DIY Mini Press - PrintmakingWorld
Contents
1. Step 8 Finishing the press bed The bed is 1 4 thick polycarbonate sometimes called Lexan after its original industry name This sheet cut to size milled and drilled for fitting with a steel rack As it comes from the supplier it is covered with protective paper or plastic and the corners are sharp For appearance you may want to round the corners and soften the edges and then remove the protective coverings Re covering with clear smooth adhesive Contact paper is recommended Tools for this step are files knife squeegee ruler cutting surface and a bench stop Attach covering by one end to the table top with the other end of the bed stopped Put the Contact paper reading side down Turn it over and start to peel the backing away about two inches then drag the squeegee and peel at the same time all the way to the end 2013 Bill Ritchie A window washer style squeegee is ideal to helping avoid bub bles If bubbles form make a tiny hole and press out the trapped air Trim the excess See the video 13 DIY Mini Press Step 7 Attach the wheel The wheel is hand crafted steel with a 1 4 set screw in the hub The 1 8 Allen wrench provided is for tightening the set screw When attaching the wheel note that there is a flat spot on the shaft for the set screw is to be seated The flat spot en sures that the hub will not turn on the shaft when you turn the wheel When tightening the set screw2. attaches with four threaded screws and cap nuts the hood is custom fitted to the core The length of the core is precisely cor rect for proper tension of the chain Barrel cap nuts fit the threaded screws and are tightened with the customized Philips hex screw bit Do not use great force on cap nuts as they are aluminum and therefore liable to strip Threaded screws are turned into the threaded holes of the hood leaving about 1 8 for cap nuts See the video 6 2013 Bill Ritchie sioquinu o3ed y sn os popoy pue Zunund p p s jqnop JO mo prey ore sased oy VY MOU UddIOS UO SIY SUIMOIA JJ Seattle Workshop Edition Step 10 Tuning and adjusting a Mini Press Thinking of a press as being an instrument is like think ing of a musical instrument to the visual artist who makes prints the printing press is what a guitar is to a musician Fine tuning factors include the feel of the pressure screws and the movement of the bed Again using the wrenches are essential to this and if anything has changed while you put your press together now is the time to go over the assembled press to see that it works as well as it was designed to work The space between the bed and the side The chain should not be taught but piece needs to be only enough to allow slightly loose or else the pressure screws free movement will be hard to turn or jerky feeling No QR or Barrel cap nuts fit the threaded
3. be responsible for any damage they cause while attending the workshop Due to limited facilities food and drink are not included A coffee shop is located across the street convenience stores are close by and a supermarket a few minutes walk from the Mini Art Gallery A restroom is located within the building Ask for the key Smoking within thirty feet of the gallery is not al lowed Note that the wood that comes to the workshops is NOT finished and if you want it to be finished this can be done on your own as you will know how to take the press apart There is a section at the last of this booklet to describe detailing 2013 Bill Ritchie 3 DIY Mini Press Getting started Included are tools materials supplies and equipment plus a work area vacuum and other miscellaneous conveniences WY ing workshop right below Hex nut driver combination kit magnetic Wrench 5 16 open box end combination f Utility used felt blankets Test plate not shown Tools included illustrated at right Allen wrench size 5 64 2 each Allen wrench size 1 8 1 each Philips screw bit for barrel nuts in handle combo Open box end combination 5 16 wrench Workshop tools provided for use dur Materials supplies provided Printmaking paper for testing the finished press Light machine oil 3 in 1 Parts and accessories 1 Hood piece drilled and tapped 2 Open end wrench 5 16 open box end combination 3 Hood hex
