The great competition demands of every chemigraphical business a ready, productive organization, which is also attentive to the rules of economy. In following out the latter it is advisable to aim at a division of labor. By giving to the single workmen more practice in each particular manipulation, the quality of the work is also promoted. To secure a lucrative trade, we need the following helpers: 1. A foreman thoroughly acquainted with the whole process. 2. A photographic assistant, who is skilled especially in straight line {105} reproduction, and who aids in the copying of negatives. 3. A carpenter, at the same time polisher of the zinc and finisher of the plates, who will also assist at other things in general. 4. A first manipulator, who understands blacking of the plates and the examination of the same throughout the whole process. 5. A man to form the etching varnish on the plates. 6. A man to scrape off. 7. A man to etch. 8. One to wash plates and to make himself generally useful. With the aid of such a staff it is possible to produce 2000 square centimetres of etching daily, and by the addition of a ninth assistant the capacity can be raised to 3000 square centimetres.
A first manipulator can be trained in three months, a carpenter in the same time, and the others in four to six weeks.
The head of the establishment will, of course, be doubly busy during these first months. Upon his abilities depends the success of the whole.
I think it is inadvisable to introduce etching into all the printing establishments, as production on a small scale is far more expensive and less satisfactory. But it is advisable to add to the chemigraphy a small lithographical laboratory.—J. O. MORCH.
SOME WRINKLES AND DODGES.
As I had to stumble through to success like many others, I gladly give a few little items of practice which may speed the work of others. I like this for a sensitizing solution:
| Bichromate of Potash in powder | 1 | ounce. |
| Water | 15 | ounces. |
| Alcohol (950) | 4 | ounces. |
| Liquor Ammonia | 1 | ounce. |
After I have sensitized the gelatine transfer paper I increase the surface quality by laying it upon a glass plate which has been heated very slightly indeed with vaseline. I use a squeegee to secure close contact and then stand it up to dry, say over night. A slight start at one corner with a knife point will cause the paper to leave the glass readily.
It pays always to get the best material. Nothing is worse than a bad quality of zinc. I use No. 10. A strong, well-made clotheswringer will answer for a time, for making transfers, when a lithographic press is not convenient. The pressure should be uniform.
Learn to be systematic until you are familiar with all the details of the work. It might be well for you to make a numbered list of the necessary operations {106} and paste it up where you can see it and refer to it handily. Accustom yourself to having a place for everything and everything in its place. I have seen many an etching lost by disregard of this rule.—C. W. ROCHE.