I use a KINGSLEY HOTFOIL MACHINE. there are always examples for sale on eBay. If you’re still looking, check out the Kingsley. Stick with model M-60 or above, so that you have a two-line machine and therefore more versatile. you only really need the pneumatic function if you are doing hundreds of imprints at a time. also, check out the page https://www.facebook.com/KingsleyMachineCo/ for good reference info and images.
good luck!
i dont know a ton about Howard. but i see it bundled with plain old traditional typefaces on sale on ebay, so…. but i also have a link for you to read up on the howard. i use this company for all sorts of things. ludlow slugs. new typefaces, etc. http://www.belltype.com/HowardHotFoilStampingMachine.html
tiffany… the howard machine uses traditional type high typefaces. you are only limited by the size of your type holder. for example, most kingsley machines hole 18 pt type. but there are plenty of other sized type holders, so we are able to use all sorts of typefaces! hope that helps!
hey hope! how timely is this? came up on eBay today. these people can make dies for 72 pt type holders. i am going to have a couple made.
i’ve had success with professional spray paint cans. i clamp a stack and lightly go around and around until i get the coverage i am looking for with that color. however, it is a bit touch and go with a spray can. one splorch can ruin your whole stack of expensive 220#. so i recently bit the bullet and bought an airbrush. i had a 40% off coupon for Blick and bought a starter kit with a really good airbrush, compressor and some paint too. wow, what a difference. very consistent.
i clamp small stacks (25 pieces or less at a time) with small plastic clamps i picked up from home depot. i use a rough piece on the top and the bottom to try and save my heavy stock. then slowly just make my way around depositing more color as i rotate the stack. i was thinking of getting a cake turner or something like that to help.
here are some examples from my tests:
http://instagram.com/p/a_pLF2sKPn/
hi camille… who do you use to make your slugs? do they have a lot of typefaces to choose from? reasonably priced?
yes, you can use regular type. i’ve been using the Kingsley for about 2 years with no real concern on wear with the typefaces i own. i do use fresh type. i bought several from belltype. there is nothing like fresh type. so crisp and accurate. however, i also use old ebay purchased typefaces too. it just depends on your project. plus, you don’t leave type in a hot machine when not using it etc etc. Most type is 18 point body. you can use anything as long as it is cast on 18 pt body. for example, i have some 10 pt typeface on 18 pt and so forth. as well as just a lot of 18 pt. there is also a 12 pt type holder. Kingsley has lots and lots of accessories. it was an amazing company. if you check that facebook link i gave you, there are a lot of snaps of some of the more popular type holders.
you can have magnesium or brass dies made that slip into a special typeholder Kingsley made. i haven’t yet. but it was very popular back in the day to have your company logo made and use a Kingsley 72 pt type holder to print with.
i’ve been researching Kingsley since i bought my machine. it’s super interesting. they owned one of the biggest type foundrys in the states. it was the beginning and end for both companies.
ps. wait until you see all the amazing foil colors out there!
hey there. i use a Kingsley Hot Foil Machine. i havent had any special dies made but use existing typefaces and ornaments. i love it. it’s addicting. you can see more info about it here.
i havent any first hand experience with turning my letterpress into a hotfoil machine, but i believe you have to buy something that can heat the chase area or platen. there is something called cold foil as well.
hey! i am a kingsley-holic. (i even run a facebook page for my kingsley stuff and things.) i think the size that works best are 8 or 10 on 18pt. David at Bell Type in Los Angeles has all kinds of stuff for the Kingsley. let him know i sent you if you get your @ sign from him….. http://www.belltype.com/KingsleMachine.html
i use http://www.cutcardstock.com/LetterpressCardStock.aspx they charge $5 to cut to any size you want for up to 100 pieces and scoring is, if i remember correctly, just anther $18. their prices are super reasonable. shipping is $5 or free. and customer service is the best.
