Akua Pin Press

[dinerfiend]

Has anyone tried using the Akua Pin Press (located here http://www.dickblick.com/buy/product...a-pin-pre.html) when working with mounted linoleum blocks? I don't have the space (or funds) for a proper press in my small studio apartment, and I don't have the resources to build a bottlejack press. I was wondering whether this pin press would be a nice compromise. Any advice would be appreciated.

[charlesgmorgan]

In my personal opinion, these are outrageously over priced. Try using a standard rolling pin, preferably a marble one. I find them locally for only a few dollars in second hand stores.

Cheers .... Charles

[dinerfiend]

Many thanks for the verdict!

[Diane Cutter]

I agree with Charles... I have one but it is now in storage. Since I do mostly relief prints with oil inks I found it somewhat heavy and unwieldy and did not get as good a coverage as I would have hoped. I had to go back over the paper with a baren or spoon.

The times I worked with monoprints, using thin paper and Akua inks it was better.

But, save your money... with just a few more dollars you can buy a small press new.

Diane

[dinerfiend]

Thanks for the warnings, Diane and Charles! I think I'll start seriously investigating the Blick Econo Etch; nothing seems to be able to beat it in terms of quality or price.

[Printmakerguy]

A gorgeous piece of machined metal- But a tad pricey! I'd save the $$$ for a 'real' press, or build a Charles Morgan press- And have a bunch of money left over for ink and paper!!

[dinerfiend]

Thanks for the confirmation! I'll be doing just that. I actually went to Dick Blick yesterday to investigate their presses; unfortunately, the only one that they had in the store was a Master Press, but I got a very good idea of the quality and workings of their presses. I can't wait to purchase the Econo Etch II! My tiny studio apartment can fit a 40-pound press, right?

[Diane Cutter]

I had both the Master and the Econo Etch presses. They are well worth it, especially given the price. Last year, because we plan to move, I donated my smaller press to a university printmaking program and wish I hadn't. I truly miss it for the convenience and the fact that I tend to work small.

Diane

[dinerfiend]

Thanks, Diane! It's quite reassuring to hear such rave reviews about this press, considering that it's a pretty darn big expenditure (although relatively inexpensive for a press). This forum is fantastic!