The Blick 906 Etching Press is a manual printmaking press used to transfer inked designs from a printing plate or block onto paper. It can be used for etching, drypoint, engraving, collagraph, linoleum block printing, and other printmaking techniques. In the MILL, this press is only used for linoleum block printing. The press uses a gear-driven system and heavy steel rollers to apply consistent pressure as the printing plate and paper move through the press.
To create a print, an inked plate or block is positioned on the press bed with paper placed over it. Newsprint is layered on top to create the correct amount of pressure. Turning the handle moves the bed between the rollers, applying pressure that transfers the image onto the paper.
Before You Begin
The press uses substantial pressure and contains heavy moving rollers and gears. Keep fingers, hair, jewelry, and loose clothing away from the rollers, gears, and moving press bed. Never place your hands between the rollers or underneath the press bed while it is moving.
Set the roller pressure appropriately for the printing plate and process being used. Never force a plate or printing stack through the press if it feels difficult to turn, as excessive pressure can damage the press, plate, or printing materials.
New to printmaking? Start with a simple plate and learn how to correctly layer the plate, paper, and newsprint, adjust roller pressure, and turn the press smoothly before experimenting with more advanced printmaking techniques.
