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.

Tatiana, my experience is to be wary of welding a key broken part due to issues of strength and precision. I would get a replacement part if possible.

Hard to believe shipping could cause such a break.

Right, or better yet find a replacement part.

I bought an aluminum Craftsman 9×13 new back in 1985. Though I have done some nice printing on it, I don’t think it would yeild much impression.I am wondering if you would not do best getting a Vandercook.

A real beautiful press!

My wife and I agree that anything printed on a C&P is letterpress.

I painted a very dirty, greasy 12×18 Oldstyle C&P years ago. I used mineral spirits followed by lacquer thinner.

This pediatrician believes the dangers of small lead exposures have been overstated. Worth checking out:  http://www4.hmc.edu:8001/chemistry/Pb/resources/pb-tainted%20science.pdf

Thanks. I ended up using a rag and WD40.  I wonder which is thicker?

I share your concern about doing deep impression work on a C+P. How much pressure is too much for the press?

David, I posted the paper on Scribd. Hope that works. Please let me know.http://www.scribd.com/doc/152737292/b-tainted-Science-1

I am a professional painter and have painted a 12 x18 C&P. I would use a wire brush or sand paper to take off the oxidation. Wiping the metal down with lacquer thinner will take off any oil that might cause the paint not to adhere. Then I would prime with an oil-based primer specifically made for iron and finish with a high gloss oil enamel. I…[Read more]