Re: Plate Cutter/Draw Tool
John, No no no don't be discouraged about the polymer plates :o) This is just a minor problem for me personally since I don't have a good old quillotine paper cutter, which apparently works great. I'm going to pick up a used on on ebay I think, then I'll be good to go. The plate's surface is a bit tacky and is covered with a clear acetate sheet for protection. You remove that after cutting and just before exposure. The edge of that acetate can lift up a bit though, and if there are little steel shavings along the edge... they can get under there. I think maybe there ARE some with a plastic base, but I believe from what I've read recently that these Printight KM73 plates are the very best for detail and smooth tone. Stick around and we'll all get this figured out for you :o) In the meantime be sure to go look at the links on my blog... Jon and Keith know what they're doing. I've seen Keith's work in person, and it's gorgeous. Susan On 3/15/07, John Grocott <john.grocott403@ntlworld.com> wrote: Hi Susan, As I am not acquainted with polymer plates such as the steel ones you are using, I can only imagine how annoying it must be with the shavings. My experience with dust grain gravure on copper plates, approx fifteen years back, was enough for me to shelve the project, altogether, like yourself. But I was under the impression that phtopolymer plates were now being produced with a type of plastic base. Maybe it was in my dreams of a really user friendly non -etch gravure process coming to light. I find your blog etc., is very impressive and inspiring. Thanks. Regards. John- Photographist - London - UK ....................................................................................................... ----- Original Message ----- From: "SusanV" <susanvoss3@gmail.com> To: <alt-photo-process-l@usask.ca> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 3:21 PM Subject: Re: Plate Cutter/Draw Tool John, Thanks for the info and link! I have a draw blade but have had trouble with the steel shavings it creates getting stuck to the rather sticky surface of the polymer. They don't just brush off the way they do with zinc or copper plates. That's why I'm exploring other ways. happy though for any and all suggestions :o) Susan On 3/13/07, John Grocott <john.grocott403@ntlworld.com> wrote: > > > A tool for scoring deep cuts in plates by removing the actual material, > metal or plastic, which then enables the sheet to be divided by snapping > can > be purchased from a printmakers suppliers.Its called a ''Draw Tool'' and > has > been used for many years by printmakers. ( approx. £20-00) > www.intaglioprintmaker.com > Best of luck . > John Grocott- Photographist- London - UK -- susan gravure blog at www.susanvossgravures.blogspot.com website www.dalyvoss.com -- susan gravure blog at www.susanvossgravures.blogspot.com website www.dalyvoss.com
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