Progress with the press

This is what the press looked like on tuesday

Full of rust and filth the press roller wouldn't move at all. We thought that we were going to have to change out the barrings but, it just needed grease the elbow and literal kind.

It's starting to look so awesome and everything is functioning so far. the roller now move with the slightest touch. you can see all the griding on the bed. The paper gripper works and all the registration numbers are still on it. Thought this was in much worse shape, so happy it isn't.

more to come in the next few days.

Thanks for reading

I've been really busy being unemployed

I was going to write a blog thanking folks and including my hopes for the new year. That didn't happen at all; I got too busy. Here's what's been going on.

I started my crew training on the Kalmar Nyckel, which has been awesome so far. 2 classes down, 9 to go. It's going to be awesome when I can actually go out and sail her but, right now it's mostly knots and safety drills. Knots are pretty fun except I have sometimes work the standing end instead of the bitter end and it gets a little funky. It's a left/right recognition thing. I'll get it soon. Also there is an entire letterpress shop taking the classes and they have been doing projects related to the class. Check them out here.

I've been going around and meeting older printers that used to do letterpress and still do litho. Just kind of talking with them. It's been pretty fun and sometimes maudlin but, it's given me a direction. I'm moving to start a non-profit to address some stuff. I'll post about it later today or tomorrow.

I have also acquired, as of yesterday and thanks to Geoff Kershaw's war wagon, my first press and a mess of wood type. Here are the pics

Showcard press the bed is 23" x 15" the ink plate still turns. I need to replace the ink rollers. The pull is stuck. one of the wheels is in bad shape but, it shouldn't be hard to fix.

Quions and key, Brayer, a proof planer, and a sweet California Job Case chart. Not pictured is 2 chases and a brush for all the...

TYPE!!! look at all of this.

Some of this is rotten or wormy but most has just been dirty. I originally though I had a about 600 pieces but, it's looking to be closer to 900. The biggest stuff so far is 18 line and the smallest is l.c. for a sans font at about 5. So stoked. Cleaning is time consuming but, so awesome. it's really nice to handle all of this.

I got all of this from a dealer in camden. He's got so much other stuff, warehouses full, if you want the info let me know in the comments or call or email me if you know me like that.

I also got 10 13x13" trays of lead. I haven't even picked them up yet. They are sitting at my folks and I should be getting them tomorrow.

Also, thanks to Geoff again, I have 70 lbs of litho ink coming my way with the possibility of more.

So the shop is almost ready. For printing I need wood and lead furniture and quads for my lead. I also need a freaking table the press will fit on and my type drawers will fit under. Also some shelving.

Printing should start in a week or so. Geoff's coming by on saturday night and we are going to make a evening of getting the press in ship shape. Thanks if you read all of this, i'm so excited :)

Punk Rock Flea Market, Heading To the Shop

I had a good but, trying day at the market. I had some difficulty selling some of the artifacts I had. I really did sell my youth. so that was both painful and freeing. Our possessions really do posses us.

All in all it was a good day though. I saw lots of old friends, made about $600, and and unloaded about half a cars worth of stuff. I spoke with amanda a bit and it was nice and civil. She's starting a letterpress internship in NY. I'm excited for her.

After the market I took my very dear friend Jen out to dinner. She has been such a God send the past month, I figure it's a start to paying her back.

Now, I'm going to pick up Aimee and heading over to the shop. Going to sort type for a few hours and maybe use scope out the vandercook a bit more. Have a great day everyone.

Dan

P.S. I got my first set of type in the mail yesterday, 30pt Cheltenham Bold Condensed, here's a picture