I like how you've not only created a more print-friendly press, but also created a storage space within it, and given your top/cover a second use as your inking area.
I studied printmaking, specifically intaglio, in college and have wanted to find my way back to making some quality editions ever since graduating. Without access to a print studio, it feels almost impossible. Meanwhile, I have owned a pasta machine for almost 20 years, and it never occurred to me that it could make enough pressure to squish some ink from plate to paper. I am very excited to try making some prints with my machine, while simultaneously feeling kinda dumb for not thinking of it sooner. Thanks for the video!
I don't know what country you live in, but I wish I lived there - it must be a creative country to not only make the conversion from pasta to paper, but to make a great video while doing takes a truly productive and capable person!
That is truly genius! I think I will have to make a go of this cool contraption! I love the way you have designed the cabinet as well. Thank you so much for the video!
Thank you! I’ve always hoped that people find it a useful project, but especially so in the current environment where most printmakers don’t have access to etching presses.
Can I be that pain-in-the-neck guy who asks what all the other materials are? What are you using for the padding around the paper and plate? How about ink? Thanks, if you get the chance! Great build.
The printmaking paper and plate are sandwiched in a piece of folded up newsprint with a piece of scrap plastic underneath to give it some stability as it goes through the press. Around the outside of this is the wool felt that helps push the ink from the plate into the dampened paper. You can add some more pieces of newsprint to the stack if you need to increase the pressure. The ink I used is etching ink made by Charbonnel. They have a bunch of different black inks for different types of etching. The stiffer ones (F66 and 55985) are more suitable for line type etchings and the looser ones (like 55981) are more suitable for aquatints and tonal work. Most other brands make their etching inks all the same consistency, and you can modify them with different additives to make them looser or stiffer. To put the ink onto the plate I’ve used a piece of rubber eraser, and to wipe it back off the plate I use a combination of tarlatan (a stiffened open weave cotton sometimes called scrim) and some pages from the phone book. Hope that helps!
I don't use it too much because I have another press, but I think it would hold up pretty well. It's important to choose a good quality pasta machine though. The Marcato brand is very good with high quality parts, and they also make a wider machine as well, which would be really useful.
I like how you've not only created a more print-friendly press, but also created a storage space within it, and given your top/cover a second use as your inking area.
Thanks! That was the plan. The more self contained the better!
I need detailed plans and templates, drawings and illustrations of plans so I can assemble a large format etching press.
I studied printmaking, specifically intaglio, in college and have wanted to find my way back to making some quality editions ever since graduating. Without access to a print studio, it feels almost impossible. Meanwhile, I have owned a pasta machine for almost 20 years, and it never occurred to me that it could make enough pressure to squish some ink from plate to paper. I am very excited to try making some prints with my machine, while simultaneously feeling kinda dumb for not thinking of it sooner. Thanks for the video!
Nice!
I don't know what country you live in, but I wish I lived there - it must be a creative country to not only make the conversion from pasta to paper, but to make a great video while doing takes a truly productive and capable person!
YOU really are an inspirational woman !!
awesome pasta press, great video on building it to, thanks!
Thanks Angela!
So cool! You really illustrated the build well.
Thanks Phoebe. :)
That is truly genius! I think I will have to make a go of this cool contraption! I love the way you have designed the cabinet as well. Thank you so much for the video!
I want to use my big shot press for this too!
Absolutely amazing.
Thank you! I’ve always hoped that people find it a useful project, but especially so in the current environment where most printmakers don’t have access to etching presses.
wonderful thanks so much for your time
Can I be that pain-in-the-neck guy who asks what all the other materials are? What are you using for the padding around the paper and plate? How about ink? Thanks, if you get the chance! Great build.
The printmaking paper and plate are sandwiched in a piece of folded up newsprint with a piece of scrap plastic underneath to give it some stability as it goes through the press. Around the outside of this is the wool felt that helps push the ink from the plate into the dampened paper. You can add some more pieces of newsprint to the stack if you need to increase the pressure. The ink I used is etching ink made by Charbonnel. They have a bunch of different black inks for different types of etching. The stiffer ones (F66 and 55985) are more suitable for line type etchings and the looser ones (like 55981) are more suitable for aquatints and tonal work. Most other brands make their etching inks all the same consistency, and you can modify them with different additives to make them looser or stiffer. To put the ink onto the plate I’ve used a piece of rubber eraser, and to wipe it back off the plate I use a combination of tarlatan (a stiffened open weave cotton sometimes called scrim) and some pages from the phone book. Hope that helps!
Interesting but have a look at Snake Artist's version, much simpler. That's what I modelled my pasta press on except I used dimensional lumber.
Could you do lino printing with this?
Hi Simon, I tried it with lino but the pasta machine didn’t allow enough space between the rollers.
@@SpinesAndSplines Thanks for letting me know. Much appreciated. :)
Is the pasta machine sturdy enough to cope with continued use?
I don't use it too much because I have another press, but I think it would hold up pretty well. It's important to choose a good quality pasta machine though. The Marcato brand is very good with high quality parts, and they also make a wider machine as well, which would be really useful.
virgo.