Knowing your Tools
It is important to understand the tools needed for your session and have everything to hand. Tools and type should be kept organised to avoid mixing up letters
Familiarise yourself with the tools using the images below...
Type Setting
Step 1 Hold the composing stick properly. Set type by holding the composing stick in your left hand and nestling it in your curled fingers with your thumb over the last piece of type set.
Step 2 Start your composing stick with a lead, put lead between each line of type. If you’re setting lines that will be separated once they are taken out of the stick, be sure to put at least two leads between each line, that way your type will be contained when you move it. Let gravity help keep the type from spilling out.
Step 3 Lay the type into the stick with the nick facing up, in the same order as it’s normally read. By doing the above, it will be set properly: upside down but still left-to-right. Use spacing material the same size as the type. It is essential that every line is snug and has an equal amount of tension
Step 4 When you have finished setting your lines you need to move them from the composing stick by holding them all together with your fingers and into the Chase. You can also move them line by line. Have some furniture ready to stop the type from falling over.
Step 5 When the type has been moved into the chase, you then need to set furniture around it, to hold it altogether with the quoins. These act as locks, locking everything into place for when you put the chase in the press. Use the quoin key to tighten the quoins but don't overdo it or the chase will bend causing your type to be un-level.
Choosing your Paper
The type of paper you use depends on what you’re printing and the results you’re looking for, but always use uncoated so the inks dry. If you’re printing a greetings card and want a deep impression, then you’ll need a soft, thick paper. Cotton and handmade papers are perfect for letterpress printing, the results are beautiful. Experiment with different kinds to find the ones that work for you.
Using the Adana Press
Familiarise yourself with the printing press and its parts using the image above.
Step 1 Place your chase and type into the bed of the press by sliding the bottom in first and hooking the sides into the small nicks. It should fit flush to the back of the bed and not protrude.
Step 2 Using your ink tube dab a small amount onto the disc and then roller it on completely covering the area. If it sounds too tacky you've put too much on and will need to remove some using a cloth. Too much ink can cause your print to be fuzzy, as it will bleed onto the paper from the edges of the type. It's better to add than takeaway.
Step 3 Choose your paper and place onto the platen. Make sure it sits under the gauge and use masking tape to secure it at the top.
Step 4 Pull the press handle down towards you to bring the rollers up over the ink disc and back down again to roll the ink over the type. Repeat but this time press the bed onto the platen to print the type onto the paper.
Cleaning Up
1. Please allow 15 minutes at the end of your session for cleaning up time.
2. Take the chase out of the press. Using a dry paper towel wipe the ink off the type until it's clean. The type then needs putting back into the correct trays and in the right letter compartments.
3. Wipe any leftover ink from the ink disk using squirts of zest spray. This will dilute the ink and allow you to wipe clean using paper towels. Making sure to throw the paper towels in the metal general waste bin.
4. Remove the rollers by unhooking them from the press. Clean them thoroughly using the zest spray and paper towels and replace back onto the press. Also clean the inking board and tools.
5. Place all tools and cleaning equipment back to its correct place and that’s it, you’re done!