http://www.instructables.com/id/Desktop-Printing-Press/

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Desktop Printing Pressby MU5ICI4N on May 26, 2013

Table of Contents

Desktop Printing Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Intro:   Desktop Printing Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Step 1:   Materials & Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Step 2:   Cutting Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Step 3:   Drilling 5/8th Inch Plywood Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Step 4:   Drilling 1/4th Inch Plywood Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Step 5:   Creating the Platen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Step 6:   Begin Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Step 7:   Finishing Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Step 8:   Creating the Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Step 9:   Making the Movable Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Step 10:   Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Step 11:   Some Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

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http://www.instructables.com/id/Desktop-Printing-Press/

Author:MU5ICI4N15 year old aspiring maker, builder, and creator. I love to play guitar, and create strange and wonderful creations! Carpentry, projectiles, Arduino, andmiscellaneous creations are my fortes.

Intro:  Desktop Printing PressIn my history class, I recently learned about Johannes Gutenberg and the role he played in the foundations for the Renaissance. I found myself captivated by hisinvention of the printing press, a revolutionary technology utilizing movable, inked type that could produce hundreds of Identical prints. I found myself asking "What woulda modern re-imagining of this classic invention look like?" Before long, I had developed the idea for a desktop-based, "mini" printing press that used flash cards.

I cut all pieces of wood for this printer by hand, however, all pieces can be cut using a laser-cutter. I feel that this project is perfect for a laser-cutter, and its boundariescould be expanded greatly with one. therefore, I have entered his instructable into the Epilog V challenge to try and win an Epilog zing 16 and make this project what itwas always meant to be.

If I did win the laser cutter, here are some of the things that I could do-

test numerous vector files for all of the wood pieces and share the best ones here- through trial and error, I could create correct templates that fit togetherjust like the original press, and share them on this instructablecut custom wooden type with varying fonts and decals- I feel that I have been greatly restricted with foam craft letters for printing. With a laser cutter, I couldcut varying type with different sizes and fonts, and also cut out decals for printing.create limitless identical & improved presses- I could easily manufacture printing presses with a template and some simple construction, and experiment withnew features and mechanisms.engrave the numerous pieces of the press- with the ability to engrave wood, I could customize each press with laser-engraved decals or pictures to try andreplicate how an early printing press would have looked.try to engrave pictures to achieve a woodcut print- something I have been curious about since I started this project is if I could create 'woodcut' prints-pictures carved into wood that are inked and then pressed. With a laser-cutter, I could easily create numerous woodcuts for more varied printing capabilities.

A laser cutter would be an incredible asset for me for future projects, as well, and would also greatly help my FRC robotics team.

anyways, on to step 1!

Step 1: Materials & ToolsFor this project, you will need:

MATERIALS

-Masking tape-Strips of adhesive velcro (more than is pictured)-Ink pad (used in stamping)-foam letters (if you have a laser cutter or 3D printer, these are not necessary)-1/2 inch bolt (approx. 5 inches)-1/2 inch nut

PLYWOOD-5/8 inch-1/4 inch

NOT PICTURED-12 wood screws approx. 1/2 inch long

TOOLS

-Wood saw (unnecessary if you have a laser-cutter)-Handheld drill-Hot glue gun-Scissors-Screwdriver

http://www.instructables.com/id/Desktop-Printing-Press/

DRILL BITS-1/2 inch-1 inch

NOT PICTURED-Drill bit for 1/2 inch long wood screws

Step 2: Cutting WoodBegin by cutting:

5/8 INCH PLYWOOD-10 by 3 and 1/8th (1 piece)- 2 and 1/2 by 3 and 1/8th (3 pieces)

1/4 INCH PLYWOOD-5 by 3 (1 piece)-2 and 1/2 by 6 (2 pieces)

For this step, you can use a hand saw, or use a laser cutter by creating a vector image.

Image Notes1. 10 by 3 and 1/8th2. 2 and 1/2 by 3 and 1/8th3. 2 and 1/2 by 3 and 1/8th4. 2 and 1/2 by 3 and 1/8th5. 5 by 36. 2 and 1/2 by 67. 2 and 1/2 by 68. 2 and 1/2 by 6

http://www.instructables.com/id/Desktop-Printing-Press/

Step 3: Drilling 5/8th Inch Plywood HolesNow, we will drill all of the holes in the wooden pieces.

1. drill a 1/2 inch hole in the center of two of the '2 and 1/2 by 3 and 1/8th' pieces.2. bore a 1 inch hole into the other '2 and 1/2 by 3 and 1/8th' piece, making sure not to go all the way through.3. measure and mark the '10 by 3 and 1/8th' piece into quarters. Next, mark two dots 1/2 inch in from the sides of the 2nd quarter. Do this on both sides. (See picture fordetails)4. Mark two dots on each '2 and 1/2' side of the two '2 and 1/2 by 3 and 1/8th' pieces, 1/2 inch in from the sides, as before.5.Drill all of these dots with the drill bit for the wood screws.

