Homebuilt Letterpress Prototype
Channel: Dennis
Date: 2011-07-04

I really like the printing of letterpress and they make some really amazing printed pieces. Only problem is you have to have larger runs and send them off to be made which has a higher overhead. They setup the machines and do very large runs because the most costly part of the whole process is the setup. 
Having done some screenprinting and using roller presses I was thinking of ways someone could do a smaller run at home. 
I went online and found those smaller table top letterpresses that are great for 4X6's. 

What I notice is these systems are designed so once its setup you dont ink again. Well I think I can handle a brayer, so I went out looking for existing homebuilt versions. 

I decided that the arbor presses and the like with all the bungee weren't a very effective method of printing and wanted a larger area. The guy who made a press with a giant handle gave me hope that wooden presses would be effective at all. I started drawing up ideas for a smaller press that I could fit on a table but still print 13X19". 
After hours and hours of research and tons of paper version I created a mini version out of foam. Then a second version fixing some of the issues that one had. This is my first wooden prototype and it too highlighted issues not foreseen. 

Firstly, the boards arnt square. They were cheaper and I got them from home depot so I should have been prepared for that issue.  
Secondly, guiding the slider to the press bed is a problem I still have to figure out. Dowel rods should have worked but once I started attaching bracing it pulled them out of alignment a bit. 

Thirdly, the riser system works for the moment but I more elegant solution is needed. I think a track system from like a sliding door or curtains would work. 

All and all im about $250 into this. Including all the tools needed to build it. The jack was $40 so I think another version would cost about $150 - $200 or so, not including metal plates.. 

I'm going to do a bunch of test runs for a while and resolve problems, but I think I can print 8.5 X 11 no problem, I'm ordering a plate probably tomorrow so I might have a test print ready by this weekend..  Cost wise Im higher than a setup fee for one run, but if I get two runs, or three, this thing has paid for itself. If I get more out of it than I'll be excited..