Hand Presses

[dinerfiend]

I've read completely mixed reviews of the Speedball model B hand press; some people have had much luck with it for small prints and greeting cards (which is the most that I'd be using it for), whereas others simply say to trash it. Those that recommend it for small projects seem to recommend printing it by placing the paper on top of the linoleum block (contrary to the directions) or using a wool blanket instead of the foam base that comes with the product. Has anyone had any good experiences using this press or the Richeson hand press that looks exactly like it? Or, can anyone recommend a press that is inexpensive and can print on mounted linoleum? I live in a small studio apartment and need something small and light that I can put away quickly and easily. Thanks, folks!
Here's the Speedball:
http://www.dickblick.com/products/speedball-press/
Here's the Richeson:
http://www.utrechtart.com/Richeson-H...016074.utrecht

[Diane Cutter]

My recommendation is to continue hand printing with a spoon or baren. Those little press are for the birds. I had one and could never get anything nice out of it no matter how I tried. I finally sold mine on eBay and I've often wondered if the person who bought it had any luck (I imagine it being sold multiple times on eBay)...

On top of it, the size of paper must always be small. The bar comes down and makes it impossible to do anything in a larger greeting card size.

Diane

[Printmakerguy]

Don't waste your time/money. I had one, and sold it. A spoon or baren works much better.

Build one of Charles Morgan's bottle jack presses- you could build a smaller one if you needed to!

[dinerfiend]

Thanks for the advice, folks!

[mooksii]

Changing to a wool blanket instead of a foam base sounds like a good idea. I use use a thick woolen blanket on my traditional press. I also have a new Epic Six letterpress made by Quick Kuts (it is part of their letterpress series.)

http://lifestylecrafts.com/

Its small and compact and great for making smaller prints. I have experimented with it and have found using 2 layers of felt along with the supplied plates makes a successful print. The only thing is you can't adjust the height of the roller - I get around this by using more or less felt.

Hope this helps!!