Which Letterpress is Right For You?
Want to buy a letterpress but are unsure which one to get? I’m here to help!
Below, I have listed the pros and cons of different types of machines to help you choose the best press for your needs.
In case you don’t know, I’m Sally. I’ve been a letterpress printer for over 13 years now, and have printed on various types of presses. After running my own business for the past 7 years, I have a good sense of what types of presses are best for different business models. Below are my 4 favorite letterpress machines and what I like and don’t like about each of them!
#1: a Tabletop Platen Press
this is my C&P tabletop press, Arya!
Overview:
A tabletop platen is perfect for small spaces and beginners! However, if you want to print larger posters and prints, you will need a larger press.
Pros:
This press is small and, therefore, perfect for tiny spaces. You don’t need a garage or studio space to print!
Lightweight: It’s around 200 pounds which is a feather in the letterpress world! This makes it really easy to move (with two strong-ish friends, you’re set)
No electricity required, its all manual
Its simple, there are less moving parts and pieces, and this makes it easier to learn on (and why I think its the best press for beginners)
You’ll likely print on paper that is pre-cut to your final size, cutting down a step, creating less waste, and saving time
With the 6.5x10” chase size, you can still print decent-sized items given how small the press is! I print 5x7” wedding invitations on mine.
Cons:
Unable to print larger posters and prints. With the chase size being 6.5x10” it is a smaller printing area. If you are wanting to print posters or wall art, this isn’t the press for you.
With double-thick paper, you might not get as much of an impression on this press as you would with the bigger ones
With only 2 rollers for inking, coverage on your design can be tricky. You’ll want to keep your designs pretty minimal!
Because its so small, I don’t recommend leaving ink on your press very long. With my Vandercook, I could easily leave my press uncleaned, and finish up a job the next day. I wouldn’t do that with the tabletop.
With it being all manual, you might get a bit more of a workout :)
Specifics:
There are a lot of similar tabletop presses that you could get. I have the C&P Pilot 6.5x10”. There is also the Crasftman Superior, Goldings, Kelsey’s and Hohners.
#2: a Floor Model Platen Press
Overview:
Similar in functionality to tabletop platens, but floor models can print slightly larger areas. However, they are big and heavy. Still great for beginners, but you need a garage/studio space to store it!
Pros:
Chase sizes are slightly larger, giving you the ability to print larger sized items!
You can get a floor model with a motor on it, which takes some legwork out of inking the press and keeping it running
Typically they have 3 ink rollers on them which also helps with inking your surface more evenly
They’re sturdy and might give you more impression than the tabletop (I haven’t tested this personally, though)
You can Die-Cut with these!
They are a little more efficient if you are printing larger runs (150+ pieces), so if you are wanting to wholesale greeting card or something like that, and have the garage space, this would be a great press.
Cons:
Big & Heavy. These can weigh up to a ton and are pretty big! You’ll need a garage space or studio space to put it in.
Hard to move. Moving presses is so stressful and can be really costly. Be prepared to move this once and ideally keep it in that spot for a long period of time, you will not want to move it again!
Slightly more moving parts means you are prone to more complications and troubleshooting
Specifics:
You’ll want to look for a C&P Floor Model, there is old style and new style, and a few different chase sizes! The bigger the chase size, the larger area you can print.
Want to learn how to letterpress print?
Check out my course, Makeready, that teaches the foundations of letterpress printing.
Using my experience from over 13 years behind the printing press, I will teach you all the tools and techniques you need to know to create beautiful art with letterpress.
~ Get the Details ~#3: a Flatbed Press
My first press, Mayzie, is a flatbed Vandercook SP15!
Overview:
Flatbed presses are great for large posters, books, and complicated registrations, but they are expensive and challenging to relocate if you move. For stationery or invitations, Platens are a better option.
Pros:
Large print areas! These presses are fabulous for posters and larger prints.
Registration: If you are printing a multi+ color print and have a lot of really complicated registration to align all the colors, this type of press will make your life a lot easier
It can pack a punch. Because you have the momentum of the paper rolling over the form, you can typically get a lot of impression on a Vandercook
Even inking: the inking system is really nice, and its so much easier to adjust your rollers on a flatbed press. It is also inked with a motor!
You can do some fun things easier, like a rainbow roll or pressure printing
On-press ink mixing! I’m a big eyeballer when it comes to mixing ink, and with the Vandercook, this is quite handy because if my color needs a little yellow on it, I just add a tiny bit directly onto my oscillating rollers! Slightly unconventional, but I’m a fan.
Cons:
Awkward and heavy. My Vandercook is about 750 lbs, and it's very top-heavy. It's sort of like moving a piano: it doesn’t fit on any pallets and can topple over pretty easily. It’s a huge pain in the butt to move.
Cleaning takes quite a long time!
Expensive: these presses are very coveted and can be QUITE pricey. I really don’t recommend spending that much money on a press if you are just starting out.
Specifics:
Literally any Vandercook, in my experience, is fantastic.
#4: a Heidelburg Windmill
Overview:
These presses are ideal for large-scale shops and businesses that need to print in bulk. They can run with minimal human intervention, making them highly efficient and time-saving. However, they are quite large and require a bit of a learning curve to operate and maintain.
Pros:
Time! These presses automatically feed the paper and print it. They’re pretty awesome if you have massive print runs and are selling large amounts of wholesale
Super efficient and consistent inking, with an ink reservoir
Die-cutting capabilities
You can set them up to foil print as well!
Cons:
REALLY big. Like huge. If you’re looking at one of these you’ll likely be in the ballpark of getting a studio space/warehouse and a team
Complicated and lots of things to learn!
Specifics:
I have never used one of these presses before, so I’m not as much of an expert here. But I think any Heidelburg Windmill would do and you’ll likely be buying from a fellow printer, so make sure to chat with them!
Want to learn how to letterpress print?
Check out my course, Makeready, that teaches the foundations of letterpress printing.
Using my experience from over 13 years behind the printing press, I will teach you all the tools and techniques you need to know to create beautiful art with letterpress.
~ LEARN MORE ~