This year I was hoping to capture a little more “studio life” in this blog, so taking a look at the press seems like the right place to start. This is my beloved Heidelberg Windmill. I bought this press two and half years ago from a retiring printer in Kentucky. Although I knew the Windmill was the model I wanted, I had never even seen one in person before it arrived on an 18-wheel truck at the loading dock of my studio building. (Getting it upstairs and actually in the door was the closest I’ve ever come to having a heart attack…thought that was worth mentioning.)
After having it hooked up, it took me about a month of daily printing before I started getting the hang of it. It was a pretty humbling experience because I knew the machine itself worked, it was just a matter of learning how to use it properly. And I did that by patiently reading and re-reading this original manual that came with the press.
I’ll post some more pictures of the windmill from time to time, highlighting some of its many handy and amazing features!
Thanks for sharing!
I was about to buy a tabletop press back in December from a shop in Kanagawa, my first, when I stumbled across a printer in Tokyo who was retiring after 48 years and selling his Heidelberg Windmill. I still have to wait 2 weeks for the electricians to rewire everything. Meanwhile, I am studying the manual…
Btw, thanks to your blog I learned about the Tokyo Printing Museum and visited last week.
Hi Lance! How exciting, I’m so glad you left a comment about your new heidelberg. Buying a press from a printer is SO great. It means the press has been in service and not just collecting dust in someone’s basement. That’s one of the potential limitations of buying a press from ebay, or from someone who doesn’t really know what it is or how to operate it.
I hope you’ll check in and leave updates on how its going.
oooooh, how I want a heidelberg! someday! Do you just print with this press, or do you score and die-cut as well on it??
I have done some scoring and diecutting in the past, but mostly I just print.
I love love love these machines! How on earth did you move it? That seems to be the single greatest obstacle in acquiring one! I don’t have a clue how to operate one but am considering diving in anyway. You are an inspiration that it is not unachievable. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for showing your press. I love seeing the different presses close up and hearing about people’s experiences operating them. I hope to have one myself one day. Being in Chicago, I have been trying to get a line on a Sigwalt, but haven’t had any luck yet.
Hope to see more of your “inside studio” shots!
Nice Blog !! Creative presentations & ideas
Hi, is your Windmill 10×15 or 12×18. I am looking into either one and didn’t know if you recommend one over the other and/or if you have any insight when looking or where to look for one / what to ask in regards to condition etc. Thanks and awesome work. Your creations are inspiring.
Hi there, mine is a 10×15. Other than just the print area sizes, I’m not sure of any huge differences between these models. But I’ve never worked on a 12×18, so you may want to find someone who has. I got lucky with mine, it looked a little beat up when I got it, but I came to realize it was in excellent working shape. Good luck on your hunt!
The 12×18 which is known in the trade as a 13-19 is a much heavier press and much bulkier as well.
It has enough impression to die cut a full fom.
Remember the “POG” craze? We would die cut 40 up at 40 pt stock no problem.
Whenlooking for a 10×15 the first question to ask is whether it is a red knob or a black knob.
This has to do with the age of the machine. The only real difference that we care about is that on a red knob the inker arms can be locked so they don’t cycle during Die Cutting, Embossing and foilstamping.
As far as what to look for the two most critical things are that the feed arms are straight and the crush collar in the back is not crushed, This is a collar intended to break in case the press is put under too much pressure.
After that it is a good idea to make sure the press does not “roll” after the press is stopped (very dangerous)
most often this is a clutch that has had oil leak into it .
Squirt typewash into the side of the clutch with the press running and see if that helps.
Also check the bed of the press for any gouges as many people die cut without putting a die cutting jacket on.
You can buy these from Ber Plate.
Doug
I work for a local and quite famous printing company in Dalton Mass. Crane and Co. Crane’s has been printing and producing fine %100 cotton papers and custom stationary since the time of Paul Rever. Crane’s is the company that makes the paper that the U.S. Mint, and many other countries, print their currency on and has done so for the last 200+ years. I have been in printing for more than 20 years myself and for the last 5 years I have been an Engraving Press operator at the Stationary plant. I recently had the opportunity to train on, and become quite good at running, a Heidelberg Windmill 10X15 Platen Letterpress. I can’t understate the joy and pride I feel running this amazing machine! The sight, sounds, smells and feel of this heaving beast beneath my fingers is a sensation I cannot relay in words. I share a special joy with all of you that know exactly what I am talking about and I look forward to hearing about all of you that long for that touch…Keep the skill alive. Never give up, and let the world realise that LetterPress still lives in the hearts and souls of the true Pressman. Special individuals that still carry on the tradition. This art, this beauty once so important to our country and the world, still beats in our hearts and carries on the sharing of ideas, news and the hopes of the future.
TCB
Really nice shots of your press. I have been setting up my own studio with a 1929, 8×12 C&P newstyle this past spring, much of that sorting type. I have posted pictures of my progress along with fun tidbits regarding the critters that like my studio at http://www.ddamico.net/wordpress. Thanks for sharing your pix. David