{"id":58269,"date":"2018-01-02T20:24:41","date_gmt":"2018-01-02T20:24:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sinclairashman.com\/?p=58269"},"modified":"2026-04-16T07:14:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T07:14:47","slug":"mini-printing-with-the-xpress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sinclairashman.com\/?p=58269","title":{"rendered":"Mini printing with the XPress"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

I’ve made a discovery! <\/span><\/h2>\n

Recently, I happened on a social media post by someone who had used a small die-cutting machine as a printing press. This led me to the supplier, handprinted.co.uk. Their website was extremely helpful, with tips on its usage for different printmaking methods \u2013 from linocut, to drypoint etching, to collagraph.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

I thought I could use the machine for test prints at home, conduct workshops where no print press exists. I have an upcoming show at 20-21 in Scunthorpe, and have offered to hold ‘live print’ demos as part of exhibition run. So, I took a chance and bought one. Yesterday, I made some print tests to see what it could do. <\/span><\/p>\n

The first plate was a poor choice, as it had too much raised texture for the transport roller to handle. I got a decent print, but quickly realised that I needed to use a flatter plate. As soon as I made the switch, the results were brilliant! In fact, some of the prints I made were as good as those I have achieved on large etching presses.<\/span><\/p>\n

The X-Cut Xpress has a gauge dial on the top, which is used to change the roller pressure, in response to different thicknesses of printing plates.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

If you’re thinking of dipping a toe into printmaking, or just want to have a play with inky stuff, I’d recommend the X-Cut XPress.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

It really is a little marvel!<\/span><\/p>\n

The X-Cut XPress<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Find all my posts\u00a0about Art Printworks stories on Twitter at:\u00a0#artprintstories<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n