Die Cutting

looking to do so die cut greeting cards. have been considering a letterpress for this process. considering a c&p 8 x 12.

anyone have some suggestions on a press or pro and cons of a c&p set up for die cutting?

thanks

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8x12 for die cutting doesn’t have a lot of strength, you will only be able to do small dies that don’t have a lot of cutting rule in them. I use a 10x15 c&p for some die cutting, but only simple dies, the more cutting rule in your die the more pressure you need to make the cut. Always cut on a steel plate so you don’t cut your platen. Dick G.

I agree with dickg, your probably going to want something bigger with more iron to do the job. Not saying you have to go this extreme but this is the press I brought home and it’s more than ready for some die cutting. A 12x18 C&P Craftsman with Kluge feeder. Best of Luck!

image: craftsman.jpg

craftsman.jpg

I used to die cut cassette labels on my 8x12, but use the 10x15 or 12x18 C&Ps - or our Windmill - for larger or more complex forms.

The 8x12 will cut a cassette label on 20# bond with no problem, but consider the “lineal inches of rule” involved to determine whether your press can handle the job.

( a “cassette label” - see how long ago this was? ;)

A die of under 20 lineal inches of of good, sharp rule will cut fine on an 8x12. I don’t know the maximum it can handle, but I know what I did on my 8x12.

And, as Dick points out - *always* use a steel plate for die cutting - nothing else will do, really. A die cutting “jacket” (that steel plate) can be purchased from Bar-Plate - along with just about anything you will need for die cutting.

And, when you do begin cutting, Never, never, never let your steel rule cut into your plate. With proper makeready, your plate will become “polished” in the cutting area, not scratched by the die.

You can do this - and should. Too many die cutting jackets show uneccessary wear and scratches - due to rushed work, poor makeready or a worn die.

If your die does not cut cleanly - or is old and the cutting blades are worn dull - have it “re-ruled” with new cutting rule. A worn die is your worst enemy.

My first long run die-cutting job - on a Heidelberg Windmill in 1966 - was done with a worn die on a badly cut up jacket. It was a fr&*(*)ing nightmare and I was adjusting the makeready all day long ust to get the job done. My boss was ignorant and cheap and wouldn’t pay for a good die - or a good jacket. I was 16 and didn’t know any better. Now I’m past 60 and DO know better.

Learn from my mistakes and make fewer of your own.

- Alan

thanks for your replies. from some basic searching, it appears that i need about 300 lbs pressure for each linear inch of cut. with about 38 inches, i need about 6 tons.

would an old letterpress even come close to this?