Let's build an etching press!

[Rolleiflexible]

I want to make photogravures. That requires an etching press. Presses are stupid expensive. But then I found Build-A-Press!

www.buildapress.com

Build an etching press? Crazy, right? Actually, not. A press doesn't have many parts. The gears can be bought off the shelf. A machine shop can laser-cut the sides and and turn the rollers. Then it's just a matter of screwing the parts together.

Has anyone on the site tried this before?

My father-in-law, a transmission guy, has agreed to build the press with me. If you've done this, please post your experiences here. I will post updates as I go along.

And if you were thinking of making photogravures but couldn't imagine buying a press: Stay tuned.

 

[BrianShaw]

I wish you luck. I had the same dream and was given a small etching press. After storing it for decades I gave it away. One of the very few things I regret giving away.

 

[CreationBear]

Excellent, there does rather seem to be a preference cascade lately—Murray’s forays in the PNW definitely make me curious if photogravure can help tame the wild and wooly Southern Appalachians.