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Michael Phipps · July 9th, 2008

I've seen a number of requests for 4-color printing press plans on the forum. I just put up a web site with detailed plans on how to make one for about $125. The plans are available as a PDF download as well (this is all for free, by the way). The press has worked great for me-- the screens lock down in the exact same position each time and hover at just the right level for off contact printing. Let me know if you have any questions about the construction. Here's the site:

Free Four Color Screen Printing Press Plans

A Perfect Pixel · July 9th, 2008

I have a 4 color press... but thanks for this, maybe i'll build something else similar!

ambitious · July 9th, 2008

Thank you Michael! just what i needed, We were waiting for another user on this board to cough them up, but seemed like he didn't want to share them.. Oh Well,Thank's

AreYouAMac · July 9th, 2008

Thanks for the instructions.

New to this forum.. is there anyway that I can subscribe to this thread for future references?

marcusleach · July 9th, 2008

Amazing job -- you're my hero.

dann · July 9th, 2008

Wow, those look great! I've been trying to come up with a way to avoid using jiffy clamps.

Michael Phipps · July 9th, 2008

Thanks everyone!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dann


	Wow, those look great! I've been trying to come up with a way to avoid using jiffy clamps.

Yeah, the advantage to the C-clamps (besides being A LOT cheaper) is that your squeegees rest against them when the screen is in an upright position.

marcelolopez · July 9th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by AreYouAMac


	Thanks for the instructions. New to this forum.. is there anyway that I can subscribe to this thread for future references?

Click in the yellow star on the upper right corner, then add it to "my favorites"

Michael Phipps · July 11th, 2008

By the way, if anyone happens to go through with making one of these I'd love to hear about it!

buy4now1 · July 11th, 2008

I haven't looked at the plans in detail yet. Has anyone noticed if it has the parts to make a tight registration ?

frankiko · July 11th, 2008

if you are going to build this plan and your cost (plus time) will end up close to $300.....why don't you just buy a professional 4-color press?...
here's the link....Four Color Steel Printing Press
(i got same press and works great on spot and cmyk printing).

anyway, i need to give credit to that free plan....very generous and it looks like the plan will work fine.

Michael Phipps · July 12th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankiko


	if you are going to build this plan and your cost (plus time) will end up close to $300.....why don't you just buy a professional 4-color press?...

Good question. I guess it depends on whether you're a DIY type of person and LIKE doing that kind of thing or not.

A few notes, though, the press you showed is $363 plus shipping, so you're figure really should be more like $400 for that press.

A few things I like about mine in comparison to that commercial one are (and OF COURSE I'm bias

):

It is connected to a very sturdy table.

It has springs which help the arms gently return to position instead of connecting to a magnet.

The platen can be put at various places along the platen arm.

Having said all that, I can certainly see why some people prefer to go commercial. It's really just a matter of preference!

ambitious · July 12th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankiko


	if you are going to build this plan and your cost (plus time) will end up close to $300.....why don't you just buy a professional 4-color press?... here's the link....Four Color Steel Printing Press (i got same press and works great on spot and cmyk printing). anyway, i need to give credit to that free plan....very generous and it looks like the plan will work fine.

I really don't care about the time, that i would find it exciting to do as a hobby..Thank's for the plans again..

wormil · July 12th, 2008

Great job Michael!

I might build this just for fun. I have a small woodworking shop. If only I had a place for the press after I build it.

I suspect you could shave off several dollars and pounds worth of wood without losing stability.

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankiko