Worn Wood Type

It will take some time and patience, but will be worth it if you like the face and will use it.
Place a piece of 120 grit sandpaper on the stone or back of a smooth galley. Stroke the type piece in one direction. Count the strokes. Examine often to determine when you have a sharp edge. Then use the same number of strokes for all pieces.
You will have reduced the type below type high and will` have to underlay the wood type part of the form with one or more sheets of copy paper.

I am probably a better woodworker than a printer, so let me add some suggestions to Inky’s restoration plan.

After using the 120 grit, and don’t take very may strokes with it, then switch to 220 grit for a few strokes, and then finish with a few strokes of 320 grit. Wipe off the type between each grit to remove the dust. If you don’t step up the grit, you will end up with sanding stroke marks on the face of the type.

With the type clean, seal it with shellac - probably will take a couple of coats with minor 220/320 grit sanding in between coats. You probably can use aerosol spray can shellac, I would start with a spray can.

You will be pleased with the refinished type.

LD

PS In the future, don’t clean the type with alcohol - it will melt the shellac.