For nearly a year, we poured ourselves into our second Pearl press. Stripping, sanding, priming, painting, repainting, sourcing parts. This weekend, all the parts were in. The brand new rollers. An original crank. A new connecting rod. Everything was in our hands. Saturday night, our press was finished. Done.
Only, if you follow us on twitter, you know those words have a much different meaning than we could have ever dreamed.
After the last bolt was in place, we added packing, put on a plate and spun the wheel. On about the third spin, there was a deep + loud pop. Kacey slowly spun the wheel again inspecting the mechanics of the press. He took a look at the paper it had just printed. The impression wasn’t even. He looked on the side of the press and there it was. A crack clean down the body of the press.
All of that hard work. All of the money. Gone. The crack too significant and beyond repair. And we never saw it coming. It spun fine all along. Saturday night, though, adding the packing and the pressure of the plate just did it in. We are heartbroken.
It’s finished. Done.
I am so so sorry about your press. I can’t imagine how it feels, but I know you are just beside yourself.
I am so so sorry about your press. I can\’t imagine how it feels, but I know you are just beside yourself.
I’m so sorry about your press. It’s always sad to see one break. I hope you can find another Pearl soon – at least you’d have all the parts for it. How much packing did you put in? Also, did you try blind printing with plate + packing before buying it? (apologies in advance if my question seems condescending in any way)
Oh no!! I’m so sorry. I can’t even imagine… : (
Oh boy. I’m very sorry to read this. Godspeed your next project.
wow, that is sad to hear. hopefully you have room to keep it around for the beauty of it.
It’s beautiful! I hope you can fix the other one!
Oh my Gosh, I’m so sorry to read this. I can imagine this was crushing…just crushing.
I am so sorry to hear this. I know how much work you guys have put into it and I can’t even imagine how you must be feeling.
I am so sorry! I have been following your progress since you bought it and as you repaired it. I can imagine the heartbreak you must feel, but at the same time I also hope you don’t give up and you’re able to find another.
This is so sad and I’m so so sorry. I’ve been following your progress and I can’t image the defeat you’re feeling. I’m gearing up to start restoring my Heidelberg and I will be praying to all the letterpress/iron gods that something like this won’t happen.
heartbroken in so many ways for you xoxoxo
I really have my heart set on a Golding Pearl and to see one beautifully restored, I fell in love! Sorry to hear about the mishap
I still think it would make a beautiful display piece.
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I was able to find a welder who could work with cast iron. You might look into that. WOuld involve taking the whole thing apart but ti would at least allow the Press to run.