PerfaBase
A recent post about Perf a Base gives me the chance
to ask how the stuff is used on a platen press (Heidelberg)
I have had a roll for years and never used it
I have always used the metal rule cut to 9”, 11+”, etc.
Bohlens from Germany
Then a piece of masking tape rolled up into a “tube” and
applied to the back of pieces of ejection rubber staggered either side of the rule and you eliminate need for a hot glue gun including mess, clutter of more stuff on the bench and
cost of gun and supplies
I really like this stuff for ejection rubber. it is a gel so can be used while the die is in the press, and doesn’t dry out once opened. Those blue sides are the squeeze applicators for a precise amount. Couldn’t find a bottle here at the shop, for simple pic, so I must need more.
https://www.amazon.com/Loctite-Control-4-Gram-Bottle-1739050/dp/B00ELV2D...
It looks like there’s 2 different questions here… last first.
I use pressure-sensitive ejection rubber. It peels off a plastic liner, and sticks to your dieboard very easily. I’ve also used it on letterpress furniture, though it takes a little longer to clean up.
Your first question about how to use perfabase… it’s only used with a type high form. You lock up your perf rule in a gutter between or near your type high type and/or cuts. No ejection rubber is used or needed actually. The perf rule will ink with the type. I usually pull an impression on the tympan, and mark where the pref rule is hitting. I cut a small slit on either end of the perf. Use the glue that comes with the perfabase, and glue it to the tympan. Then place it on the tympan sheet and bury the ends where you put the slits. I’ve also used scotch tape to hold the perfabase down.
So, perfabase saves a extra press run, because you print and perf at the same time. Some clients want a cleaner look, and you would print and perf in separate runs. You would just perf using your die-cutting jacket.
bppayne: there was only one question for me-use of the
PerfaBase. I am following what you are saying for the most part. I’ve always made two runs of a perf and number job
for a couple reasons; perf run being first (with die jacket). Then at least I know if the job is short / how well it is jogged and padded. Then I number without tearing up rollers.
Mike H.
We used to keep old rollers around when perfing and printing at the same time. Just popped them out the of Heidelberg windmill, and numbered and perfed at the same time. Perf base is a fine product. BPayne’s method is correct. I would cut the perf base on my slug cutter or some wire snips. Cut longer than you need in order to slip some under the tympan slit. Elmer’s glue works fine. Apply on the underside of the perf base and hold firmly in place for a minute. Wipe off excess glue. Place a piece of cellophane tape over it after it has dried for additional stability, if desired.
Would someone please measure the thickness of actual perfabase for me? I have rolls of spring steel in both 1/8” and 1/4” widths that I could offer it again as a product. This is old Cowan Pressroom product that we have.
Fritz,
If memory serves right, there were 2 widths of perfabase available; those are about the correct sizes. I most often made due with the quarter-inch width size; not having any type or numbering machines near the perforating rule. It is essentially spring steel, blue/black in color.
Hey Fritz, I just put a sample of the 1/4” wide perfabase in the mail to you at NA Graphics. Did not have any 1/8” but I think they both were the same thickness, hope this helps with your next project
Fritz
Got a chance to measure that PerfaBase
that I have.
1/8” Width 0.011” Thickness
Hope that is of some value to you