Getting started with a Speedball Printmaster?
Hi all,
Thanks in advance for your help.
A printmaker loaned me a Speedball Printmaster Heavy Duty Roller Press. She used it for lino, woodcut, and other prints. I’m wondering if I would be able to use it to get started some small letterpressing projects like cards or stationery or…?
Clearly, I’m new to this, though I’ve been reading about it for years. I’m hoping to get my toe wet before committing. I usually jump right into the deep end and hope for the best but thought maybe I’d try this way for a change.
Thanks in advance.
This looks like an etching press, certainly not a letterpress. You could use it easily for relief processes but unless you can open the rollers past .918” of daylight you won’t be able to print type. I wouldn’t waste my time trying to print type in this, but there is someone I follow on Instagram that prints polymer plates on an etching press- Eric Von Zip, Spofford Press. Maybe you could reach out to him for some advice.
(also- pet peeve, it’s “stationery.”)
I
Letterpressing?
StationAry?
I haven’t missed much on Briar Press?
S. O. S., just s different day!
Back to the books!
Oh I almost forgot…
PRINTMAKER?
Of course all of that must be in a studio, heaven forbid in an ink and kerosene smelling, musty place that would smell like a print shop.
Oh I almost forgot…
PRINTMAKER?
Of course all of that must be in a studio, heaven forbid in an ink and kerosene smelling, musty place that would smell like a print shop.
watch your mouth, you said print shop!!
Hi all,
bowerbox - thanks and yes, that would make sense. I will see what width I can get out of the rollers and will look up your recommendation.
And thanks - yes, I share that pet peeve and can only plead fatigue as my excuse. Thanks for the catch; those sorts of errors are right up there with apostrophe errors!
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winking cat press - I’m excited to read that you also think it will work with polymer plates. It came with a frame that was perplexing to the printmakers as it’s too deep for the lino plates. We had to put additional pieces to bring the lino up to the level of the surrounding edge. Maybe that’s a hopeful sign?
I had an extensive lesson in hand inking and learned that I’m way to light on the ink haha.
Speed isn’t a consideration at this time - I’d rather go slow and learn. Fast will (hopefully) come later :)
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Stanislaus Pekala and dickg - sorry, I’m missing something here. Care to shed some light on the in joke?
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Thanks again for the helpful replies!
If you have to ask….. :o)
@forme - haha, clearly I do. I suppose it’s the curse of being a newb.