It all depends on how your press bed is adjusted. What works for one person probably won’t work exactly right for you. I use .22 or .30 chipboard under the tympan and build it up sheet by sheet (depending on what I am printing) until I get the correct impression depth. Unfortunately, trial and error is sometimes the only way to get to the right…[Read more]

Hi Ren. Make sure that you are using uncoated paper- rubber based ink will never dry on a coated stock! I use both rubber and oil based inks and normally don’t have an issue with drying. If you aren’t happy with the rubber based- pick up a can of oil and see how you like it, it definitely dries faster.

Thanks heaps! Is offset blanket like a thin sheet of rubber? and packing sheets like manila folder type card? (yes…I know nothing!..)

Add a piece of offset blanket below the tympan paper and a few packing sheets–virtually eliminates makeready!

Thanks Camille! I did pick it up. It appears to be working, though I haven’t hooked it up to an air compressor yet. I have a friend who is going to tinker with it a bit. I think I am missing the piece that holds the plates or type in place. Do you know what I can get to fit into the slot (on the photo I am uploading) that can hold a copper die?

Yes that would help…Its a golding Pearl #3. Thanks for your advice.

What kind of press do you have? I usually use one piece of press board .030 and one tympan paper. This is a nice hard pack. It won’t smash and distort if you are seeking a heavy impression and of course makes a great kiss impression too.

That is a foil stamper. Looks like you need to use an air compressor to make it cycle on impression. Google Franklin/Kensol. They are still being made. I have a couple of table top foil stampers and they are a very nice addition to any shop/studio. If it’s still available and free don’t pass it up. You didn’t say how much it weighs…some of those…[Read more]

This does look like a foil stamper.Have you looked on Briar Press?How much does it weigh?If you haven’t found answers, give me a ring 530-273-5606. I have run a few different foil stampers.This looks like a hand fed one. how does the impression go on?Judith

Hey Jen!I am going to go. Probably earlier (after work) rather than later, but I bet the dj will kick things up as the evening goes on. I do hope to see you there too!And as an addendum to the list of letterpress printers representing Chicago, I believe Rarrar Press will also be there!

Thanks for posting! Are you going to be there tonight? We’re going to make our best effort to get down. Hopefully we’ll see you there!

Thank you everyone. I think what happened was that I had sections of my paper covered with another ink and it was those sections on which the Vanson wasn’t drying because it couldn’t get absorbed into the paper. So, here’s another question: when doing two- or more-color work, what inks do you all use?

That happened to me too— I think it was that my paper wasn’t super thick and lush (just average neenah 80#)–So I switched inks, I now use Caligo- it’s great and dries in a reasonable amount of time and the clean-up is easy! (I am beginning to sound like a sales rep for them, but I really love their ink)hope that helps….

Hi there-1) It is really hard to gauge how much to take- because you never know what people will want to buy, and that can change from show to show, or day to day (at a longer show).-Definitely take back stock, but don’t make yourself crazy by second-guessing what people will want.How about this- take a bin full of extras, and make sure you get…[Read more]

good luck! The convert to outlines feature (then expand) is extremely helpful for scaling your art 😀

Thanks, Adina! I also asked a graphic artist friend of mine the same question and received a similar response. It looks like I’ll be going the direction of Illustrator! 🙂

Wow – great idea, Kristina! Thanks for the tip!

Thanks, Darcie! My husband and I found a “wood moving platform” at Home Depot for $20. Unfortunately, they were out of stock, but we’re hoping this is the direction we need to go.

I was lucky to get a swatchbook from an old printer. I bought the round glass table topper at Target for $20. But a Window glass place can cut you a piece. Or go to a Thrift Store. I have found that I have scratched mine. NA Graphics has everything else. I like the CA wash.Good luck.Courtney