Type for Kingsley Foil Stamping Machine
Technically this is not a letterpress printing question, but I was hoping someone on here might be able to help. I am wondering if anyone could recommend a source for custom type to be used with a Kingsley Foil Stamping Machine? I believe it needs to be zinc or magnesium. I have many boxes of type that came with the machine, but am searching for an “@” symbol to use when printing email addresses (not as much in demand back when these machines were invented!) Ideally I’d like to get just that one symbol in both an 8 pt and 18 pt size to work with the type I already have, but not sure that will be possible. I would also love to hear of any recommended sources for custom dies, too. Thank you for any help and suggestions!
Yes, the type specifically manufactured to be used in the Kingsley machines had a slightly different alloy than normal foundry type simply because it was being subjected to heat. The other unique feature of the type were the rounded nicks that you will find matched-up to the “bump-out” in the type holder/sticks that insert into the Kingsley machine. These help to keep the type from falling out of the sticks.
Rick
I’ve been investigating purchasing a Kingsley as well and have been told Owosso Graphics in Michigan (http://www.owossographic.com/) and Augustine Dies in Marshalltown, Iowa (http://www.augustinedie.com/about.html) can both make custom dies for hot stamping.
Howard machines are better and more adaptable to other types and cuts than Kingsley. I used to work for a fellow who resold both, and I would rather have a Howard (and do). You can use Monotype, foundry type, brass type, and magnesium or brass cuts on both. Monotype is the softest metal, and the heat necessary to bond the foil will met the metal. The same happens to foundry, but it does last longer. Foiling from metal mounted cuts or brass type is the best way to go.
Paul
i use mag dies from Owosso, also for short runs i use ludlow type, like Paul says it doesn’t last long, i can usually get between 100 and 200 impressions (closer to 100 most of the time) then i have to change the type.
I have some original sets (4 wooden boxes) with Kingsley printed on top. I do not know if they are complete. Please share your email if you are still interested in these.
ILoveWords, you’ll have more luck putting an ad is the classifieds than replying to a two year old thread, simply because once a handful new posts are made, this one will be very difficult to find.
Take some photos of your type to show in the listing, as the specific type faces you have will impact their desirability. Also, the state of the type is important, since it is foil-stamping type which usually gets worn down more with use.