Stock that’s larger than the platen
I have a 6.5” x 10” tabletop press, and I’m wondering if it’s crazy of me to try to print something on a piece of stock that’s 7.5” x 13.5”.
I’m working on DVD packaging using the Arigato Pak from Stumptown Printers. So, the actual printed area for each side is 4.5” x 4.5”, which is well within the boundaries of my platen. The packaging will overhang the top and the bottom, though, in order for me to register and print.
Is it possible to print on stock that’s taller than my platen? Thought I would ask you guys for advice before suiting up my press and giving it a try…
The limit to the width of a printed sheet is the distance between the bed connecting rods/arms on either side of the platenp. The only limit to depth is about a 1/2 inch below the bottom of the platen (before it interferes with the rollers), whereas the top can be much longer (tape a line gauge or stiff rule or reglet to support the sheet against the gauge pins. Hence a 12 x 18 sheet can be run portrait style on a 10 x 15. It’s a great way to print oversize forms if you don’t have the larger press.
Megill used to make gauge pins that could attach to the tympan to provide a side guide. You can bend up something similar (though not very adjustable) from 2 pt brass rule or from steel banding, just tape or paste it to the tympan OUTSIDE of the image area. You can also secure a extension gauge under a paper bail-which the Mcgill gauges are designed for.
You only have to be a little smarter than the press. Just a little. Think outside the conventional methods.
I hope you are not intending a real long production run on the hand operated press.
Think about how an extra pair of hands might help.
Think about tape.
I’ll just add that if you owned a Golding you are not even limited in width. Golding does not have side arms. It was a selling feature they promoted. They also made a tabletop where the bed moved down to the stationary platen for printing the corners of large maps and blueprints. Many railroads owned these “map” presses. As was mentioned above, you are only limited by your inventiveness.