A low cost small format etching press that can be made out of lumber and threaded rods.
Developed with Andrea Juarez and Manuel Rapoport in 2020.
3D files (Autodesk fusion and .STEP) can be found in the 3dFiles directory.
All dimensions expressed in millimeters. Any part marked "(x2)" means that two copies of it are needed.
Many of these dimensions are approximate. The first prototype for this press was made without measuring dimensions, only keeping in mind the size relationship between parts.
Plywood or MDF Parts:
- A - 200 mm x 260 mm x 15 mm
- F (x2) - 100 mm x 150 mm x 16 mm
Hardwood parts (pine or eucalyptus were used for these):
- B (x2) - 45 mm x 215 mm x 25 mm
- C (x2) - 45 mm x 262 mm x 25 mm (see detailed plan)
- D - 45 mm x 240 mm x 25 mm (see detailed plan)
- E - 45 mm X 135 mm x 45 mm (see detailed plan)
- G - 45 mm x 105 mm x 45 mm (see detailed plan)
- H - 94 mm x 45 mm x 45 mm (see detailed plan)
Hardware and others
- 3 x Steel threaded rod M12 - 150 mm long
- 6 x Steel Nylon-Insert Locknut M12
- 18 x Steel Washer M12
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
Detail of handle (D), plate pivot (H), arms (C) and arm pivot (g)
Detail of front lever lock (E)
1 - Take base (A) and glue parts B, E and G as shown. These parts can also be secured with flat head wood screws from below. Make sure they are flush to the bottom of the base so that the press can have a level and stable surface to sit on.
2 - Glue bottom plate (F) to the previous assembly, centered in the space left between parts E and G.
3 - Glue other plate (F) to the pivot piece (H), keeping both parts centered to each other.
4 - Assemble all parts with the threaded rods, nuts and washers. See detailed view.
Detailed vew of hardware distribution.
Notes:
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The internal faces of the plates (F) need to be as flat as possible. If using plywood, make sure you sand them down before assembling. This will help achieving an even pressure across the plate.
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The washers used as padding against the handle (D) can be replaced with sections of hose or copper pipe.
Andrea and manuel working on the first prototype
Andrea and manuel working on the first prototype
Technical drawing
Cross-section of the press
Cross-section analysis of the press