Since the 1880s pantograph engravers of one kind or another have been the primary tools of the type matrix maker. Yet for the most part, pantograph engravers are general-purpose industrial machines. Only a subset of them were specialized for matrix making. These include the various machines by Benton (all bespoke) and their derivatives at other companies, a few Gorton machines such as the 1-A & 1-G Matrix Engraving Machine and the 3-K Precision Matrix Machine, and the now lost (?) machine developed by the Wiebkings of Chicago. The pantograph engravers developed earlier in the Nineteenth Century for cutting wood type directly, while conceptually related, really represent a different thread of technological history.
So pantograph engraving machines in general come in many styles, some suitable primarily for matrix making, some more appropriate only for other purposes, and some suitable or at least adaptable for both. We have and use several different styles of machines for various purposes. They're all pretty cool.
The Notebooks here are about particular machines that we have (e.g., pictures of hauling them home), especially those machines appropriate for matrix engraving. For technical literature about them, see ../../../ Typefounding, Lettering, & Printing -> Pantograph Engraving Machines, especially the Gorton Pantograph Engravers.
(For information on a pantograph which does not cut metal but which is still used for lettering, see The Varigraph.)
See also the Notebook on the Gorton 375 Cutter Grinder at CircuitousRoot
All portions of this document not noted otherwise are Copyright © 2011 by David M. MacMillan and Rollande Krandall.
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