This is an in-person workshop. All students and the instructor must show proof of vaccination against Covid-19 and agree to wear a mask for the duration of the class unless otherwise announced by SFCB. If you choose to complete the registration process you are agreeing to these terms.

Please note, this workshop has a prerequisite of Cylinder Core 1-4. Students who register but have not satisfied the prerequisite will be de-enrolled.

The jobbing platen was developed to meet the demand for greater volumes of printing with shorter production times. 

Day 1 :: Postcard Express

Design, set up and run an edition of 50 postcards in this class that introduces the efficient mechanics of a Chandler & Price jobbing platen press.

Competencies Gained:

• Composing a tight line / line justification
• Making a mounted cut work with type
• Proper form creation (planing)
• Understanding mechanics of the jobbing platen
• Press / job setup
• Imposing on a stone
• Make-ready / packing
• Rails / trucks / roller height

 Day 2 :: Photopolymer on the Platen

The development of photopolymer opened up a new world of possibilities for letterpress. This class teaches you to integrate platen printing with polymer plates, allowing you to print whatever ephemera you can dream up!

Competencies Gained:

• Understanding mechanics of the jobbing platen
• Press / job setup
• Locking up a base in a chase
• Inking / troubleshooting polymer on a platen

Materials to Bring: None.

Prerequisite: Cylinder Cores 1-4

Workshop + Materials Fee: $400.00
Scholarships are available; please apply here.

Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, August 20 & 21, 2022 :: 9:30am-5:30pm

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

Note: Please read the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE 3 DAYS PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF THIS WORKSHOP.

About the Instructor | Alan Hillesheim

Alan Hillesheim has been wrenching around printing presses for 35 years. Printing presses need to be moved, oiled, inked, cleaned, and maintained, in short they need attention like a six year old. Maintenance is a dirty business, but a necessary one for beautifully printed anything. Alan has a passion for the mechanics of the print studio and enjoys encouraging others to roll up their sleeves and grab a wrench. His 35 years in the letterpress business and “all-ten-fingers” count speak for themselves. Join him and wear old clothes.
Oh, and once the press is in fine order, Alan has a few secrets to divulge about perfect inking and stellar printing.

Past Student Reviews:

“Alan was very informative and knowledgeable about working the jobbing press. He took time for each of us students explaining things and answering questions.”

“Alan was super cool and it was fun learning from him!”

“I liked many things, but primarily Alan did a wonderful job of building the class around learning how to work with the press and adjust its several components. We all already knew how to set type, so that was just a fun bonus to do that again. Alan was also generous in the way he spent time with each student addressing their particular needs and wants in the workshop and in regards to their studio situation outside of SFCB.”

“I was very impressed and grateful for Alan's expertise and delivery. Class was fun and extremely informative.”