Image Notes1. 1/2 inch hole2. 1/2 inch hole

Image Notes1. 1 inch bored hole

Image Notes1. 2nd quarter2. measure on the other side as well

Image Notes1. 2nd quarter

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Image Notes1. holes drilled2. holes drilled3. holes drilled4. other side as well5. other side as well6. other side as well

Step 4: Drilling 1/4th Inch Plywood HolesNow, take the two '2 and 1/2 by 6' pieces of 1/4th inch plywood and mark the holes and lines to cut according to the photograph. Next, drill all of these holes and cut outthe area in the middle. (drill using the same drill bit for the wood screws)

Step 5: Creating the PlatenIn this step, we will be creating the main force behind the printing press; the platen, the block of wood for pushing down.1. Drill a hole large enough to accommodate the wooden dowel about 2 inches from the top of the 1/2 inch bolt. (make sure to use proper technique when drilling thesteel- lubrication and a steel drill bit are essential)2.The dowel should now fit nicely through this hole. It will serve as the "handle" for moving the bolt.3.place the bolt on top of the '2 and 1/2 by 3 and 1/8th' piece of wood with the 1 inch hole bored into it.4. Next, slide a metal ring/washer down the bolt.5. Hot glue the metal ring/washer to the piece of wood, not the bolt. the bolt should now swivel smoothly.

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Step 6: Begin ConstructionIn this step, we will bring together all of the pieces of wood that were just drilled.1.Begin by screwing the two '2 and 1/2 by 6' pieces of wood into the '10 by 3 and 1/8th' piece (the base). Make sure that four drilled holes remain above the cut- outpiece, and that the cut out piece points towards the long end of the base.2. Next, after placing the bolt / platen flat in between the two '2 and 1/2 by 6' pieces, slide the two other '2 and 1/2 by 3 and 1/8th' pieces (with the 1/2 inch hole drilled inthe center) down the bolt, and screw them into their corresponding holes on the '2 and 1/2 by 6' piece.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Desktop-Printing-Press/

Image Notes1. Pretend this is a dowel

Step 7: Finishing ConstructionNow, we will complete construction of the main press by gluing the nut for the bolt to turn through.1.when the bolt / platen is at a good location, screw the nut on and hot glue it to the wood.2. your press should now look like the final picture.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Desktop-Printing-Press/

Step 8: Creating the TrayIt is now time to create the tray on which the movable type and flashcard will rest.1. Take the '5 by 3' piece of plywood and cover it with strips of adhesive velcro. Use the thread-loop variation for this.

Step 9: Making the Movable TypeFinally, it is time to construct the movable type that will be used.

I am using foam letters for this, however the exact same steps still apply if you are using laser-cut or 3D printed letters / decals.

1. take a sample of the letters that you want and lay them out, exactly as you would like to see them.2. Next, take a piece of velcro (the nylon hook variation) enough to cover all of the letters.3.cut the velcro into pieces just large enough to cover each letter.4. apply the adhesive side of the velcro to the tops of the letters.5. turn all of the letters around, and you should see your letters inverted.6. the movable type is done!

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Step 10: Printingall of the components have been completed, so it is time to dive into the technique of printing!

NOTE- make sure yo cover your work area with newspaper, as ink can ruin any carpet or floor.

1. arrange all of the movable type on top of the tray as desired, completely inverted.2.using the ink pad, gently apply ink to all of the letters.3. stick two 5 inch pieces of masking tape halfway on each side of the tray.4.Next, place the flashcard on top of the tray.5. wrap the masking tape up onto the flashcard, holding it in place.6. Finally, press the tray / flashcard by turning the bolt clockwise with the dowel. (in two stages, as the press can only print 1/2 of the flashcard at a time)7.Enjoy your print!

NOTE- as foam letters are a long shot from being the perfect material for movable type, my print may appear grainy and oversized. However, with laser-cut wooden orplastic letters, this could be eliminated, and letters would appear crisp and could be made smaller.

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Step 11: Some NotesAbout this project:

- This project was the culmination of my growing interest in historic inventions and love of building. I hope to expand on it, and with a laser cutter I could easily producemodified presses with additional features. Since this project is potentially an almost completely-laser cut project, it could be a great introduction to laser-cutting andassembling.

This is only my second Instructible, so any constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated!

