows to the selvage or numbered end of the card, though it may in some cases be advisable to be otherwise. The selvage, if any, is usually cut first, and then the pattern.
Fig. 92
Pressing down the right foot treadle, when any of the keys are pushed in, punches holes in the card with the punches locked, and the left foot treadle, which works alternately with the other, is for moving the index carriage, which shifts the card from one row of holes that have been punched to the next one, so as to place it in position for the punches. In [Fig. 93] the black dots represent the heads of the punches, 12 in number. The keys 1 to 8 are used for cutting an 8-row card; when any key is pressed in it passes over the head of its corresponding punch, and locks it, so that when the cutter presses down the treadle and the punch block is brought down on the card, the locked punch is pressed through it, while those not locked rise up. The keys a and c added to the 8 suit for cutting 10-row cards, and b and d added to these suit for 12-row cards. The four keys a b and c d can be pressed in with the two thumbs. E is the key for the peg hole.
A good cutter can cut from 100 to 150 cards per hour, but this is laborious for constant work. Sometimes the cutting machines are driven by power, but as yet (1894) this is not general.
Fig. 93