Registration Method
This is a description of my method of registration for type-high (1" high) blocks of wood or pre-mounted linoleum (such as Speedball brand mounted linoleum blocks). This system is design to ensure critical alignment between paper and block in reduction and multi-block color printing. I have found this method to be so precise and efficient that I now use it for all my relief printing.
This tutorial falls into two categories; construction and use. For easy reference, each image description is titled with the category it belongs to. The order of this tutorial is: first row - left to right, second row -left to right, etc.
The construction element is the registration sled. This may be a challenging project for anyone lacking a table saw, but it's simple construction and with the aid of someone (friend, cabinetmaker, home center) to pre-cut the wood to size it can then be assembled with simple artist/hand tools.
Obtaining the registration pins will be the most challenging element as they are not a regularly stocked item at most brick and mortar art stores. Some art stores may be able to special order them and this is a good place to start in your quest. If a local art store can't help, a good screen printer supply shop may be your next best bet. Also, be sure to order the plastic tabs that match the pins when you find a source (usually a bag of 100). I'd estimate the cost of the finished sled, in the size described here (with tabs and three pins), to be in the $50 to $100 range. The pins can be expensive, ranging anywhere between $7 and $20 each. Two pins is a minimum, however you may find more pins useful for larger paper or flexibility in pin selection for larger or smaller blocks.
Read MoreThis tutorial falls into two categories; construction and use. For easy reference, each image description is titled with the category it belongs to. The order of this tutorial is: first row - left to right, second row -left to right, etc.
The construction element is the registration sled. This may be a challenging project for anyone lacking a table saw, but it's simple construction and with the aid of someone (friend, cabinetmaker, home center) to pre-cut the wood to size it can then be assembled with simple artist/hand tools.
Obtaining the registration pins will be the most challenging element as they are not a regularly stocked item at most brick and mortar art stores. Some art stores may be able to special order them and this is a good place to start in your quest. If a local art store can't help, a good screen printer supply shop may be your next best bet. Also, be sure to order the plastic tabs that match the pins when you find a source (usually a bag of 100). I'd estimate the cost of the finished sled, in the size described here (with tabs and three pins), to be in the $50 to $100 range. The pins can be expensive, ranging anywhere between $7 and $20 each. Two pins is a minimum, however you may find more pins useful for larger paper or flexibility in pin selection for larger or smaller blocks.
