the pearl vs. c&p 8x12

A C&P 8x12 is built more heavily than the typical Pearl - though there are some larger Pearls which are equivalent in weight. In either case, you will want a press with a throw-off and an adjustable platen (both standard on the C&P 8x12s).

New Style C&Ps (straight flywheel spokes) are built more heavily than Old Style C&Ps (“S” shaped flywheel spokes).

(I have used 8x12 C&P Old Style treadle presses for close to 30 years, so I can attest to the long-term involvement aspects)

the c&p opens wider than the pearl, i’ve owned c&p for 49 years Bill is right they are a stronger press than the pearl and much easier to find, i think the pearl looks nice, but i think the c&p prints better, the 10x15 seems to be very common and is my choice, that extra couple of inches makes a big difference, you can always print smaller with a larger press but you can’t print bigger on a small press, go for a 10x15. Good Luck Dick G.

I just purchased a pearl, but completed my internship on a C&P. I think it depends where you are going in letterpress. If you are looking for a long term press I’d go ahead with the C&P. It does print better than the number 14 pearl that I have. But then again, the pearl is quite beautiful.

Also, if you have limited space or need a light weight press (eg. live in an apartment), then a smaller Pearl (such as a Pearl #11) might be more practical.

the infos are extremely insightful, thanks everyone!

a few more questions, would c&p 8x12 produces the same quality as 10x15? what about the press size difference? also, what’s the typical price range on c&p 10x15? i understand it all depends on the condition of the press. i am located in los angeles, would anyone know where i could locate one?

i’ve had 8x12 and 10x15 c&p’s, they both print well, i now just have the 10x15. if you’re going to get a press i would go for a 10x15, its not much bigger than the 8x12. check out the printing museums, i think one is near you , there are usually old guys hanging around that know about the old equipment, maybe even where to find one for sale. they sell for anywhere from $200.00 to $1500.00. don’t rush into it and you should be able to get one fairly cheap. good luck Dick G.

The printer (operator of the press) has more to do with the quality of the work than anything else. Both the 8x12 and the 10x15 will do a good job. Even a Kelsey will do a good job for a good printer, The major differences are in weight and size of sheet that can be handled. The 10x15 is about 400+ pounds heavier than the 8x12. Sheet size is roughly limited to the chase size, though the paper can stick out the top of the platen for both.

thanks again dick & arie!

on a separate note, can you recommend good shops or websites for equipments? ie. composing stick, furniture/reglet, plane, quoins/keys, tympan paper, guage pins, solvent, etc.

For used equipment, Letterpress Things in Chicopee, MA and Dave Churchman’s Boutique de Junque in Indianapolis, IN are places I’ve used and can recommend. New stuff from NA Graphics, in Silverton, CO All are in the Yellow Pages of this site.

You just missed the annual type sale at The Platen Press Museum in Zion IL today. And The Great Northern and Midwest Printer’s Fair in Mt. Pleasant IA is in September. The APA Convention is in WV this year and coming up and they have a sale and auction. You don’t need to be a member.

Other than that just hang around with other printers as much as possible. They often know where stuff is located.