Workshops

Vandercook workshop using the SP-15 (handcranked) and the Univeral III (automatic)
prerequisite: metal type composition

6 working hours plus a light lunch, $120.00 per attendee

We are combining our Vandercook workshops to provide an experience on both our Vandercook SP-15 and Vandercook Universal III.

The SP-15 is a nice-sized flatbed press with a printing area of 14" x 18" and a maximum sheet size of 14.75" x 20". It is handcranked so you get a nice hands-on feel while you are printing. It is also quite fast as you can print about 240 sheets an hour.

The Universal III prints an 18" x 24" image area on a maximum sheet size of 18.75" x 28" that operates at the push of a button. This press is excellent because of its registration accuracy which is very important for work that requires double printing to achieve a solid density of ink.

All necessary materials will be supplied. Wear comfortable shoes and work clothing.

Topics covered

• studio, paper cutter & press safety
• working with wood & metal types
• using photopolymer plates, woodcuts & linocuts
• using furniture, quoins & lockup bar
• paper (finishes, grain) & ink (oil based, rubber based)
• inking using form rollers & hand rolling
• press makeready & packing the cylinder
• printing, registration & image quality
• press clean up
• redistributing type

Typical projects

• posters & poetry broadsides
• invitations & greeting cards
• keepsakes
• menus & programs
• books
• envelopes
• handbills
• group projects

Workshop calendar

Three projects printed on our Vandercook SP-15

Two calendar pages in three colors. Both printed from photopolymer plates. September is printed with close registration where the colors butt against each other.

A card that can be used for notes, thank yous, or an introduction card. Printed on deckle-edged paper in three colors. Printed from photopolymers.

A Valentine's Day card which was first handrolled (red) and then printed black using a photopolymer of the graphic.

Two projects from Lead Graffiti on our Vandercook Universal III utilizing its larger printing area:

          Wedding invitation
          30" x 3.5", printed as a work and turn.

          Poster / broadside for the American Printing History Association
          18" x 24", and lockup (left) showing the wood type.

          A set of A2 notecards printed 4-up for the Metropolitan Opera.