... except that the last piece of type is also held in place by something.


Not always. The printer that demonstrated this was setting type on an
actual printing press when he showed me, so I saw it first-hand.

So, how was that last piece of type held in place?

Jose
--
"There are 3 secrets to the perfect landing. Unfortunately, nobody knows
what they are." - (mike).
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.