User's instructions, Polymetaal etching presses JW series Assembly Perhaps you received your press through a transport company, in which case the press is already assembled. The bed and the hand wheel might not be installed however. The assembly/disassembly instructions explain how to put these parts together. It is advisable however to check the four guides, fixed on top of the side frames, that keep the bed plate in place. Also the steel bars between the side frames that carry the plastic rollers might be adjusted. For this purpose this drawing is shown; The four bed guides can be shifted sideways, which changes the open space between the guide and the bed. This space should be approximately 1 or 2 mm. (Play "A"). It is important that all the bed guides are in line and have about the same play. These guides can be secured with the hexagon bolts. The position of the round bars with plastic rollers can be changed vertically. With an "Allen key" the screw with inside hexagonal can be untightened which allows the change of position. The plastic rollers should alway have a certain play between the bed (Play "B"). Because of the presence of this space it is always certain the the bed is in full contact with the lower roller, which minimizes slippage. Use of the press This press is very well suitable for printing intaglio (copper and zinc plates) as well as woodcuts and linocuts. The following drawing shows the situation while printing from an etched or engraved metal plate. (intaglio) The purpose of the felt is to press the paper into the small engraved lines of the plate, in order to accept ink. Some people use cardboard shims under the pressure spindle (between the small moveable part and the bearing block of the top roller) to generate more "flexibility" in the press. For etching is has not much effect, but for printing woodcuts or linocuts it can be of help. It helps to compensate the irregularities of the wood's surface. Printing woodcuts and linocuts with this press The drawing shows a layer of felt. This felt has also the feature to compensate for irregularities of the woodcut or linocut. (differences in thickness). If the woud or lino should be perfectly plane, no felt was needed. Underneath the felt is a plastic layer (PVC) of appr. 5mm thick. This is only functional in combination with the felt. If the PVC layer should not be used, the felt would press the paper into the hollows of the woodcut or linocut. If you want embossing, very well. If not, prevent this from happening by using the plastic layer. Maintenance The bearings of this do press not need lubrification. (all ball bearings) All clean steel surfaces have been threated with a protective spray (Tectyl) to prevent rusting, with the exception of the rollers. (felt would attract dust if in contact with this spray) The gearbox is filled with oil or grease. It is not necessary to refill this gearing. (These gearboxes were designed for 24 hours use at speeds of 1400 RPM, in an industrial environment) It is recommanded to use and store this press in a dry room, to prevent rusting. (For example, etching with aggressive agents should be done in a different room, for the same reason) Use your "back-button" to go back to the JW-series pages.