#LETTERPRESS INK HOW TO#
#LETTERPRESS INK MANUAL#

Keep in mind that paperclip-like lay gauge pins may hit the bottom edge of the base when printing. cut out packing beneath where the gauge pins might hit the polymer plate or use a swing-away lay gauge. Whether you’re using gripper register or lay gauges, you can put the base right up to two adjacent edges of the chase. On an imposing stone, lock up the base, tightening the quoins enough so the base won’t slip out when you carry it to the press.

Next, complete a thorough reading of one or more of these books. This will help explain the differences between the windmill and other platen presses. Make sure that the string/paper you tie between the gripper arms doesn’t overlap with any of your printing.This frisket will also mask out any non-printing areas of the plate which are inking up and prevent those areas from appearing on your paper.įirst, memorize the Heidelberg Windmill Operation Manual. Then, tie a string or place a rubber band between the two upright grippers so that it will catch the paper and pull it off the printing plate. First, move the grippers of the press to the outside of the base-otherwise they’ll smash the base on impression. If your paper sticks to your plate during printing, the tongues of the gauge pins probably aren’t strong enough to pull the paper away from sticky ink. If the paper isn’t releasing from the plate, make a frisket. You’ll be able to see if there is impact between gauge pins and base if there is, adjust the gauge pins accordingly. To make sure that the gauge pins don’t hit the base, turn the press over slowly by hand on impression while peering in the mouth of your press. The gauge pins will fit in the space between the platen and the furniture. Place the gauge pins below and beyond where the base sits in the chase. After you’ve locked up your base and put the chase in the press, position your gauge pins in a spot that won’t impact the base during printing. To give you flexibility in positioning them (and to make sure you’ll have room for furniture and quoins), make sure your base is 1 to 1.5 inches smaller in width and length than your chase. ( read more about finding the right size base for your particular press) Most gauge pins measure about an inch long. For this reason, your base needs to be small enough to accommodate gauge pins.

If these gauge pins hit your base during a press run, they’ll smash and damage your base. Most platen presses, other than the Heidelberg Windmill, use gauge pins to hold the press sheet in place during printing. Confirm your base is small enough to fit gauge pins. As much as possible, you’ll want your plate to end up in the center, or the bottom center, of the platen for optimum printing and impression. any furniture, reglets and/or leading to lock the base in place.

#LETTERPRESS INK MANUAL#

Paul Maravelas’s Letterpress Printing, A Manual for Modern Fine Press Printers.C&P’s, etc.)įirst, your homework: read through one or more of the following books. If your base is over one of these lines, the grippers may hit and dent the base.įor platen presses other than Heidelberg Windmills (i.e. Make sure that the base is between both “dead lines” inscribed at the head and foot of the press bed. Tighten the quoins somewhat loosely so that the base doesn’t buckle up. any furniture, reglets, and/or leading to fill up the space around your base and quoins.Now, you’ll want to fit the following in your press bed: If you don’t have your manual, find it in the Letterpress Common’s manual collection.

#LETTERPRESS INK HOW TO#

How to lock up your base | printing with your base | taking care of your base | troubleshootingįor cylinder presses (Vandercooks, Heidelberg Cylinders, etc.)įirst, your homework: familiarize yourself with your press’s manual. How to letterpress print with your Boxcar Base.

What you need to print well on your L Letterpress Machine.

How to build the ideal letterpress shop.

Letterpress ink