Is 3/4-Inch Too Tall for a New Steel Chase?
I measured the height of my traditional North American printing furniture and chases, and they measure at 5/8” high (some of my chases are slightly less). I’m exploring the option of a new chase that will be cut from steel plate in either 1/2” or 3/4” height. The 1/2” option seems too low, compared to the height of foundry type. The 3/4” option, on the other hand, appears to still clear all the printing equipment mechanisms, as far as I can tell. My question is: are there any disadvantages to using a chase that’s 3/4” high?
This chase is for a Washington-style press with corner irons, which means it doesn’t need a specific profile so that it can slide into a particular manufacturer’s press bed.
I find making from a piece of plate is very strong even from aluminum but they tends to warp with heat, so milling the bottom and sometimes top flat is needed so 3/4” ends up around 9/16”- 5/8” thick.
If you use this height of chase on a Washington handpress you will probably be hand-inking the image locked up in it. .750 is a bit more than 1/8” below type high, and using hand inking, unless you use roller bearers, you stand a good chance of inking the chase, which could ink the paper unless you use a frisket. Just a caution.