4. demonstrate intaglio printing online The pictures give a brief overview of the steps for printing in taglio The space in this manual does not allow for other print ing methods stencil relief planographic monotypes and mono prints but they are addressed in using the chase Ink and wipe a plate intaglio Adjust pressure using both hands Assign moment number and pull Place damp paper on the plate settle felt blankets and turn the bed through A slow motion turning is recom the proof mended without stopping until you feel the roller pass of the end of the plate Video to come 2013 Bill Ritchie 17 DIY Mini Press Maintenance The mechanics of the Mini Press are simple so that main tenance is not a big factor in owning a Mini The one item to remember is to check the set screws on the driving shaft and the driving wheel hub but it is not necessary to check them so often that you wear down the corners on your Allen wrenches Don t overdo it If you have removed the wood parts in order to sand oil paint engrave or carve take care in putting everything back the same and follow the tune up instructions The felt blankets need little or no care unless they get stiff from too much sizing in the sizing catcher in which case wash in cold water because it is wool Read more about caring for the felt blankets on the wrapper in which they came packed Be especially careful not to leave the blankets un
5. socket screws 5 32 4 require the 5 64 Allen wrench 4 Mini Press core pre assembled 1 1 2 solid rollers with precision bearings pres sure screws and synchronizing chain drive shaft fitted with spur gear for driving the bed rack and four cross ties two with 4 bearings Customized Philips screw driver bit 1 4 Hood barrel nuts 5 32 4 each Allen wrenches 1 1 8 and 2 5 64 Custom 3 16 barrel nuts for core and cross ties 12 each Cross ties 2 3 16 threaded rod fitted with bearings and jamb nuts 10 Two hardwood side pieces 1 active 1 passive 11 Mini Press bed fitted with steel rack 1 4 polycarbonate 6 X 14 1 2 12 Wheel with 1 4 set screw accepts the 1 8 Allen wrench 13 PVC Chase cut for 5 X 7 format for 1 4 thick printing block 14 New sizing catcher and roller felt blankets 6 X 12 15 Manual this manual not shown in the photos 16 1 3 4 diameter badge blank not shown PN DU 4 2013 Bill Ritchie saquinu o3ed y sn os popoy pue Zunud p p s jqnop IO mo prey ore sased IY VY MOU UAIS UO SIY SUIMOTA JT Seattle Workshop Edition Testing your press Printing intaglio The Mini Press is capable of printing all four printing proc esses alone or in combination plus monoprints and mono types too These presses were designed to serve mainly as an etching press for intaglio printmaking and the designer made many YouTube videos to
6. would be appreciated If you want to learn more about your press please send email Resources On YouTube use these search terms to find videos by Bill Ritchie and others OMEMERALDA HALFWOODPRESS AND PRINTMAKINGVIDEOS For books by Bill Ritchie including Kindle eBooks go to amazon com and use the author s name to search Titles in clude Halfwood Press The Story Memoir The Art of Sell ing Art Swipe A screen play Travel Tapes A professor s Big Gamble Non fiction Rembrandt s Ghost in the New Machine Novel Cascades Ten years of Great Notions Non fiction and others Bill s personal website is www ritchie art com and on the homepage trace around the frame to find TEACHING where videotape titles are linked to YouTube offerings When in Seattle visit Bill by appointment send email or call 206 498 9208 The Ritchie Family Mini Art Gallery is located at 812 5th Avenue North C 2 in Seattle 98109 Bill s Skype number is bill h ritchie but it is best to notify by email to arrange a call either by voice or video as only the gallery computers are equipped with Webcam 2013 Bill Ritchie 19 DIY Mini Press Uses of a chase With the chase on the bed you can print a relief block up to 5 X 7 inches for plates 1 4 thick or under Plate glass or Mylar are used in waterless lithography vitreography printing as well as polymer lithograph plates Pochoir stencil methods plus monotypes
