Question on Paper size for business cards

I run business cards on Cranes’ Lettra 40 point from time to time using a windmill.
I cut the paper down and print them 2 up on a 5x5” sheet.
I use the guides for register. I have not had any serious problems but sometimes getting a consistent paper feed does present a challenge.
I am wondering what size some other folks find works best for heavy papers or coaster boards?
Any comments appreciated.
Thanks,

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I find a wider sheet rather than a square sheet provides a more stable lay on the guides with the windmill, and is easier to for the press to control.
For example, a 20x26 sheet of lettra will yield 17 sheets @ 3.9x6.9”, which is 3 up. I realize this sounds like a strange size/combination, but bear with me.

17*3 is 51 cards per sheet.
as you’re doing it, 20*2 is 40 cards per sheet.
So, if you take my recommendation, you can have a more stable sheet to work with AND more cards per parent sheet. Just try it.
Cost you a fraction more in the plating, but save you spoils and time.

So As you are doing it, from the same sheet you are getting 40 cards and a square press-sheet @5x5, which you have to mark and track for guide and gripper (I always find square press sheets or almost square to be confusing; which edge did I print from?); not to mention, they’re not as stable as a long edge and a short edge.

The way the windmill works, gripper dumps the sheet on the platen as guides move up the Y dimension at an angle. This then moves guides up and laterally to position against a side guid which stops the sheet and position it in the X position, in a pincher motion.
Stock that is taller in the Y dimension can sometimes tip a little when it hits the side guide, and this affects register for me in practice.

I find it better if I am feeding a 4”x7” sheet (really 3.9x6.9”) and printing to that. The almost .4” top and bottom is generous enough for the targets and crops, and laterally you need to accommodate the gripper so it’s a bit tight but it does the job.

Good luck, and I hope this helps!

Thanks for your response, it does help. I have always thought that having a longer edge on the lay bar produces a little better stability.
I see how that size could accommodate the three cards and still allow for inside cuts on all 4 sides of the finished cards.
I usually run the cards with the grain going across the card, so I am not sure how many I would get per sheet but none the less it is an efficient configuration and of course the whole sheet does not have to be dedicated to cards.