Kluge 10x15 vs. C&P 10x15

Lair:

A lot depends on the particular model of each press you are comparing, but, having used both, I can say there are some differences, but they are small in terms of how they might effect operation.

The Kluges seem just a bit “beefier”, but I can’t say I have seen any benefit for most operations. There is no Kluge comparable in size to the 8x12 C&P, but both the 10x15 and 12x18 sizes are plentiful. I believe some of the Kluges have a central impression screw which can provide a little extra “oomph” in the center of the platen if the impression is so heavy as to flex the platen a bit.

If you are looking for an auto-feed platen press with great inking capabilities, pick the Kluge as the feeder is reliable and fairly easy to adjust (once you get a handle on the basics), and the four form rollers give it the ability to handle pretty heavy coverage of ink (as does the C&P Craftsman).

Indeed, the Kluge feels beefier than the C&P, but there were several different varieties of Kluge sold. Most are designed for an automatic feeder, and the cam movement on the grippers is too fast to comfortably hand feed with. It is possible to hand feed without grippers (with CAUTION!), but it’s not as easy as it is on a C&P. However, with the automatic throw-off, you rarely need to worry about printing on your top sheet; it soft of runs in the opposite manner of a traditional hand press.

Weight on the Kluge is much much higher than a C&P I believe. Also, it has more moving parts and oil reservoirs Jhenry is right about the central impression screw too.

I think they’re great for stepping up from a C&P without getting into some of the complexities of a Heidelberg, but some operators feel differently on the matter. It’s also easier to find certain parts, as the Kluges are still used in production shops.

As a note, I learned originally on a C&P and now I own two 12x18 Kluges. I love them, and I personally prefer them over the C&P. Sure the learning curve is a bit higher, but I find it’s a more flexible press.

James Beard
Vrooooom Press
www.vrooooom.org

Thanks for the quick feedback jhenry & James! I am a beginner in letterpress and am actually on the look out of C&P 8x12 press since I noticed it’s easier to operate for my petite frame/strength. However, I came across a great deal on the Kluge 10x15 and wondering if I should consider it.

You got some great feedback.

Most people are a little scared of Kluges but I’ve been running them for years with great luck.
You get a bigger sheet size and better impression, but it’s also bigger, heavier and a bit harder to troubleshoot when you have problems.
I have a 8x12 C&P as well as 2 12x18 Kluges, one foil and one ink. The biggest difference is that the Kluge is more of a ‘production’ press. With the auto feeder you can run larger quantities much easier, a few thousand sheets later and you’ll see why.
Make sure it rolls over easy and all the feeder parts work and move well and the more rollers the better.
It is a larger learning curve, but if you stick with it you’ll be happy.
Tim
www.qualityletterpress.com