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Apart from the Linotype machines themselves, the operators had a broad range of accessories available to keep the machine and the matrices in a good condition. The list is too long to mention everything, we only list some interesting devices here.

1. Funditor piston pump cleaner
2. Linotype matrices reshaper
3. Matrix file
4. Polytype matrix cleaner
5. Rocla matrix cleaner
6. Sawdust matrix cleaning device

Companies like Funditor provided alternative ways to clean Linotypes. The device below allowd for a thorough cleaning of the piston pump.

Sources

1. own collection

The teeth of the matrices can be damaged easily. Linotype designed the Matrices Reshaper, which could bring bent or damaged teeth back in shape.

Sources

1. Google Books
2. Google Pattens

The lugs of the matrices can be damaged easily. Special designed files were able to take of the damage easily, so the matrix would fit again in the machine.

Sources

1. own collection

The Polytype allowed to clean a lot of matrices very fast. While not very thorough, it provided a good job for matrices which were generally well maintained. The machine, as shown in the image and video below, was completely automated. The cleaning product was gasoline.

Sources

1. own collection

The Rocla allowed to clean several matrices in a row for a quick clean. The machine was operated by hand, although it was possible to add a motor (most right one on the image). The cleaning product was gasoline.

Sources

1. own collection
2. Landes Museum Darmstadt

A sawdust matrix cleaning device cleans matrices by moving around. One puts some sawdust in the box, then some matrices, and then some more sawdust. This cleaning device is working very slow, with a maximum of 65 till 75 tours per minute. The slower the box is turning, the better for the matrices. This is to avoid damage to the matrices. It can be attached to a Linotype machine, so this cleaning device is cleaning while an operator is working.

In the recording below, the cleaning device is busy cleaning Ludlow matrices.

Sources

1. own collection
2. Typorama, Switzerland

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