Time Out

After a few lovely days off, I was back in the garage today making some minor tweaks to our printer.
We managed to print our own linocut Christmas cards in time though, which was very satisfying!

Next, we be trying the printer out on more challenging projects such as collographs...

Smudgeprints goes Live!

Steph's new printmaking website is now alive and kicking...

It will no doubt need lots of tweaking, but it's a start!

Bench Press

Well, The Beast, MkII is finally ready for it's first trial.

Sporting a new concrete filled roller and windy handle thing, it should finally have the strength to squash the life out of anything rolled through it. We'll show you the result of the first prints soon!

Pressing Task

Some time ago, I built a small small press for printmaking. It worked, up to a point. But it wasn't really powerful enough to handle the pressures needed for great prints, so I'm in the process of beefing the whole thing up.

This includes fitting a large new main roller, handle and extra bits and bobs. It's almost ready to roll, so I'll keep you posted when we try our first print!

A few progress shots

Printing Trials

We've been trying out the printer properly for the first time, now that we have all the materials we need. So far so good - but not quite what we expected! There are so many variables that it will take time to work out pressures, ink consistency, paper types, etc, etc... I'll post some pictures soon to show the trial results.

Trials and Tribulations

We had out first serious go at the printer today... with mixed results. It will take a lot of experimenting to get everything right, but that's half the fun! I still have a few technical issues to sort out, but the main thing is the number of variables that affect the outcome. Not always obvious too! I'll post some pics of the first attempts soon, but in the meantime, here's one of the motor mechanism which needs some subtle tweaking to get it right!

Circuit Training

I used to do a bit of electronics (as a geeky teenager, I hasten to add), but my old brain cells are starting to struggle with that kind of stuff. However, after many drawings I finally managed to work out how to drive the printing press so it only travels so far and then can only go in the reverse direction. So after following the above diagram, I soldered and joined lots of cables together... and it works! WooHoo!

Motorhead

I've finally put in the new beefed up motor and controlling microswitches and putting the machine all back together. It's all systems go again!

Tests and Modifications

We started some tests which makes you realise how many variables effect every part of the printing process. I'm treating it like a scientific experiment (but I would, wouldn't I!). Also, while I'm waiting for a better motor for the printing press, I've taken the opportunity to make some upgrades. These include a clutch mechanism to disconnect the motor from the drive roller, and switches to stop the plate at the end of its travel (in either direction). I'll post some pictures as it all comes together.

Power Plant

I've spent some of today working on fitting a new motor to our printing press. I say 'some' as it was so cold in the garage, I could only bear to work there in short bursts, and the metal tools felt like they were iced to my hands! I'll spend tomorrow doing the same in between hot cups of tea...

The First Test Print

My apologies for the awful quality! I forgot to adjust the settings and it was taken on my mobile, which isn't high tech. Anyway, this was our first test print using the printing press, which worked fine - just! I now know the motor isn't powerful enough where there is a lot of relief/detail on the plate, so I've ordered a super duper upgrade. Once that's fitted, I'll try another short clip at higher quality!

Switched On

This tiny little add on has completed the printer. The switch drives the roller and plate forward or backward to print ... (non of your hand cranking nonsense on this model, I'll have you know!)

This is the deluxe auto version ;-)

The Printing Times

The beast is complete! Well almost. Apart from a switch to control the motor, everything's ready to roll - quite literally :-)

ReCognition

Hoorah! The end is in sight :-)

Incognito

The reason I haven't posted any more on my printing press, is that I'm waiting on a couple of cogs to drive the rollers. As these are good old Meccano parts, they are in short supply at this time of year (I wonder why?!)

Bits and Pieces

Lots and lots of bits and pieces... One day soon we'll have our kitchen table back!

Gripping Tales

My magic Gorilla glue is working a treat! Even on a really awkward job like sticking plastic sheeting to a roller! The only annoying thing was having to dismantle part of the machine to get the roller out again. It will stay out now, as I have to also connect a drive cog to it, courtesy of another magic product - Meccano!

The Final Countdown

Phew! After another day of hacksawing and bolting bits together, I'm almost there. Just one last challenge - driving the printing plate (not shown) between the rollers. But it's been a good day's work and we'll hopefully be able to show some results very soon!

Under Pressure

The frame is coming along nicely, and is starting to look more like the real thing! (And for those watching in Facebook, you'll have to go to my blog to see the pictures)

Skeleton Crew

I've just finished most of the main part of the frame. Next is the tricky bit - the adjustable pressure roller on top. That means it will be spring time before it's winter ;-)