Regards,

MU5ICI4N

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Comments

26 comments Add Comment

 tritian says:  May 31, 2013. 6:16 AM  REPLYso in essence, you built a big old stamp? looks fun to build! =D

 jhall30 says:  Jul 17, 2013. 10:52 AM  REPLYYup, it's a stamp! An awesome, awesome stamp.

 davtheman223 says:  May 31, 2013. 7:17 PM  REPLYThis has inspired inspired me I might make my own design. if I do I will message you thanks for the quality instructable

 abbytex says:  May 30, 2013. 10:23 AM  REPLYMarvelous creative summer project!

 MU5ICI4N says:  May 31, 2013. 5:55 AM  REPLYThank you!

 takeshi says:  May 30, 2013. 5:45 PM  REPLYカワイイ啰刷機。㕓れ㕪ら簡啘㕫作れ㕕㕆５

 MU5ICI4N says:  May 31, 2013. 5:54 AM  REPLY㕂り㕌㕨㕆５

 tpobrienjr says:  May 30, 2013. 9:32 AM  REPLYI like it! It is simple, it works, and it has the look of an old press.

 MU5ICI4N says:  May 31, 2013. 5:52 AM  REPLYThanks!

 grumpygrady says:  May 30, 2013. 2:34 PM  REPLYgreat little printer , and if someone wanted it to be faster they could make the top of the bolt smaller and chuck it up in a reversible drill to run the platen upand down faster and then the frame would not need the cut outsjust a thought or twobut I will be building one of these if not for anything else than making for sale signs lol

 MU5ICI4N says:  May 30, 2013. 3:50 PM  REPLYThanks for the suggestion! I think I may leave it as is and without a drill, because I would like to remain faithful to the history. But I may try it, just to seehow it works.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Desktop-Printing-Press/

 abbytex says:  May 30, 2013. 10:21 AM  REPLYA marvelous summer project for creative play!Un proyecto maravilloso en el verano parà creatividad!www.AnnabethParker.com

 lunarmagpie says:  May 28, 2013. 12:17 PM  REPLYThis is really awesome! I admire your creativity and imagination.

 MU5ICI4N says:  May 28, 2013. 3:18 PM  REPLYThank you!

 enginepaul says:  May 28, 2013. 2:39 PM  REPLYCouple of comments from an old letterpress printer:Yes, you can die-cut with that type of press but the pressures may require to add more bolts to fasten the frame uprights to the bed. The platen (the part thatscrews down to press the paper to the type) may need strengthening if lots of type is used.I do like your idea.Another history AND business note: Gutenberg had to sue the guy who ordered the bible that made him famous and he never collected.

 MU5ICI4N says:  May 28, 2013. 3:03 PM  REPLYenginepaul,If I ever did utilize this press for shearing or die-cutting, I will take that advice into account. However, for the most part I will be using this for theoccasional odd print, and I am fairly confident that the frame can withstand that.Also, I had never heard that before! Gutenberg never fails to surprise me.

 redrok says:  May 28, 2013. 2:30 PM  REPLYI understand the historical thing.But, it would be much easier to operate if a small hydraulic "bottle" jack was used instead of the screw.redrok

 MU5ICI4N says:  May 28, 2013. 2:56 PM  REPLYRedrok,I had never thought of using hydraulics. Im sure that a bottle jack would work great if this was to be used for industrial purposes, however this is moresuited towards smaller-scale jobs.

 Balord says:  May 28, 2013. 1:31 PM  REPLYOne change I might suggest is turn your top plat over (hot glued nut UNDER plate would hold much more pressure). I also assume this is more of a noveltytype "invention", also for this size apparatus you might want to either use a shorter press frame or longer bolt so you could put the handle above the framefor faster operation AND a stronger frame.

 MU5ICI4N says:  May 28, 2013. 2:53 PM  REPLYThanks for the suggestion! I understand what you mean about the location of the nut, and the same thought crossed my mind as I was building this.However, upon building the frame I noticed that the thread on the bolt only went so far, so I was forced to place the nut on top of the frame to maximizemaneuverability.

 nanosec12 says:  May 28, 2013. 3:39 AM  REPLYThe only improvement I would add to this project is that it needs to be entered into some of the contests....

who knows you could verywell win your own epilog laser cutter !!!

 MU5ICI4N says:  May 28, 2013. 4:57 AM  REPLYThanks! As of now, it is pending approval in the Epilog V contest.

 Boygasmo says:  May 27, 2013. 4:38 PM  REPLYNice one!!! I was wondering if I could create a press for dye cutters. This would be perfect for that method as well.

 MU5ICI4N says:  May 27, 2013. 5:44 PM  REPLYThanks, thats a great idea! I had never considered it to be used for cutting or shearing, but I'm sure it could work! I would love to see somebody try.

 Boygasmo says:  May 27, 2013. 6:29 PM  REPLYYeah. Could spray the bottom wood with adhesive and add the cutting foam.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Desktop-Printing-Press/

 Computothought says:  May 27, 2013. 5:34 AM  REPLYCool.