Improvement in Punch-Cutting.

Punch-cutting in steel versus the type-metal electro process, is a subject that has been already discussed at great length in these pages, from opposite points of view. On the broad question, little more can be advanced; but in the Inland Priuter for May we find an article by Mr John West, on an improvement he has introduced in punch-cutting, which (though it reads somewhat like an advertisement) is so interesting, and is so important a contribution to the discussion, that we transfer it to our columns. Mr West writes:—

Some years ago punch-cutting was done in a manner that left very heavy bevels on each side, which frequently gave the type-rubbers an opportunity to give vent to their surcharged feelings in language far from choice, on account of the heavy shoulders that had to be rubbed off. At the present time there are a few cutters who use the counter instead of the graver, and it is therefore an impossibility to have every one standing perpendicular with the square body of the steel, a result which gives the matrix-fitter an extra amount of labor to make it straight. I mention these points to show where the improvement in punch-cutting of the present day comes in, and to which I propose to refer at length in the present article.

I will take up first the well-worn subject of electrotype matrices. Those who cannot procure any others are always loud in their praise, and ofttimes give them more credit than electrotype matrices deserve. I do not mean by this to condemn them, by any means; because in large jobwork they answer very well, as they are less trouble to fit, and there is not such a wear and tear on them as on book- or body-type in general; but who can say that an electrotype body-letter matrix can compare with the hard copper punch-matrix that can be produced to-day? And when it comes to the production of these matrices the question arises, Which is the cheapest? I answer, The punch matrix. Take, for example, the cost of an original electrotype matrix, embracing the cutting of the type on metal, routing out the brass, putting up the forms, brass, attention to the form while in the battery, &c,, and it figures up quite a little sum; and when the metal-cut type is taken from the battery, the chances are almost even that the original is lost for ever. The hard metal at present used by the typefounders soon plays havoc with an electrotype matrix. I feel certain that no typefounder dare contradict me in saying that he does not use extremely hard metal when an electrotype matrix is employed. In fact, one of the main disadvantages of an electrotype matrix is, that, as a rule, it will give out in the midst of a hurried order, and when such is the case it takes four or five days before another can be produced, whereas, if a steel punch is at hand, a new matrix on the old system can be furnished in less than an hour, and on the new system in less than fifteen minutes.

But some will say that the cost of fitting punch-drives is greater than that of fitting electrotype matrices. If they refer to the old system their statement is correct, but if to the new system the tables are turned entirely, and the reason is easily given. Under the old system, in order to cut a punch, a piece of steel about two inches long was used, and the letter was drawn and cut on this piece of steel irrespective of its position, its alignment being left to the fitter. When this punch was finished and ready for driving it was placed in a half-square clamp, held by a screw, and then driven home. If a large punch, it would distort the copper very much, which gave the fitter considerable work. The new system introduced by my father, James West, and by myself, prevents this distortion of the copper, while the risk of breaking the punch is lessened seventy-five per cent., even when using the hardest copper. To make our new system plain to all, our steel punches are out as if they came from a type-casting machine, being made of steel in place of metal. The alignment is perfect all through, both in height and width, and perfectly straight on the sides, so that the types cast from the matrices made by these punches are non-rubbing. When the punches are finished they are hardened by a new system which prevents any shrinkage or throwing the punch out of alignment, which is a very important feature.

Now, the steel punch is placed in a specially-constructed machine; the copper, as hard as can be procured, is put in a steel box, and is sawed straight on the sides and end. The punch is then placed in position, and in order that the line will be correct and true to one side, a gauge regulates the depth. When the first punch is adjusted it answers for the entire fount of punches. What is the result? The matrix only requires turning on one side, and a few rubs on the face, and it is finished, as there is no bend to the copper. So far, the only typefounding establishments which have availed themselves of the advantage of this new system are the Union Typefoundry, with which the writer is now connected, and, by special arrangement, Barnhart Bros. & Spindler.

The question may be asked, Do these punches cost much in excess of those made on the old system? The answer is, The extra cost is only a matter of a few cents, while the copper used is so hard that the matrices will stand the roughest usage for years. I believe no fair-minded typefounder will object to the claim that such a matrix is far in advance of any electrotype matrix, both in matter of cost and rapidity of production.