Showcard search

Hey all,

I’d like to purchase a showcard press, type and accompanying accessories. Ideally I’m looking for 12”x18” printing size, or larger.

I’ve been having a heck of time finding anything online, and being a student, it would be nice to find something that isn’t a collector’s piece and outrageously expensive. I want to use it to print posters for some local events, and teach kids about letterpress printing during some fun, summer workshops.

If you anyone has one, or knows someone that does and is willing to part with it, please send them my way. Much appreciated!

Log in to reply   5 replies so far

Hello

I have a lead on a sign press. If you would like to contact me.
I am located in Portland, OR, as well as the press.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Robert B

Hello

I have a lead on a sign press. If you would like to contact me.
I am located in Portland, OR, as well as the press.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Robert B

Hoxie,

Where are you regionally located?????? If you can find a reasonably-priced Showcard-type press you will be very fortunate. These have escalated in price in recent years.

I used to actually give a few away to beginning printers because 20 years or so ago you could pick them up for generally under $50. Sometimes way under!!!!!

Now that I am occasionally teaching a poster-printing workshop wish I had a few of them back. I have one that is relatively large and HEAVY and is a minor pain to transport to workshop locations. I usually borrow a second showcard press for workshops simply to have two presses available to print on at the end of the day.

I am in utter amazement as the prices just seem to go higher and higher and I honestly do not know how people are supposed to get a start anymore with the prohibitive cost of equipment.

Rick

Why not make your own?
The difficult bit is finding a roller. Dive shops often have 12 and 15litre tanks which cannot be used as they have gone rusty inside and will give them away or sell very cheaply. Have the round end cut off to give the length required and have a bar welded through the centre. If not heavy enough add some concrete.( An alternative is an old fire extinguisher.)
The base is a piece of thick plywound with wood around four sides, the two longest sides are your track for the roller one of the short sides is the gripper edge, use the spring grip off one or two clip boards. Screw wood blocks or rubber doorstops on the four corners of the tracks to stop the roller falling off. You then just need some felt for a blanket and possibly some sheets of thin perspex to go on the bed of your press to bring the type up to a printing height.
You have a working press that doesn’t cost a lot and can be easily transported.
The picture is of a home made press to give you a rough idea.

image: homemade_press.jpg

homemade_press.jpg

I’m located in Southwest Wisconsin.