A New Appreciation For That Dusty Old Paper!

[Joel Hooks]

My wife and I spent the day at the Canterbury Shaker Village taking a class on letter press publishing.

We went through the entire process.  We set the type, blocked the layout, inked the presses and printed the projects.

I used the opportunity to print cards for my newly elected position of Lord High Executioner--- I mean Executive Secretary of the ABF.

Here is what setting the type looks like... (ignore the thumb that got in the shot)

Here it is all set and ready for the layout and border...

Here is one of the machines we used (my wife set up on this one, I did not get a photo of the one I used, it was similar but larger-- I did get a video of it in operation).

I inked up the machine while the gentleman professor helped me set the layout for printing in the frame (I forgot the name of that part).

With the machine all set up we took the first impression... only to find out I had selected a bad J.

So we replaced that letter and got to work!

[Joel Hooks]

After all this work and running one of these machines for half a day, I will no longer complain about sheet music printed at a 45 degree angle as it was very easy to do.

In fact, I don't think I am even going to try to adjust it straight when I scan them anymore as it is what it is.  It was an interesting adventure and I recommend it if you get a chance to take a class.

[Trapdoor2]

Pretty cool!

I would love to take a class like that. I can't wait to retire!!