Robert,
I'm currently using a custom built Conrad Machine etching press.
Their presses were recommended to me by Dan Welden and although it's
not comparable in status to a Tacach, it's been totally reliable, a
worthwhile investment ($4500 7 years ago) and a solid workhorse. It
has a 31x54" bed and an 8" diameter upper roller, which for my work
(12-14" wide maximum) is perfect. I agree with Jon, stay away from
the cheaper presses.
Keith.
On Apr 5, 2007, at 11:43 AM, Jon Lybrook wrote:
> Hi Robert,
>
> If your current press has a sizable drum (10" diameter or larger),
> and is in sound working condition, replacing the bed is probably a
> more economical approach. A good press by Takash with a 10" drum
> or larger and 24 x 36" bed is about 10K, new. I'd buy one if I had
> a need to. The studio I rent currently has a great one I use. I
> would stay away from cheaper, Dick Blick presses, since they may
> work fine when printing 4x5" or 5x7, but when you're ready to go
> larger, they will probably fall short. If you decide to go new,
> anything from Takash with a 10" or larger drum will be a great
> investment. If you can get one used, all the better, but they're
> very difficult to come by.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Jon
>
> Robert Newcomb wrote:
>> Hello,
>> About have my new darkroom finished and am getting ready to move
>> my etching press into a near by area.
>> A question though. What size and what brand of presses are people
>> using for printing the poly plates? The reason I ask is that my
>> press was given to me because it was in storage, heavy to move
>> (1500 lbs), the owner had access to another press and last but not
>> least the 30x60inch metal press bed had been stolen.
>> So, I'm wondering if moving, buying a new bed and in general
>> resurrecting this older large press ( Charles Brand) I think, or
>> trying to buy a new press is better. The prices for presses are
>> all over the place from the least expensive Richardson (dick
>> blick) press on up to the bigger and heavy duty ones.
>>
>> Any input would be appreciated.
>>
>> thanks,
>>
>> Robert N.
>>
>