Ladies – please tell me about your Pearl #3

I have been thinking this would be the perfect press for me.  I started out thinking an Adana press would work as a starter press… then I moved toward getting a pilot because of its quality and percision … but it makes sense that a larger press would produce a better/deeper image (right?).  I only want to print note cards and only as a hobby. Can you ladies who own and operate a Pearl #3 give me some insight on its limitations and advantages? 

The Pearl is a classic press perfect for small image areas. It’s a very fast press – much faster than C&P’s but has no throw-out lever which I miss. I print on a 10 x 15 C&P when I have a large image that needs a deep impression but the Pearl is great for small areas and it’s so beautiful that it’s a real pleasure to print on!

I have a newer pearl. It is a 7X11 and has a throw off. (It is very pretty)I like how it feels petite only 730 lbs. , and it is upstairs in my studio, but it’s a treadle and I can get a nice deep impression if that’s what I’m after.

Thank you, ladies, for your replies. I still think the Pearl #3 is for me. Unfortunately I can’t get a Pearl with a throwoff ( heavier) into my basement without spending a LOT of money. So, the lighter Pearl it may have to be. I can hardly wait to get my hands on one. I have a 9 month old, though… and I know I won’t have a lot of time, but … I can make time after bed! 😉

I’m having a pearl 11 (almost the same as the 3 but improved) moved into my basement tomorrow. It is going to be in 3 stages – the base, the press, and the wheel, treadle, chase (other removable parts).I had a small pearl no. 1 in the basement as well and all together that one weighed about what the main press of the no. 11 weighs. It’s manageable if you have some good friends 🙂

[Author]

Posts