Arab - should I buy it?

The press certainly seems to be in good shape (excluding a bit of rust and need for cleaning and oil) and should provide a great press for someone starting out in the letterpress journey.

The rollers appear to be glazed and probably fairly hard, but you may be able to get them in better shape with a little effort and pumice or deglazing solvent. Generally, rollers in this condiition will require replacement, however, and you certainly would want to allow for that in your near future if you purchase the press.

I’ve only seen a couple of these presses, so someone with more exposure to ARAB presses may have some other observations.

thanks John. That’s good to know.

I’m in Australia, so wondering if anyone knows where I can get replacement rollers?

Just as a cautionary note for someone buying a new press, be careful to check for missing parts. Replacement parts can sometimes be extremely difficult to come by.

Did you check the yellow pages here? If not, there will be a place that can do it, but getting the right durometer could take some work.

Great machine to work, nice motion (swell), the platen opens into a near horizontal position, ideal for feeding.

Check this out: http://readingtype.org.uk/wwp/arab.html

Problems shouldn’t be a problem.

Vrooooom, what’s a durometer?? You’ve got me worried.

Durometer is a measure of hardness, and the point is that letterpress rollers should be made softer than offset press rollers. Roller companies that only serve offfset printers don’t necessarily have the softer material.

Thanks imp, that’s helpful. I’ll make sure the roller company knows about letterpress rollers.

Not long with an ARAB myself, also Australia. Drop me a line and I’ll send you what info I have to date.

Cheers.