Wood Block Print: Step Three – Preparing the Press

Posted on: September 27th, 2014

Safety

Watch for crushing and pinching hazards when engaging or pulling the press bed. Printers sometimes get their fingers, hair or scarves caught between the press bed and the frame of the press, or in the handle, so PLEASE be careful.

Although the press is large, it is delicate. If you’re not sure, ask before trying or forcing something to work. It is best to ask questions and to KNOW what you are doing.

How it works/Tricks

One trick to printing woodcut is to use runners. Woodcut blocks are generally thick and will have difficulty engaging with the press unless they are directly under the roller. You can do it, but it requires a bit of muscle. Runners will help to engage the pressure, even if the block is not directly beneath the rollers. Checking that the pressure is at the right height and insert the ‘runners’ along the edge of the press bed. This helps the press run smoothly back and forth.

Categorised under: Woodcut