Die Cutting on a proofing press

keithcorcoran
on 16 Jul 10 (07:32)

Silly question (or perhaps not)

Is it possible to die cut on a proofing press like my Poco No 2?

I can’t imagine it would be terribly efficient but as with anything else… things are ‘doable’ if you really want to.

The other question is.. how is a die made and is it something that can be done yourself?

I don’t really have a need now but the question popped in my head and I figured I would ask it.

Thanks.

jhenry
on 16 Jul 10 (07:49)

Keith:

Yes, you could die cut on a Poco. As you indicated, it may not be the most practical way to do it, but probably better than on a Kelsey or Pilot.

You will need to protect the cylinder with a piece of mild steel (some prefer spring steel) and that can be done for a few copies by just reducing the packing on the cylinder by the appropriate amount and placing a flat piece of metal on top of the paper when you place it on the die.

If you must register to an image, however, you will need to have a wrap-around piece on the cylinder to which you must mount the printed piece being diecut.

Dies can be made easily by the hobbiest if the design is simple and only gradual bending of the rules need be done, but there are diemakers in most larger cities and the dies can be obtained at a reasonable cost. If the design to be cut is a rectangle, four rules of the proper length can simply be locked up in a chase as though a printed rule.

John Henry

keithcorcoran
on 16 Jul 10 (10:43)

John,
Thanks for the reply.

I assume the rules need to be sharpened?

Can any type of metal be used for the die/rule or is there a specific type, etc.

Again, even though I don’t have a need for this right now… it might be a good time to start some research. :)

thanks again.

dickg
on 16 Jul 10 (11:05)

They sell a steel rule made for die-cutting, they come in different heights. Cut-All Tools in Canton, Massachusetts sells all kinds of rules for perforating and die-cutting. Good Luck Dick G.