There are 72 pica on a 12-inch ruler. They come in several thick nesses, from 2-point and4 point, then 6 point, which are called slugs. Chase A chase is a frame like device, made usually of iron or steel, this is the object that contains the type that has been set up, and enables the printer to control the moving of the type while it is locked into it. Quoins are devices used to do this, they come in many variations, and all use expansion to create pressure against the form, usually operated by a T handled key. The composing stick is an important tool used in the initial setting of type, the printer will stand at the type case and pick type, placing it in the composing stick, building the words from right to left, so that it reads in reverse.
Type is molded in reverse, so the printer can still spell in the correct order.
Learning to read backwards is part of the printer's skill. When the composing stick is full, it is carried to the galley tray, where it is assembled into columns. From the galley tray, it is carried to the imposing stone for completion and locked into a form, or directly to the flatbed of a press, such as a Washington Press. The type case is used to store the type, in order. Made of wood, divided into sections to hold a complete font of type, including numbers, punctuation, and spacing.