The iron and wood tool is in two halves. Each half is a long, shaped iron bar and long, shaped wooden casing or surrounding. The two halves can be positioned together and screwed or fastened in place, creating a shallow iron channel or reservoir into which hot lead for type can be poured. Screws in each half of the mold can tighten and hold it in position as the lead hardens. The wooden parts of the tool are very much battered and roughened by use.