7. DIY Mini Press Fun fine art printmaking Mini Press replacement parts Core with fitted hardwood hood Threaded hex screw 5 32 X 1 Allen wrench 5 64 Allen wrench 1 8 Custom Philips screw hex bit 1 4 Open box end wrench combination 5 16 Custom barrel cap nut 5 32 Custom barrel cap nut 3 16 Side piece Active Side piece Passive Wheel 8 diameter welded steel Press bed with rack PVC Chase cut for 5 X 7 plates 1 4 thick Set screw for wheel hub 1 4 Threaded rod cross tie pieces with rollers jamb nut 2 Felt blanket sizing catcher 6 X 12 Felt blanket roller blanket 6 X 12 1 3 4 Diameter badge blank brass Rembrandt s Chocolates User Manual Email for current prices info halfwood com Experience real printmaking DIY Mini Press Make a personal sized etching press This is the Seattle Workshop Edition Working Proof Originated by Bill Ritchie Co designer of the Mini Etching Press DBA Emeralda Works Mailing address 500 Aloha 105 Seattle WA 98109 www printmakingworld com Email Ritchie emeralda com sioquinu o8ed y sn os p pjoz pue Zunund popis s qnop 107 mo prey oie sosed Iy PY MOUY UIOS UO SIY SUIMOIA JT Bill Ritchie 2004 20 2013 Bill Ritchie Originated by Bill Ritchie Co designer of the Mini Etching Press Copyright 2013 DIY Mini Press The illustrations and videos were made in the Ritchie Family Mini Art Gallery i
8. and monoprints work on this rack driven bed press Thicker blocks up to 918 type high require a thicker chase or type high rails place alongside a type high block the same size as the bed is shown below Vitreography uses either quarter inch ground plate glass or frosted Mylar Relief blocks can be printed face up or face down Thick blocks need spacers For a type high block such as mounted linoleum use a long block or place type high runners on each side of small glio monoprint and blocks For other sizes build up your Pochoir or stencil methods work well alone or with inta chase with strips or use the chase as a template to cut new ones of your choice of thickness The block above is simu lated the art is Mary Czerniski monotype The image above is a simulation Video to come 18 2013 Bill Ritchie sioquinu o3ed y sn os popoy pue Zunud p p s jqnop JO mo prey ore sased oy Y MOUY UddIOS UO SIY SUIMOIA JT Seattle Workshop Edition Terms and conditions A fee of 1200 includes all parts needed to assemble a press Two felt blankets are also included Washington State sales tax 9 5 is 114 for a total of 1 314 A deposit of 400 reserves your press space and 3 hours of time The bal ance of 914 is due before the start of the workshop Payment may be made by check money order of PayPal Add 40 when using PayPal account ritchie seanet com Participants will
9. der the roller for extended times because damp blankets will rust the steel If this happens use fine steel wool to rub away the rust and tarnish The polycarbonate press bed is tough and strong but it is not scratch resistant and after long use will have dull finish This is why an adhesive plastic coating is recommended if you want to keep the original finish on the polycarbonate It is also a good practice to print with a damp piece of thin newsprint under the printing plate when printing which prevents plates thicker than 22 gauge from skidding ahead of the top roller 16 2013 Bill Ritchie siaquinu o3ed y sn os popoy pue Funud p p s jqnop IO mo prey ore sased oy Y MOU UAIS UO SIY SUIMOIA JJ Seattle Workshop Edition 2013 Bill Ritchie DIY Mini Press Step 1 Attach the hood to the press core The hood is custom fit to each core The active and passive sides are indicated by the letter A and P on each end assuring the best alignment of the holes and the barrel cap nuts The active end matches the side where the driving shaft extends With the hood in place the threaded black 1 hex socket screws are inserted Using the 5 64 Allen wrench turn the black screws in until about 1 8 inch remains visible in the re cessed holes allowing for the barrel cap nuts to be fitted on and turned in Hood has Active A and Passive P ends made of hardwood and milled to fit the core It
10. erience in connection with the DIY Mini Press Workshop Signed Print name Waiver Date If viewing this on screen know that the pages are laid out for double sided printing and folded so use the page numbers And this page is intended to be cut to fit in the front of the manual cut out and singed by participants
11. he wood ls Use a 5 16 open end wrench with the jamb nuts Jamb nuts inside the steel core are im portant to determine the 6 space where the bed travels and so too the cap nut and jamb nuts on the ends of the side pieces Video to come 10 2013 Bill Ritchie s1oqunu o8ed y sn os popoy pue Zunud p p s jqnop JO mo prey ore sased oy Y MOUJ UddIOS UO SIY SUIMOIA JJ Seattle Workshop Edition Step 6 Check the three driving shaft set screws on the spur gear and collar There are two set screws on the spur gear and one on the retainer collar a total of three set screws on the drive shaft tightened at the manufacturer s Be familiar with these to en sure that they are always tight in keeping your Mini Press in good working order If the spur gear set screws loosen it will slip on the shaft Use the 5 64 Allen wrench to tighten these remembering never to use worn Allen wrenches The wheel hub set screw likewise must be tightened with the 1 8 Allen wrench Oil on the pressure screws is an option The spur gear has two set screws The collar has one set screw are There is a fourth set screw on the A few tiny drops of wheel hub which takes the larger Allen light oil on the wrench to tighten threaded pressure screws will make them turn more smoothly Video to come 2013 Bill Ritchie 11 I agree to hold harmless the Ritchie family for any losses or injury that I exp
