I generally print 25% extra, to both account for spoilage and to have samples for the designer and for myself. I know that’s a lot, but it lowers the stress level!I created a spreadsheet with at least 10 parent sizes so I can calculate how many out of a number of standard sizes all at once. If the 25% causes a new sheet to be used for only a few…[Read more]

I also use the 3% rule for each run.  I now run sample sheets for lining up different color runs that help cut down on 3%, but there are always the few that go in crooked. So I am happy to have the 3% overage. 

Hi Harold,I took a letterpress class from Nathan Atkinson, lifelong printer, at San Francisco City College and his course material included the following:

• calculate 3% spoilage for each run through the press, including for scoring or perforating (that’s 3% of the total number of prints you want to have in the end)

also he advises:

• all cuts must…

[Read more]

Thank you both! I will keep searching for a better option! Thank you!

I agree with Bill. Restoration is tricky. Some hands-on experience will guide you. If you can find a local letterpress shop, museum, art/trade school, or letterpress/book arts community that has presses, they can be of immense help to you in learning what press you really enjoy and can use. Also consider a larger press, these little ones are very…[Read more]

Definitely not. Get a press that has very recently been in the use of an experienced printer turning out good work. This press needs restoration and you have to know the presses pretty well to do that.

Holyoke is great but can be SO expensive!

Holyoke is great but can be SO expensive!

I bought mine from Holyoke. They have Holyoke Paper or Lettrahttp://holyokedirect.com/lettra-coasters/

I bought mine from Holyoke. They have Holyoke Paper or Lettrahttp://holyokedirect.com/lettra-coasters/