The Saga of The Printmaking Press (A Tale of Woe)

It is a tale that is sad but will hopefully have a happy ending.  My printmaking has come to a standstill because of it..

Two weeks ago I finally took the plunge and bought a 19" Richeson etching press. I have been wanting one for quite awhile.  Because the company that makes the presses is here in Wisconsin, we decided it would be easier to go get it rather than pay the freight charges.  And omigod I would have to wait for it to arrive...

Once we arrived at Richeson I realized I had underestimated the size of the packing crate and there was no way it would fit in the trunk of the car.  So we went to Lowe's, bought the requisite tools and unpacked it right in the parking lot.  After finally wrestling it into the back seat of the car (it weighs around 180 pounds) we were on our way back home.

I spent all day the next day rearranging the studio to make a space for the new press.  Finally Valerie and I were able to lift it onto the waiting table.  I assembled the handle and attached it. I slid the press bed in and onto the bottom roller, turned the handle and....

Nothing.  Nothing happened.  The bed plate is supposed to move back and forth on the bottom roller.

I looked underneath the bed and saw that the plate was severely warped from side to side.

That is me, holding a flashlight while Valerie took a picture to illustrate the gap...

So I called Richeson, sent them photo documentation of said warp.  They shipped me another bed plate.  I got it yesterday and was very excited.  I inserted the plate, turned the handle and....

Same thing.  Nothing.

I will say this.  Richeson Art has so far had wonderful customer service.  They are shipping me a third bed plate and this time assured me they would check it for warping.  I'm not sure what I'm going to do if this one doesn't work.  I do have a surplus of 1/4 inch phenolic resin sheets, though.  Slightly warped.

Coming soon:  Either the continuing saga, or a lot more linocut prints.  I'm hoping it's the latter.  I have at least 20 linoleum blocks that I have yet to print in anticipation of getting this press.  We shall see...