Category: Letterpress for beginners
Later topic: moving my new press
Earlier topic: oil holes on craftsmen superior

C&P 8x12 vs 10x15

For someone just starting & not looking to make giant prints (wanted more for stationary & invitations), is there an advantage…aside from size, between the C&P 8x12 OS vs 10x15 NS. I have the option of buying either. The 8x12 appears to have been out of commission for some time but the 10x15 (which also needs some love) is 3x the cost. Thoughts?

Log in to reply   4 replies so far

Bigger is always better. I would go with the 10x15 and if you stick with printing, someday you will be looking for a 12x18 or better yet a 14x20. I always go for the New Style, they are built heavier duty than an Old Style. Enjoy. Carl

Cost is usually relative to value - 8x12s usually sell for roughly the same price as 10x15s - maybe the 8x12 is very underpriced due to a mechanical defect, or perhaps the 10x15 is way overpriced. Sale prices vary for the oddest reasons, but I agree with @Carl on this one - the 10x15 will serve you better in the long run.

I went with the 8x12 myself. I wanted to print the same things you mentioned and the 8x12 will do those no problem. As the others mentioned you will want a bigger press in the future as you grow likely. So I figured why not go with a suitable press for my current needs and then get the larger press when I actually know what I will want to print or what direction I want to take my printing in. Bigger is not always better. For one thing the 8x12 is much lighter and takes up less space. Those where my reasons.

I went with the 8x12 myself. I wanted to print the same things you mentioned and the 8x12 will do those no problem. As the others mentioned you will want a bigger press in the future as you grow likely. So I figured why not go with a suitable press for my current needs and then get the larger press when I actually know what I will want to print or what direction I want to take my printing in. Bigger is not always better. For one thing the 8x12 is much lighter and takes up less space. Those where my reasons.