What We Do and How We Do It
We are constantly on the prowl for abandoned table top printing presses. Once found, we purchase the press and often the remains of an operation or hobby which includes the accessories needed to print. The press and assorted goodies arrive at our business in a variety of ways. The greatest challenge is receiving the press in its original as found condition at a reasonable expense. Often times we simply take the required road trip and pick them up.
Our inventory is listed by press make, model, chase size and restored price. What is ready to be restored can be found on the product page. Our press restorations are completed one at a time and in the order of which the client’s deposits are received.
It generally takes three weeks to complete a restoration. Communication follows each step of the restoration process beginning with pictures of the press before the restoration process begins. Press disassembly is followed by a close inspection of each part. A status is provided informing the client of any discoveries that require attention. Missing parts are fabricated. Broken parts are replaced or repaired.
The next step is media blasting which removes all traces of paint, ink, rust and grime. Inspection occurs again when all of the parts are bare. The steel parts are polished bright and set aside for assembly. The ink disc face, chase bed and platen are prepared to maintain a bright bare surface and each cast part is hand painted in the color of the clients choosing. Two coats of synthetic enamel are applied. It takes several days for this special paint to fully cure; then press assembly begins.
The platen is adjusted to type high +0.050” and validated at six places. Rollers arrive from being recovered with black rubber. The trucks are installed and fitted to the assembled press for testing. We don’t stop preparing the press for use until we are satisfied that it will function as designed. If the press incorporates a feed/delivery board one is made in the shop. Another set of pictures are taken for the client to review.
When the client is satisfied with the restoration the crating is typically the next step. All domestically shipped crates are now sourced from Uline. Crate design and internal cribbing have enabled many presses to be shipped a great distance without compromise. Each is packed according to its physical configuration. Accessories are included with each press and are tucked in the crate to ensure safe transit. Correctly shipping a printing press is a skill we have mastered. Though not without its risks, every detail within our control is given the attention required for the crate to arrive at its destination just as it left our shop.
We work hard to ensure the client’s satisfaction while staying true to the original intended use of the press. Many of our restored presses are well over 100 years old. We strive to return the old iron press to the printer who delights in the function of these machines and produces product worthy of the letterpress craft.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if we can restore a press for you.
Our inventory is listed by press make, model, chase size and restored price. What is ready to be restored can be found on the product page. Our press restorations are completed one at a time and in the order of which the client’s deposits are received.
It generally takes three weeks to complete a restoration. Communication follows each step of the restoration process beginning with pictures of the press before the restoration process begins. Press disassembly is followed by a close inspection of each part. A status is provided informing the client of any discoveries that require attention. Missing parts are fabricated. Broken parts are replaced or repaired.
The next step is media blasting which removes all traces of paint, ink, rust and grime. Inspection occurs again when all of the parts are bare. The steel parts are polished bright and set aside for assembly. The ink disc face, chase bed and platen are prepared to maintain a bright bare surface and each cast part is hand painted in the color of the clients choosing. Two coats of synthetic enamel are applied. It takes several days for this special paint to fully cure; then press assembly begins.
The platen is adjusted to type high +0.050” and validated at six places. Rollers arrive from being recovered with black rubber. The trucks are installed and fitted to the assembled press for testing. We don’t stop preparing the press for use until we are satisfied that it will function as designed. If the press incorporates a feed/delivery board one is made in the shop. Another set of pictures are taken for the client to review.
When the client is satisfied with the restoration the crating is typically the next step. All domestically shipped crates are now sourced from Uline. Crate design and internal cribbing have enabled many presses to be shipped a great distance without compromise. Each is packed according to its physical configuration. Accessories are included with each press and are tucked in the crate to ensure safe transit. Correctly shipping a printing press is a skill we have mastered. Though not without its risks, every detail within our control is given the attention required for the crate to arrive at its destination just as it left our shop.
We work hard to ensure the client’s satisfaction while staying true to the original intended use of the press. Many of our restored presses are well over 100 years old. We strive to return the old iron press to the printer who delights in the function of these machines and produces product worthy of the letterpress craft.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if we can restore a press for you.