San Francisco Center for the Book

Now that you've completed the Cylinder Core series, you can become certified on the jobbing platen, which was developed to meet the demand for greater volumes of printing with shorter production times. 

Day 1 :: Postcard Express

Design, set up and run an edition of 50 postcards in this class that introduces the efficient mechanics of a Chandler & Price jobbing platen press.

Day 2 :: Photopolymer on the Platen

The development of photopolymer opened up a new world of possibilities for letterpress. This class teaches you to integrate platen printing with polymer plates, allowing you to print whatever ephemera you can dream up!

SFCB's Windgate Scholarship Fund is dedicated to providing need-based financial support to individuals interested in learning bookbinding, letterpress printing, and related book arts. Click here to apply.

Prerequisite:
Cylinder Core 1-4. Students who register but have not satisfied the prerequisite will be de-enrolled.

Materials to bring:
None. 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.