How to Build a Letterpress

A letterpress is a printing device that allows you to press the information onto multiple sheets. A letterpress is good to have if you need to make a lot of invitations, thank you cards, RSVP cards or place cards. A letterpress allows you to have better quality printing than a computer printer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 4 1-inch sheets of plywood cut 12-by-16 inches
• 4 1-inch sheets of plywood cut 4-by-16 inches
• Wood glue
• 2 wood screws
• 2 medium size "C" clamps
• 16 nuts and washers to fit the all-thread
• Drill press
• Wrenches
• 4 1/2-diameter all-thread cut 16-inches long
• 1 veneer press screw
• 1 1-inch sheet of plywood cut 9-by-12 inches
• 1 6-pack 12-inch square cork board
• Letterpress type and holder

1. Stack the four 4-by-16 inch sheets of plywood. Glue them together. Place "C" clamps on the sides to hold them together until the glue dries. Stack the 12-by-16 inch sheets of plywood and glue them together.
2. Measure 1 inch in from each corner and drill two holes through the 4-inch glued boards at those spots. The holes need to be big enough for the all-thread to fit through. Place the board in the middle of the 16-inch glued boards so the ends are flush. Mark the 16-inch boards where the holes are on the 4-inch boards. Drill through the 16-inch boards on the marks.
3. Screw the all-thread through the 16-inch boards. Place nuts and bolts on the bottom to hold the all-thread in place. Secure nuts and bolts in the top of the 16-inch board. Place nuts and bolts on the all-thread 6 inches above the 16-inch boards.
4. Place the 4-inch boards on the all-thread over the bolts that are seated 6 inches above the base. Hold the 4-inch piece in place with the nuts and bolts on the top.
5. Drill a hole in the center of the 4-inch board for the veneer press. Attach the veneer screw guard to the bottom of the 4-inch boards.
6. Cut a hole into the middle of the cork board the size of the printing paper. Place the paper into the cork board. Tape the edges down.
7. Cut a small indention into the middle of the base of the letterpress to fit the letters for the press. Insert the information you want to print. Cover the letters with ink. Place cork board on top of the base. Put the 9-by-12 inch plywood over the cork board. Screw the veneer press down in order to print the paper.