12. m z to the bearing for best results nuts 8 See the video 2013 Bill Ritchie 7 DIY Mini Press Step 3 Attach the active side piece The active side piece of the Mini Press core has the shaft for the driving wheel and four threaded cross tie rods which may have temporary nuts on them to be removed They ex tend from side of the core about 1 4 inch Align the core with the wood active side piece with the five holes and slip the parts together Use barrel cap nuts to hold the piece in place Grip threaded rods to keep them from turning while you turn the barrel nut caps Check the passive side to see that 1 4 inch of threaded rod shows Check that the distance between the steel sides is slightly over 6 inches held by the jamb nuts inside When the side piece is on about 1 8 can be seen inside the recessed holes The core has four threaded cross tie rods ends extending about 1 4 E The barrel cap nuts are aluminum a soft metal so do not use too much force because the threads may be stripped or the slots dam 1 aged Use only the custom Philips driver bit other drivers do dam E re age Start the barrel cap nuts being sure they are started straight to avoid stripping the threads and then tighten them See the video 8 2013 Bill Ritchie sxoqunu o3ed y sn os popyoy pue Zunund p p s jqnop JO mo prey ore sased oy Y MOUJ UddIOS UO SIY SUIMOIA JI Seattle Workshop Edition
13. n the Resi dence on 5th Avenue 812 5th Avenue North C 2 Seattle WA 98109 open by appointment Greetings Welcome to the Mini Art Gallery site of a DIY Mini Press making Workshop The gallery is owned by Bill and Lynda Ritchie for showing and selling the Ritchie Family Art Collec tion as well as further development of the Ritchies projects Background The DIY Mini Etching press was designed in 2013 as a cost effective alternative to other hand printmaking presses It is small affordable and esthetically appealing The DIY Mini Press workshop is a concept long pursued by Bill with help from other members of the Halfwood Press Association Waiver Participants in the workshop will be asked to sign a waiver absolving the Ritchies and the Mini Art Gallery from any li ability for injuries losses or other harm experienced while at tending the workshop COVER The Mini Press is shown after assembly with the industrial protective plastic coat still on the press bed The photographs inside and videos online may appear different as they show models finished in different ways 2 2013 Bill Ritchie slaquinu o8ed y sn os popoy pue Zunund p p s jqnop IO mo prey ore sased oy yey MOUY UddIOS UO SIY SUIMOIA J Seattle Workshop Edition Further information If you have completed your Mini Etching Press congratu lations We hope it serves you very well as it has been de signed to serve Your feedback
14. nd badge you create or have cus tom made for you Video to come 14 2013 Bill Ritchie sioquinu o3ed ay sn os popoy pue Zunud p p s jqnop JO mo prey ore sased oy Y MOU UddIOS UO SIY SUIMOIA JT Seattle Workshop Edition Step 2 Start two connecting tie rods in the passive side piece ends holes The passive hardwood side piece marked P has un threaded holes drilled in the ends to accept the two connecting tie rods and four holes in the middle to attach the press core The connecting tie rods also have an active end and a passive end distinguished by a 5 16 jamb nut which will secure the rod in the final steps of the assembly The passive end slips through the unthreaded hole at the end of the passive side piece Cap nuts will fit the end protruding 1 8 inside the hole Two threaded steel cross tie rods have a passive end with jamb nuts and an active end without jamb nuts These fit in the holes in the wood side pieces With both threaded rod cross tie rods in set the passive side piece aside for now as it will be attached after m 44 m the active side piece is On the passive side which is marked with a P insert the end of the threaded cross tie rod through each hole in the end These holes are not threaded so the rod slips in Be sure it is the end with the jamb nut small net on this secured to the core 3 end of the rod run the nut all the way with its four barrel cap
