Good printing comes by knowing what a press can do. In Vandercook Press Maintenance you will examine every aspect of the press with an eye toward maintaining all of its parts as well as adjusting those parts for optimal printing. Not only will you learn how to maintain the press, trouble shoot problems, you will also learn how to fix the press. Knowledge of any press will, not only keep the press in good working order, it will make you a better printer. 

Students will learn how to evaluate the condition of any Vandercook Proof Press quickly and concisely; they will learn how to adjust rollers and impression, control inking and fix simple problems. They will learn how to maintain the press through lubrication and adjustment.

Materials to bring: none

Workshop + Materials Fee: $70

Date & Time: Wednesday, May 21, 2014 | 6:30pm-9:30pm

Location: 375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Note: Please read over our Registration Policies before signing up for a class

About the Instructor | Alan Hillesheim

Alan Hillesheim has degrees in English Literature from UC Berkeley and the University of Chicago. Thus, lost in the woods without a compass, he apprenticed at Jim Robertson's Yolla Bolly Press, over his head in the black art. There he happened upon a dysfunctional paper-folding-machine which resembled a Norwegian snow sled wrecked by six drunks. He fixed it. And then began a 23 year adventure both printing and fixing machines from the golden age of letterpress. In addition to running Digger Pine Press into the ground, he also builds wooden boats for oar and sail and, most recently, fanciful wooden toys for a four year old. He is still writing the novel he started 25 years ago, Different Eyes.

Past Student Reviews

"Amazing teacher!"

"Great class, super informative"

"Great workshop format! Articulate and knowledgeable instructor. Very informative!"

"Excellent ability to make it all seem 'doable'"