While the Ludlow is a linecasting machine, all type is set by hand. This makes it fairly easy to operate it in only a few steps.
First, check the quality of the machine. It should be clean, and the middle of the desk (but the rest also) should be free of any obstructions and clutter.
All matrices for the ludlow are stored in special cases:
The matrices have a special T-shape that fits into the composing stick of the Ludlow:
Photo: The T-shape of a matrix and how matrices fit into a composing stick
Just like in the time of Guttenberg, the type is selected one by one, and then manually put into order in a composing stick:
Video: Ragnar Løkken from the Fjeld Ljom Newspaper Museum in Røros, Norway, composing a line of type to be cast in the Ludlow
After the line of type is composed, it is checked on errors:
Video: Checking the composed line of type after finishing composing a line of type
More information about the composing stick can be found on this page. If the composed line of type is correct, it can be taken to the machine.
The composed line of type is then slided into the machine. This happens in the top middle. The large handle is pressed down to lock the composing stick in place. A handle on the right below the desk starts the machine.
Video: Casting the composed line of type.
The casting happens inside the machine, invisible from the operator. The output of the machine will be one casted line of type, which the operator can use within a page layout.
While the Ludlow is an easy machine to operate, it probably comes with the second largest security risks of all typecasting machines, after the larger competitor the All Purpose Linotype (APL). Because the Ludlow is able to cast large type sizes, it needs a lot of force to inject the necessary amount of type metal. Many operators have stories about squirts from the Ludlow. If something goes wrong with this machine, a lot of type metal comes out of it. So always keep it clean, insert the composed line of type properly, and keep a distance while casting type.
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