footstick

A footstick is a tapered wooden or metal block positioned at the bottom edge of a typeset page, used to secure and square the type form within the chase. It works in tandem with quoins, the expanding wedges that lock everything tight. The footstick itself is beveled or sloped to allow the quoins to engage it at an angle, creating mechanical pressure that holds the entire assembly rigid during printing.

Footsticks are typically made from hardwood (often lignum vitae or beech) or cast iron, chosen for durability under repeated locking pressure. They are beveled at roughly 45 degrees on one or both edges, matching the angle of the quoins used with them. Length varies with the page width being locked, but they are always shorter than the full measure to allow space for other furniture and spacing materials. The wedge design is critical: a shallow bevel creates more holding force but requires greater quoin pressure, while a steeper bevel gives easier quoin engagement at the cost of tighter tolerances.

In practice, the footstick is positioned against the foot of the type form, resting on the bottom rails of the chase or on furniture beneath the type. Quoins are then driven into position against the footstick's beveled surface, converting lateral hammer or lever pressure into downward and lateral clamping force. If the footstick is too thin or damaged, the quoins cannot achieve adequate bite and type will shift or "pi" during the press run. If it is too tall, it can cause uneven pressure across the form.

Common problems and causes

A footstick that is chipped, splintered, or worn out of true will not seat properly against quoins, leading to loose forms and spoiled sheets. Wood footsticks absorb moisture and can swell or warp, requiring periodic flattening or replacement. Cast iron sticks resist wear better but are brittle and can crack if struck by quoins with excessive force. Mismatched bevel angles between footstick and quoins create play and instability.

The footstick occupies a humble but essential place in the locked-up form assembly. It is older than the modern quoin itself; early printers used simple wooden blocks in similar roles. Today it remains one of the few hand-tool elements in a chase, outlasting most other furniture because its simple wedge geometry tolerates modest wear and is easily replaced. A good footstick, kept flat and clean, is the foundation of a tight lock-up and consistent impression.