I’ve’ always found that dampening helps to solve the cracking issue on coasters.  You still have to take care with the impression depth, but dampening will allow you to get a deeper impression without cracking.  If it’s not a large run (done it for 800 before and the arm started to get sore), I’ll set up my garment steamer and wave the coaster t…[Read more]

manufacturer specs say 2200lbs.  Mine with the motor, though weighed closer to 2400…. not an easy move!

Just kicking this up — a great place to stock up on everything letterpress printing, and ask any questions about the minutiae of letterpress printing — that did not get answered at the LoL Conference! Cheers, Celene

I had some issues with things looking a bit fuzzy/yucky too last time. I think I may give it a try?I’ll let you know how it goes!

You are so welcome! I haven’t tried dampening coasters, but it’s an interesting thought.  I had some cracking with the last box I ordered from Katz, and it made the fine detail look yucky (to me, anyway, but I doubt the client noticed). I also haven’t seen any other brands/suppliers out there for pre-cut coasters, but I’d be interested to know i…[Read more]

Thanks Dondrea! I was hoping it was this process, but I wanted to be sure before I charged to little and ended up with a ton of work on my plate! 🙂

Hi Kristina! That is exactly how I did it.  Just make sure the .jpeg file is high quality (300 dpi or better), and you should be good to do a live trace.  From there you can send it straight to Boxcar as usual!  🙂

Hey Liz, Congrats on your pregnancy! I didn’t read through all of this other thread, but I know this has been something that’s been covered in the past on LofL…if my memory serves me correctly, there was a discussion about being pregnant and what chemicals other ladies used: http://ladiesofletterpress.ning.com/forum/topics/press-wash-suggestions

Good food, good company, and lots of shop talk! I had fun in the printers fair, where I could wander, chat, meet people, and see what a few of you are up to these days. Oh, and one fun moment was when I went outside the front lobby and saw a line of orange totes; a whole gang of printers waiting for the bus!

i cannot get over how amazing the conference was. my favorite part was meeting people. but a close second was the incredible dead feminist presentation… jaw dropping. what those ladies are doing with letterpress is absolutely stunning. bought two of the prints and they are already on display at home 🙂

These are great ladies, keep ’em comin’!

Personally, I avoid any vegetable based, food-grade products for press cleanup. They can go rancid and you can get a buildup on your rollers that may end up being tough to remove. For clean up, I use California Wash, and blue disposable paper rags that you can get through Xpedx, (http://www.xpedx.com) a printing industry supplier. It’s so important to…[Read more]