Printing in the home
I am preparing my workspace for a 5x8 model 1. I will be using the home office / art / music room which is not particularly spacious.
I am looking for advice from others that have done this as to what they have done for compact storage of all the printing supplies. Also, any info on home-friendly, non-toxic, inks and cleaning chemicals or other considerations.
I have read many posts on different aspects of this topic but every picture I have seen was in a garage or industrial space. I am trying not to make a mess of things, looking for creative ideas.
As for the press itself, I like the idea I read of mounting it on a board with rubber feet so I can use my drafting table when I am using it rather than having another piece of furniture.
Thanks,
Thomas
Drawers, Drawers, and more drawers. Use the wall as much as possible for shelving. Remember to make use of free space that is in the air whenever possible.
My first shop was with a 5x8 Kelsey and I squeezed it onto the mud room/back porch/kitchen entrance to the house. One type cabinet that was also the press stand and imposing surface. The furniture rack sat up on it, too. Nearby was my major space extravagance: a Paragon paper cutter. Ink and other supplies went on a shelf on the wall. Paper was everywhere, but especially on the back of the cutter.
I used left over commercial inks, both rubber based and oil based. My favorites came in caulk gun tubes. I also used the commercial roller washes. Just made sure the kids weren’t in the print shop when stuff was out. When they were old enough trained the kids not to play with the printshop unless I was there. A hobby printer just doesn’t use much of any of these to be of a real concern.
But if you’re concerned, the Crisco/Simple Green methods do work, just not as well.
Hope the drafting table is one of the old heavy wooden ones. The newer ones made of steel tubes and particle board might be a bit lightweight.
For inspiration you might look on the web at some folks who have put their printshop in the living room. Front Room Press is one, I think. Google will get you there. There’s also a Flickr Printshops group.
Sounds like you had the setup I am looking for. I have been looking for a type cabinet I can put the press on, but haven’t found one as of yet.
I am going to check out those group photos for other ideas.
I think Excelsior Press in New Jersey has different type cabinets for sale, his contact info is in the yellow pages on this site. Good Luck Dick G.
Thank you all for the recommendations. And thanks Dick for the lead on the cabinets. I have already contacted him.