Yes. Cindy Iverson at The Paper Studio in Tempe Az.

thank you for your info, it’s a big help. i have the old belt so it should make the sizing easier. i’m all for doing things myself. i can’t wait to get the press up and running!

You could make one yourself with supplies from McMaster-Carrbelting (sold in one foot lengths):http://www.mcmaster.com/#5753K424lacinghttp://www.mcmaster.com/#6118K14The width of the belting depends on your motor. Lacing just hammers onto the belt. It is a lot easier than one would think. To start with, I measure the length around the flywheel and…[Read more]

hi jessica,thank you for your reply. i am taking a week long intensive in april at the center for the book ( it’s 80 miles away from me). i did purchase a c&p 8×12 this weekend, i’m pretty excited. i am making plans to bring it home in the next couple of weeks. it just needs a belt. thanks again for your reply.ondine

Hi Ondine,I suggest you check out the San Francisco Center for the Book. I’m not sure how far away that is for you (I’m on the east coast), but they have a really nice printing facility, fantastic classes, and opportunities to volunteer. They might also be able to point you towards opportunities more local to you.Jessica

Thank you Colleen! I agree with you. The more we thought about it, the more our inner physicists came out. The distribution of force does seem to make the most sense. Guess we’ll be using smaller plates in the future until we can get ourselves a larger press. We’re working mostly on business cards right now, so that’ll be fine. More work, but…[Read more]

Newman Paperboard is located in Philadelphia. (http://www.newmanpaperboard.com/) They make all kinds of chip including custom colored boards. Their minimum is probably a lot higher than you are looking for, but maybe you could call and see if they have any cranberry colored scraps around?

Size definitely does make a difference. Your press doesn’t have a huge amount of impressional strength. When you start with a little plate centered in the chase, it should be easy to get the sort of impression that I think you are looking for. But when you start filling up the chase, that same amount of force that is being used to print that tiny…[Read more]

Apple Die http://www.appledie.com/. They are great.

My favorite is a product called Tri-Flow. Its similar to 3in1 but lasts a lot longer. Its what I use on my bike and my sewing machine too.Never use WD-40. It can cause build up, attract dirt and particles and doesn’t last very long. WD-40 is great for cleaning the metal parts of your press because the waxy content coats and protects the metal from…[Read more]

Hey Kelly, you should email me at lockandkeypress@gmail.com to discuss this opportunity. How far in the ‘burbs? I was looking at a south side space recently that was SO cheap in an eco-friendly rehabbed building. We should talk location, price, expectations… I can meet you this weekend if you’ll be in the city?Jenny at LKP

Thanks for your reply! The plates are different sizes and we were not placing them in the exact same place. The plate that does give a deep impression is small, maybe 1.5″ by 1.5″. The other plates take up almost the entire base, which is 3.5″ by 6.5″. There doesn’t appear to be anything impeding the function of the platen. While experimenting we…[Read more]

We use heavy-duty gear oil from the auto parts store (SAE 90, I think), and lithium grease on some of the cams, on our c+ps.

Hi! Is there possibly anything in the way of the base that’s preventing the platen from meeting the bed? Are you placing the plate on the same place on the base each time? The press is so small that it doesn’t seem like the platen’s being mal-adjusted would be much of an issue, but you never know.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I have a C&P platen press.

Hi Katrina,If you have a Heidelberg, use Mobil DTE Extra Heavy. It used to be called Mobil Vactra and is the one recommended in the manual.Good Luck!Carrie

Hi Kathryn,If you are in the LA area, I recommend LA Grinding in Burbank. If not, I would inquire at a local (offset) printshop to see where they purchase their blades and get them sharpened.Good Luck!Carrie

maybe! do you have a space heater? try it!also – you might want to consider a treadle. when i bought my C&P, it didn’t have a treadle or a motor. but my friend rich polinski of frontroompress.com made me a very beautiful treadle. he’s a cabinetmaker. it came out so lovely. anyway, a treadle is good to have just in case your motor dies and you have…[Read more]

Hi Katrina,I use 3-in-1 oil. Works great. And it’s strange, but it actually smells nice too.http://www.3inone.com/Happy Printing!Sarah Smith