Scott Moore

Embark on an illuminating journey with a panel of today’s foremost wood-type artisans, each representing a distinct and crucial maker methodology: CNC, laser cutting, and traditional pantograph router cutting. Prepare to be captivated as each panelist unveils their closely guarded production secrets in dynamic five-minute presentations. Through a seamless blend of videos, images, and captivating narratives, they will guide you through their step-by-step process.

Leading the discussion is wood type expert Geri McCormick from Virgin Wood Type, ensuring insightful moderation throughout. Joining the conversation are Scott Moore (Moore Wood Type), James Grieshaber (Virgin Wood Type) and Ryan Molloy. Together, they will delve into why modern wood type remains an indispensable element in the realm of creative letterpress printing.

This panel will discuss the myriad challenges confronting contemporary wood type makers, from wood sourcing to achieving type height, from uncovering elusive font patterns to pioneering new designs. They will also unravel the complexities of reproducing fonts across various line sizes, underscore the significance of meticulous finishing, and explore the cost-effectiveness of novel type production methods.

Expect discussions on groundbreaking wood typefaces and imagery such as an innovative untitled chromatic Hebrew font, a revival of Page No. 504 called Salida, and the making of Swiss Arrow Handy Boxes for the Provisional Press . As the session concludes, the panelists and moderator eagerly await your questions, so come armed with inquiries and prepare to engage with the modern masters of wood type design and production.

In 2009, Scott Moore worked with Hamilton Manufacturing Employee Norb Brylski to learn the traditional Hamilton methods for preparing type high endgrain maple slabs used in making printing surfaces. The wood preparation process is the historic cornerstone of the wood type manufacturing process. Scott prepares the end grain slabs for wood engravers, makers of wood type fonts, and for his own practice of making wood type ornaments, catchwords and fancy dashes.

In addition to the 19th century craft methodology, Scott (a retired Industrial Arts teacher with 35 years of experience) designed and built his own Type High Surfacing Machine, and restored an historic Hacker Block Leveler.

Brylski also trained Moore in the traditional pantographic wood cutting techniques used for generations at Hamilton Wood Type. Moore has shared this expertise with students and craftspeople at colleges, book art centers and printing conferences across the nation. Confident in the historical accuracy of his technique, Moore has added modern laser cutting to his craft repertoire, allowing him to work faster, and at multiple scales, while staying true to the craft tradition he has inherited. Working from digital scans, Scott is able to revive otherwise lost historical designs using his modern techniques. From freshly cut timber to finished catchwords, Moore can supply historically accurate wood printing surfaces for printers of every skill and ambition.

moorewoodtype.com