15. never use an Allen wrench that shows wear If it slips then the edges inside the set screw wear and the set screw cannot be loosened to remove it nor can it be tightened to prevent the wheel from slipping The wheel is hand crafted so if it wobbles when spun do not worry because does not affect the press performance Allenswrenches EE and Dea 5 64 Locate the 1 8 Allen wrench AN Align the set screw with the flat spot on the shaft and slip the hub on to the shaft When you are certain the screw is on the flat spot tighten the set screw all the way down and then tighten it hard so the set screw bites into the steel of the flat spot on the shaft OF cs See the video 12 2013 Bill Ritchie saquinu o3ed y sn os popoy pue Zunud p p s jqnop JO mo prey ore sased oy VY MOY UddIOS UO SIY SUIMOTA JI Seattle Workshop Edition Step 4 Align the passive side with the core In Step 2 the threaded rod cross ties were left waiting Screw the jamb nuts all the way back next to the bearings then press the wood side piece onto the core where the threaded rods 1 4 extends When the passive wood side is on about 1 8 of the rod can be seen in the hole Use barrel cap nuts to secure the side Turn each of the cross ties active ends into the threaded holes of the active side piece until the ends extend from the recessed hole about 1 8 Secure with the barrel cap nuts Sc
16. rew the jamb nut out to the wood measure for the 6 bed clearance then bring the cap and jamb nuts together With the jamb nuts moved back fit the side on the four threaded cross tie rods Turn the threaded cross tie rod until about 1 8 can be seen coming through out the recessed holes Start a barrel cap nut on this end gripping the threaded rod so it doesn t turn with the nut 2013 Bill Ritchie zi Turn the threaded cross tie rod into the threaded hole in the active side piece Bring the jamb nuts to E E the wood and secure the cap nut and jamb nut together Measure to ri check for 6 bed space See the video 9 DIY Mini Press Step 5 Tighten all the barrel cap nuts and the jamb nuts in the steel core together The barrel cap nuts are aluminum which is a compara tively soft metal so do not use excessive force when tighten ing them and use only the customized Philips hex bit for the cap nuts They need only be snug The jamb nuts on the ends of the wood side pieces located inside the passive side should be snug against the wood The purpose of the jamb nuts is to keep the outer cap nut tight against the wood Use a 5 16 open end wrench for tightening jamb nuts There are jamb nuts inside the steel core too which should be checked again E a pane Use only the custom Philips driver bit provided with the cap nuts The jamb nuts in the passive side are to be snug against t
17. screws Jamb nuts secure the video at the and are tightened with the customized position of the parts time of this Philips hex screw bit Do not use great and a 5 16 open end writing force on cap nuts as they are aluminum wrench fits these and therefore liable to strip Video to come 2013 Bill Ritchie 15 DIY Mini Press Step 9 Detailing your press Two details remain finishing the wood and the badge The wood has been left unfinished so the owner can choose whether to stain oil varnish paint decorate by carving and engraving or combinations of wood finishing Sanding addi tional decorative routing there are many possibilities to cus tomize your press The round space on the passive side is for a badge which you can make in any material or which you can order from the factory as either a blank brass copper or alu minum disc or etched with the standard design or a design you provide For information email info halfwoodpress com Sand before staining or oiling start with Among embellishments are the laser 120 sandpaper then steel wool to polish print transfer with a hot transfer tool Staining oiling or painting comes after sanding Teak or Tung oils are popular Some stains have the oil included Fol low the instructions by the maker Test the finishing product on your embellish ments before proceeding A 1 3 4 inch space QR no video has been made for a Space for available at this writing rou
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