New at printing…with a new (old) Press.

Howdy!
I am a new letterpress printer and I have recently acquired a Sigwalt 3x5 press for $50. It has new rollers and has been refurbished. I assumed it was a good price and went for it. Can anyone tell me if I need anything else for the press? How do the printers blocks and type stay in….I may be in over my head. :)

image: pressone.jpg

pressone.jpg

image: presstwo.jpg

presstwo.jpg

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It looks like you are missing the chase. Or was it just off the press when the photo was taken?

Daniel Morris
The Arm Letterpress
Brooklyn, NY

No. I bought it as is. Where can I get one?

Sorry, but that doesn’t resemble a 3x5 Sigwalt. A 3x5 has a side lever and two rollers. The chase bed would take a chase with outside dimensions of approximately 4 1/4 x 6 5/8.

these chases are hard to find, you can make one , i have used plywood from old die cutting dies, they work well. you will need quoins and a quoin key to hold your type in the chase, also type. you should contact alan at excelsior press in new jersey, he can help you with all the supplies you need to get started, his number is in the yellow pages on this site. good luck.

Elizabeth! Thanks so much!!