buying my first press
i know a lot of people would suggest going to some classes before i purchase a press, but i really have such an interest and appreciation for it that i’d rather teach myself. i’ve never pressed anything before so i’m literally starting from scratch. would this be a good press to start with? i’m looking for something that will allow me to print with photopolymer plates, and i am aware i will need a base for that. are there any presses that do not allow you to print with photopolymer plates and you must set your own type? i want to avoid this until i get better at it.
i’m honestly not even sure if the regular tabletop presses will allow a photopolymer. any suggestions or advice will help. thanks so much!
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A lot of people have started with presses similar to this one, but I can’t say I’d recommend it if you think you may want to take the hobby a bit further and do any projects requiring large solid areas of ink.
The fact that the press has only one ink roller is certainly a drawback. You don’t say whether floor space is a concern, but For my money, I would say you would be better off starting with a small C&P or other floor-standing platen press. They generally have three ink rollers for good ink coverage, they have plently of impression strength, and they tend to be built much more solidly so that once you make an adjustment, it stays properly adjusted.
There are plenty of these presses available, and they don’t command the big prices that some smaller tabletop presses do.
There is nothing wrong with the small press as a starting point, and it certainly has the cuteness factor, but I know many who started with such a press and found themselves unsatisfied in the long term. If space is a concern, go with a tabletop press, but a more serviceable size like a 5x8 or 6x10 with two inking rollers might make you happier in the long run.
Anyone else wish to chime in with a response?
John H.
I think such a small press might make an excellent first machine to learn the basics on. It is similar to a Kelsey 3x5, and will do nice buisiness cards, envelopes and so forth.
I did notice though that the roller is substantially smaller than the trucks. This is not good. The trucks should be the same size as, or slightly smaller than the roller, or it will not ink properly.
thanks for your comments. i did read a little more on it and i think for right now a tabletop press is fine for me, however i would prefer a 5x8 since i am looking to print invitations and the like. right now i live at home so even though i have plans to put my press in the basement and floorspace is not an issue, my parents would probably be like, “what in thee hell is that?!” lol. plus when i move out west it would be difficult to move since i don’t have a lot of big things to take with me as of right now.and i’d like to keep it that way. however i am having problems finding c&p presses right now. i’m anxious and want to start printing!