Miehle Vertical Letter Press V-30

A Miehle Vertical in good repair is a very good press to have. However, if hefting a chase is an obstacle, then a traditional flatbed (Little Giant) might be a better fit. I would presume that “in the day” you might of had to heft a full chase of lead, which would be a workout for most of us. If you are running smaller forms, or wood type/engravings, then that may not be such a problem.

Another work around would be to have some overhead trolley between the imposing stone and the press, allowing one to hoist a form off the stone and move it to the press and place it in the press without having to lift and carry all that metal. Another tool that is useful for this would be a “turtle” a iron topped table that is the height of the imposing stone, allowing the form to be put on the turtle and rolled over to the press.

While I would say get it, I would probably suggest finding somebody else with a Vertical and see if you are comfortable with the press. If not, then pursue other avenue (Vandercook, Kelly, Little Giant, or Miller; however the Vertical is probably the most compact solution to a person looking for a medium format cylinder press at an affordable price.

Thank you.