Category: Letterpress for beginners
Earlier topic: What are these?

List of whats needed to get started?

Hi Folks,

I believe I’ll soon have my first press, its an older desktop machine thats almost ready for some work.

Over the past few years ive approached several printers that use older equipment for this advice most never responded, so as im unable to find the info, im now asking on here please.

I know next to nothing and have avoided buying stuff incase its not correct, but i will soon be needing to get at least the basics gathered up so i can make a start. Ive done searches looking for classes but theres nothing available that i can find.

If the good folks on here would be so kind as to give me a basic list from A - Z of what they think id need to get started on business cards and greetings cards id really appreciate the input.

What ink?
What cards, precut?
What type?
What cleaner?
What other equipment is necessary?

I dont understand whats been done with modern materials or where i can buy ready made blocks for greetings cards or special orders for business cards, if anyone can share links in the UK even if its just so i can get a bit of enlightenment on the topic.

Thanks in advance

Log in to reply   13 replies so far

Whereabouts in Britain are you based?

First thing you will need most is experience. If you don’t have that the equipment won’t substitute for it. Self-teaching printing will lead to mistakes that can both destroy your equipment and your attitude. You don’t say what you have already done to prepare yourself, but what you say does provide an answer: not much. Do your homework before you try to sell any of your printing.

Hi Kenneth, im in North Ireland

Cork Printmakers in Cork could help you learn how to use your press, though I guess they are not in Northern Ireland.

Hi, not sure if your press is going to be an Adana but there is an instruction PDF on
https://drukwerkindemarge.org/download/documentatie/adana_8x5_manual.pdf
The British Letterpress site has a list of suppliers for various associated materials.
Also for members the British Printing Society has publications for loan from their Library.

Thanks Frank, yes ive read lots of articles that give loads of good info, but its getting a good basic list on consumables that i can look out for to get started and then add various type and other equipment as i progress.
My press will be an older American press if all comes together…

The Adana instructions will still be a useful guide, thank you.

Great, Welcome aboard.
You may want to reach out to Lisa at LymeBayPress.com.
She can get you all set up and she gives classes.
Good Luck,
Steve

Thanks Steve, I’ll go check out her site

I live in Oregon. In search of furniture and reglets. Reached out to NA Graphics. They don’t have any. Also contacted Stark Press and Letterpress Things. No furniture on their websites and haven’t heard back. Didn’t see any on ebay either. Would rather not make my own if I don’t have to. Thanks in advance for your help.

  • bppayne
  • on 8 Aug 26 (22:23)
  • Updated 9 Aug 26 (06:30)

I have a complete junior set of furniture for sale. I’ll be in touch next week…

Denise,

Try the International Museum of Printing in LA, Mark Barbour
‭(310) 515-7166‬, or The Museum of Printing in Haverhill, MA.
Mitch Ahern, ‭(508) 397-1482‬
For a little closer to home, contact Jenny Wilkson from Partners in Print in Seattle, ‭+1 (206) 351-1761‬
Or CookKettlePress.com, (Vancouver Island, BC.)

Have you worked in the letterpress field before thinking about this project?
As an old letterpress printer from the mid-60s, it take time to to learn the art of letterpress printing. You have to be around people that know letterpress printing. I learned from older men in the letterpress trade and read every book I could find.
Not knowing what you are doing will get you hurt fast!
I still learn things today!
If you do not have someone to teach you from day one, I would walk away from this project.

I have worked in the printing for many years, and I know first hand, you just can’t pick up some equipment and print. You have to know letterpress printing before get any equipment.

  • ericm
  • on 12 Aug 26 (20:12)

You might consider working for someone in their shop. See what is being used and how. The earlier comment about lack of experience is accurate. You can get hurt and spend a lot of money. We gravitate towards things we think look cool, fun, and engaging, but trust me, the seemingly simplicity of printing involves a lot of knowledge. Go learn for sure! But dont go investing a lot only to find out how expensive mistakes can be