Last week …

I bought a printing press on Ebay! I have been wanting one for a long time, but have been put off by the price and size. Then, there are the other difficulties I had as beginner, I began by asking the advice of other printers and then in my mind even that was almost dangerously conflicting. However, as I began to get familiar with the subject matter, language and terms and worked out my own requirements I soon discovered that there is not a pres that ‘fits all’  Then, I could seen how I had become confused, each person I asked had different, needs and was in position to tweak the beast or able to have the use of another press of other requirements. I don’t have these skills, space or money for a super-duper hybrid (even if there is one) Size, remained paramount, cost become secondary. Making the decision later in the game I began to see  the opportunities but even then I had to be careful.

Then I came across this one, a good size but without the facility to print wood engraving ; however this was  not such a serious issue as I can press those by hand if needed.

Even so, this is was still a few quid more than I hoped to pay for a luxury ; it was a mere tool.  I would not hope or pretend that I could recoup the cost  on sales.  So, even considering the almost perfect press,I still had serious doubts.

I began bidding, half of me wanting it to be snapped up for the ‘buy’ price and the other half eager to have it in my little studio!

As the bidding crept up ; I zapped ‘buy’ and went to collect yesterday.

Today I will bolt it to the table for extra stability  … as regards any thing else I am hoping it will be all intuitive ! However,I will value words of encouragement or advice …