Users instructions for the JZM-series etching presses. Preparing for use Normally this press will be assembled in the printmaking workshop by employees of Polymetaal. The machine has become too complex to do it otherwise. The machine can be sent in a crate to the client. The dimensions of the crate are as follows: Model Length Width Hight Weight JZM-100 210 cm , 83" 160 cm, 63" 180 cm, 71" 1300 kg, 2860 lbs JZM-125 260 cm , 102" 185 cm, 73" 180 cm, 71" 1550 kg, 3410 lbs JZM-150 310 cm, 122" 210 cm, 83" 180 cm, 71" 1800 kg, 3960 lbs  It is very important the check before ordering, if and how such a big crate can enter the building. Also should attention be paid to the way of shipment (in cooperation with Polymetaal). If it is impossible to ship or receive it totally assembled in a crate, our employees will have to come to assemble the press in the printmaking workshop. We can make a detailed quote of both modes of transport if you let us know what model of press you are interested in, and where the printmaking workshop is located. If the press comes in a crate, please take the crate off carefully. The press will stand on a sort of pallet. Take the screws from the pallet that fix the press on this pallet. The press must now be slid from the pallet. The way how to do that depends upon the local circumstances. The easiest way is to use a 2000 kgs tackle-block above the press. With such a hoist device the press can be lifted from the pallet, and the pallet can be taken away. Perhaps some-one in the neighbourhood can help with a fork-lift-truck. If the press stands on the floor, and the pallet is taken away, the press must be set level. For this purpose the four "feet" of the press are fitted with an adjustment system. The rollers are covered with a layer of paper and grease as a protection. Please remove this with some solvent, until the rollers are clean and dry. Now the press is ready for use. General instructions This press works in general the same way as any other etching press; the paper, blanket(s) and plate are positioned on the bed and passes through the rollers under pressure. Some features of this press make printing easier, like the hydraulic pump to set pressure on the top roller. Other features make is safer, like the anti-overload-coupling. Some features make it easier to work accurate and precise, like being able to read the exact pressure of the top roller. The hydraulic pump has actually two functions; it creates the oil pressure in the system, which allows the reading of the gauge. The reading of the gauge gives a very accurate indication of the downward force of the upper roller. the pressure, raised by the pump, will be distributed equally to both hydraulic cylinders, one on each side of the press. This pressure makes the top roller move downwards, thus setting pressure to the whole press. The actual setting of pressure is not done any more with the pressure spindles, which makes the press a lot easier to operate. The pressure spindles will only be used to move the top roller vertically into the approximate correct position.   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 lubrication. (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) 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 the "back-button" to go back to the JZM-pages.