Press Supplies (Line guages, composing sticks, ect.)
Hello,
I was wondering where folks managed to get their hands on assorted press supplies. We’re planning on having (our first ever!) class at the Bow & Arrow Press this fall, and want to pick up a few more assorted items for students: line gauges, composing sticks, fine tweezers, a lead cutter w/ a point micrometer (don’t know if it has an official name).
Anyone have recommendations for a reliable supplier (or perhaps a few extras of any of the above they are looking to unload)?
Many thanks,
Sam
Sam,
For what you’re looking for, you could buy new from NA Graphics. Or you could take a trip to western Mass—it’s really not that far from you—and buy that and everything else at Letterpress Things. John’s website is www.letterpressthings.com, and his next open date is 9/27 from 9 am to 3 pm.
Depending on where you are (maydaystudio assumes your are near western MA), another alternative is Dave Churchman’s warehouse in Indianapolis. A great source for just about all the necessary items.
The 15th Annual Midwest and Great Northern Printer’s Fair will be this coming weekend in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and so far I have about 30 sales tables signed-up. This will surely be a great place to also come and probably find just about everything your heart could desire in the way of basic essentials.
See the events listing on Briar Press.
Thank you all for your help!
Hello Sam,
Are there specific items you are short of? For a lead cutter I’d look for a H. B. Rouse #45 or a #40. You can get roller setting gauges and type high gauges from Letterpress Things. I’d go there rather than order it, it is less hassle and well worth the trip.
For line gauges the ones stocked by NA Graphics are quite nice. We bought one per press for Cooper.
Oh, and do you still have this Golding?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/believekevin/1791587718/in/set-721576027631...
Daniel Morris
Cooper Union
NYC
Thanks for the thoughts. I’ve ordered a few things from NA (no car, ect., for Letterpress Things). Still need to pick up more composing sticks. We’ve got a class with about eight students and need a few more to go round. Gotta save up for those, I’m afraid. Pricey bits of metal.
We certainly do still have that Golding and I’m pleased to say that we had that piece repaired and it’s now in vague working order. I’m frightened to print anything on it. As you can see from the photo, it has been repaired many, many times. The last job we did (admittedly amateurish) has the tolerances so far out of whack that I think running it might snap something else off. No harm giving it a pump or two though, and it certainly is nice to have around.
With luck, we’ll have our two C&P 12x18s up and running this week. First time since we got them — two years ago.