[R-390] Calligraphy Pen for Non-engraved Front Panel Lettering

[mikea]

On Sat, Oct 09, 2004 at 12:51:36PM -0400, Barry Hauser wrote:
> Hi Osamu

> The laquer stick is used only for the stamped ("engraved") panels by rubbing 
> across the lettering and thereby filling it with the laquer.

> Dry transfer letters would probably be easier than hand writing, but they 
> are fragile -- easily rub off.  If you use those, it's best to overspray 
> with clear acrylic paint -- or some paint that will not damage the panel 
> paint or lettering.  Draftsmen once used something called a "lettering 
> machine" which was like a small pantograph.  The letters were engraved in a 
> part that looked like a ruler.  You traced the machine's letters wit a 
> stlylus and the drew the characters.

> Those and dry transfer letters in Roman/English may be difficult to find. 
> The transfers used to be available in electronics parts shops and may still 
> be found in some arts & crafts shops.

> However, as someone else described, you could consider silk-screening.  If 
> I'm not mistaken, hand silk screening is a traditional art in Japan.  There 
> are various kits sold here and on the internet.  I'm not familiar with them. 
> It may be that you can find the materials locally.  And that would be the 
> same way as the non-engraved panels were originally lettered.  Even so, an 
> acrylic or compatible paint should be used so you can overspray a clear coat 
> to protect the lettering and the panel from wear.

The lettering machines were called "Leroy", and were quite nice if you
could bear *hours* of tedium. They're still available from stores that
cater to graphic artists and draftsmen, such as OKC's own Triangle A&E.
I seem to recall that Keuffel & Esser made them, or maybe Dietzgen, and
I certainly remember seeing quite excellent copies while I was living in
Japan.

-- 
Mike Andrews
mikea at mikea.ath.cx
Tired old sysadmin