ettan vs takach press

[db3819]

hi, i've caught printmking fever and am researching etching presses. the 2 brands i'm interested in are the ettan and the takach. i want a sturdy, easy to understand table top model , not too heavy, that will produce at least a 16" by 20" print. I probably won't go much larger for a long time. right now i'm into monotypes and want to learn dry point also. i'm into non-toxic printmaking. i took a class using an ettan press and i loved it but from reading the posts here everyone seems to really admire takach. does anyone have any opinions on the ettan table top models and ettan vs takach? thanks so much for your help. donna

[Printmakerguy]

You won't go wrong with either of them- They are both excellent machines. Takach presses are incredible machines, though- Once you've used (or even just LOOKED at) one, it's tough to use anything else!

Takach presses are very well made, and super smooth to operate. You can almost use one hand... Ettan are nice as well. Really, you will NOT be disappointed with either.

Get the biggest you can accommodate/afford- You will never regret buying bigger now- You will have far less investment in the long run than if you decide that you want to go bigger at a later time.

-Andrew

[db3819]

dear andrew,

thanks for the feedback. it would be great if i could have the chance to try a takach. i think the ettan grabbed me because it was so simple, sturdy and old fashioned looking. i'm kind of machine shy. i'm not very good technically so the ettan appealed to my sense of simple and solid antique looking. the takach looks very industrial. as you can see i'm looking for more practical points to consider than " I like the way the ettan it looks," hahahaha. i'm embarrassed to admit that but it's true. i felt comfortable working with the ettan and not " afraid" of screwing up. being able to come here to a place where there are a number of experienced, skilled print makers is such a helpful thing. what i've noticed from reading the posts is that everyone seems to be very supportive regardless of experince and skill level. it's a great feeling when you're a stonecold newbie to be able to ask really basic questions without feeling embarrassed.

so happy thanksgiving and thanks again. i'll let you know which one i end up with.

[db3819]

dear andrew,

BTW, i just went to your homepage and i absolutely was taken by your jewlery. it has the same feel as the ettan press i used... simple, solid and elemental feeling. nothing unecessary to it. are the larger pieces for sale ? the ones that look like bracelets with inset stones. i didn't see them on your etsy page. i'm intrigued to see more of your metal paintings and encaustics. i'm also a mixed media artist who really only became active in the last year after a long time of suffering a creative block. i work mainly in acrylics on wood and use a little collage and pastels too. i especially love using metaliics in my work. i love photography too and manage to get great shots but as i said am a bit of a technically challenged person. it hampers me. i felt envious when i read your bio and saw that you seem to be the opposite... confident and curious and jumping right in .

do you keep a sketch book? i refcently devoured the book " an illustrated life" by danny gregory which, if you haven't seen it, is an incredibly inspiring collection of differnt artsits sketchbooks. it's relit my desire to keep one.

off to start on thanksgivng prep. take care, donna

[Printmakerguy]

Thanks, Donna...

Actually, all the jewelry on my site right now are rings- They are just VERY close macro shots that APPEAR to be much larger. The inset stones are just small

The simplicity of them is what I like- They are hand forged out of stainless steel on a coal fire- Then polished just enough.

As you saw on my site, I work in a LOT of different media- If I run in to creative block, I just switch to another project... If I'm 'arted out', I go to the woodshop, or work on one of my boat restorations... I like to keep busy

I do keep a sketch book- I try to draw something every day. I've done so for several years, and have a shelf full of them. Sometimes, when I get bored, I look back through them. I record a LOT of random thoughts and ideas in them, sometimes it's fun to go back and see what was going through my mind.

-Andrew

[freedda]

Don't mean to throw a wrench into the works, but I just got a Conrad 15x30 tabletop press and I really like it. I think that Conrad has quality like Takach, but not as pricey. You should check them out also. David

Originally Posted by db3819

. . . i'm interested in are the ettan and the takach.

[boundstaffpress]

I will attest to the quality of Conrad presses. If you call, you can even talk to the president of the company. Tom Conrad is a very nice guy who has been extremely helpful.

[pattykake]

Takach presses are amazing - and come with an incredible warranty. I'm fortunate to live in ABQ where Takach is located. It's a family business and you could not hope for a more helpful bunch of folks.