Where do you get you coaster stock (besides Katz America), and what thickness do you prefer?

Hi all,

I’d like to stop using Katz America coaster stock (not loving the quality lately), but I’m not sure where to go for new coaster blanks. The thickness of the various coaster sources I’m finding online are confusing – sometimes they’re listed simply as “light, medium, and heavy weight.” Or by other measurements; called Holyoke to ask how thick their coasters are and they said “0.29” caliper. I’ve been testing the Holyoke stock out, but they seem to be a bit thick for my press (10 x 15 C & P) and prone to cracking. Those who sell coaster blanks on etsy seem to sell mostly 2.0 mm coasters, which also seems thick. And I’m sure you can all understand how loathe I am to adjust the platen just to print coasters, having not adjusted it for three years (but will do it if necessary). The Katz coasters were medium weight and I had no problem printing on them.

What coaster stock and thickness do you guys print on? And have you ever adjusted your platen to print coasters?

In the meantime I’ve been ordering samples online and crossing my fingers.

Thanks so much!

I HATE the heavy weight Katz..  have not tried the medium weight yet, but plan on it.

Other people have recommended Neena’s blotter paper (you will have to cut it down and die-cut it) I’ve heard it’s beautiful, but much more labor intensive and expensive.  I have not tried it yet, but am thinking about it…

I guess you get what you pay for.

Thanks Shayna! I definitely hate the medium weight Katz. It’s just so flat, and hard to get a good impression without cracking in my experience.

I think I’m going to try die-cutting. Have you done this before?

Thanks again!

Oops, never mind Shayna. Just found the info on die-cutting on this very fine website. Here it is if you’re interested too: http://ladiesofletterpress.ning.com/profiles/blogs/die-cutting-on-a-platen-press

I have only done die cutting once and it was a very long time ago… You will need to get a die made.   I was recommended this place: appledie.com

There’s probably some toturials online.  Do you work on a C and P ?

Yup, C & P 10 x 15. I found the tutorial on here extremely helpful. Thanks so much for the recommendation for where to get a die. I definitely keep hearing good things about them.

I know it’ll be more expensive (and time-consuming) than buying pre-cut coaster stock, but I feel good about the product I’ll be able to create if I go this route. Cross your fingers.

Let me know how it turns out!

Will do!

Thanks for the step-by-step how to. I’ve had a couple of opportunities to die cut but have been a bit nervous. Basically know how, but your photos gave me a kick in the butt. Aren’t C&Ps great presses! Print beautifully, emboss/de-boss, die cut, score, perforate, number. I love ’em. I have a 10×15 and an 8×12.

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