The Composing Stick: A Key Tool in the Ludlow Typograph System

In the world of letterpress, the Ludlow Typograph holds a unique place for its ability to cast slugs on demand. Unlike traditional typesetting, where individual pieces of metal type are arranged by hand, the Ludlow system uses a composing stick to assemble matrices, which are molds for letters and symbols. These matrices are then inserted into the Ludlow machine, where molten metal is cast into slugs, providing a quick and efficient way to create entire lines of type.

The composing stick used for the Ludlow differs from traditional letterpress composing sticks, which are designed to hold individual pieces of type. In the Ludlow system, the composing stick must not only align and hold the brass matrices, but it also suspends them in a way that allows the hot metal to be injected from below. This unique design ensures that the molten metal fills the molds to create a solid slug, ready for printing. Once the matrices are securely in place, the composing stick is locked and inserted into the Ludlow machine, where the casting process takes place. This system allows for quick, on-the-fly typesetting with incredible precision.

The beauty of using the Ludlow system lies in its flexibility and efficiency. Printers can quickly change the text, create different type sizes, and produce slugs that are ready for immediate use. The Ludlow composing stick is a vital tool in this process, enabling precision, suspension, and ease in the assembly of matrices. For anyone exploring the world of letterpress, understanding the Ludlow Typograph and its unique composing stick opens up a new dimension of printing possibilities.