San Francisco Center for the Book

Does this sound familiar: You have a print project you want to get started on. You know what paper you want to use but are unsure about pre-trimming your stock or planning for best usage or making sure the grain runs in the proper direction for your final trim. If so, then we have got the workshop for you: this one!

This in-depth introduction to paper cutting will help you understand what to buy (and how much) as well as how to plan for, understand, and safely (& accurately!) trim your paper. We will cover cut scheduling, grain direction, back trim, machine safety, and final trims of printed sheets with (or without) crop marks.

There are no prerequisites, but this workshop is especially great for students who have completed our Cylinder Core series and want to pursue their own projects outside of an 8.5x11” dimensionality. 

Students who complete this course will be certified to rent time on SFCB's guillotines and electric paper cutter.

Prerequisite:
None

Materials to bring:
All tools and materials will be provided.

About the Instructor:
Alan Hillesheim (he/him) 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.